Fodor's Expert Review Belcampo Lodge

New ownership has moved this former fishing lodge far up the scale of luxury by renovating the main lodge, adding a gorgeous spa, redoing the cottages, and adding four new luxury cottages. The lodge is set on a high hill above the Rio Grande River—you can ride a tram car to the bottom. The hilltop setting offers awesome views of the jungle and, in the distance, the Gulf of Honduras. Howler monkeys troop by regularly. After a day exploring the rain forest, dive into the swimming pool, then sup on fish and fresh vegetables from the lodge's organic farm. The renovated cottages have vaulted ceilings, tile floors, new baths, air-conditioning, and screened decks overlooking the jungle. Newly added ridge suites are even more luxurious. A second swimming pool also has been added near the ridge suites. SUVs take guests on safari-like soft-adventure trips in the Laughing Falcon Reserve, a 12,000-acre private nature reserve, and elsewhere. The lodge has an agritourism component, with programs on chocolate, rum, coffee, and local foods. There are fly-fishing, wedding, birding, and other all-inclusive packages.