I don’t write too many reviews, but we just spent a week at Four Seasons Tamarindo and it warranted a write up as we hadn’t heard much about this new property and it is now one of our favorites! It is best for a warm, relaxing, luxury beach vacation – for couples or family. We love Mexico overall and now prefer the west coast without all of the unsightly seaweed issues between Cancun and Tulum on the east side.
Tamarindo is an almost brand-new gorgeous property with stunning new rooms/views and great amenities. The plunge pools at the cliff rooms are spectacular. However, the biggest thing that made the week so special was the exceptional service. For a property that has only been open for about a year and a half, they have it dialed in nicely to the FS standard.
If you like the One & Only Mandarina north of Punta Mita (another favorite), you will love this resort. Like Mandarina, the property is huge – the lone resort on a 3,000 acre reserve. Thus, the beaches are super private, and you feel a ‘world away from it all.’ And, like O&O, if you opt for the cliff rooms, you will often call for golf carts to take you around as the uphill walk can be more than you want after a day of relaxing by the pool. We found them to be even more responsive here, generally arriving in a few minutes after you call.
The rooms are modern, sleek, and comfortable – most with plunge pools and some with outdoor showers. All of the architecture and design is beautiful and everything is new and clean. We opted for a cliffside villa – preferring a dramatic view and huge plunge pool – but people with whom we spoke raved about the rooms on the beach as well and the ability to walk right out to the ocean. You almost feel like you are in a movie when brushing your teeth and seeing the dramatic beach reflection in the mirror (with the rock formations coming out of the water)!
The food across the three restaurants is quite good. We enjoyed the view at Sal (by the ocean), but preferred the menu and overall experience at Coyul (the only non-Mexico city outpost of Michelin Star Chef Elena Reygadas). The Coyul breakfast buffet is over-the-top – don’t miss the rosemary pastries… We did the Taco Tasting at the casual lunch place, Nacho, and Leo made the whole thing really fun. And, while we don’t usually order room service, the Tamarindo room service menu is extensive and dining on the patio for one dinner and one breakfast was special. Note: prices here were at least 35% to 40% less for drinks and dining than other luxury Mexico resorts, which was a pleasant surprise (and prices are still listed in pesos – not US $$s – unlike so many menus in Cabo and elsewhere).
This resort offers more of a chill, relaxing vacation, but there was plenty to do:
• Spa is new and nice – like most FS, not cheap but very professional and pampering. Great spaces to relax before and after treatments and you can use the spa even if not doing treatments, which I appreciate. They have a nice sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Note: no cold plunge, which I wish they had.
• Gym is brand new, huge and has great windows. All the free weights and machines needed for most anybody. Also has big Pilates room and several great trainers (thanks Diego and Alexandra!).
• Both of the main beaches were large, clean, and had great service – more watersports at Tamarindo beach (short golf cart ride over the hill) and more food offered at the beach by the rooms. Our dog loved running up and down the beaches, chasing the little sand crabs each morning. BTW, the hotel is extremely dog friendly and a great place to bring well-behaved furry companions (they even have a dog food menu at the restaurants!).
• Golf: While we are not golfers, we did an e-biking tour one morning (recommend) and I can say that the golf course is gorgeous, carved into the jungle and with several holes that have epic views.
• Pools: they have 3 main pools, including separate adult and family pools (and one with cabanas). All of them have great service and stunning views. Olga was great, regularly bringing waters, drinks, and snacks for both us and our dog.
Again, however, what differentiates this resort from many of the other luxury resorts we have been to (other FS, O&O, Mandarin, Auberge, etc.) is the incredible service. They made us feel so welcome and special – engaging informally in the great FS style, while professionally attending to our every need. One time, housekeeping didn’t replace our bath robes and – when we called – brought them to the room in less than three minutes. Amazing.
Also, the ‘no tipping’ policy across the resort was refreshing as you never had to bring cash or add tips to any bills (car service, tips for golf cart rides, boat tour, restaurants, pool service, etc.). I haven’t minded tipping at other places, but it is just another level of relaxing when you don’t even have to think even it.
Sergio, who runs guest services/ activities is fantastic and helped us plan several great activities. Everyone at the front desk is super friendly and accommodating (Camila is a delight). The bellmen are all attentive. Angel, made our dog feel like a VIP each day.
The only ‘minus’ for us is that getting to Manzanillo airport from much of the U.S. requires a connecting flight and some offered only on certain days of the week (vs. PVR which has more non-stop flights). However, the upside is that this resort is more private and feels more authentic once you arrive. MZO has only four gates and is super easy to navigate. I recommend the FS car service from the airport –seamless. You can also fly to PVR and FS will work with you to take a small, private flight to an airstrip very close to the property. We will likely try that in the future.
In any event, a little longer travel day is well worth the fantastic experience once you arrive. I suspect this will become one of the 'flagship' resorts for FS over the next couple of years. We recommend FS Tamarindo strongly and look forwards to returning!
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