The Best Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico: Discover Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is set on a private peninsula within a sprawling 3,000-acre nature reserve. Unlike Punta Mita, you are not in a cookie-cutter resort village. Unlike Cabo, you have an actual sense of culture and place in Mexico. Unlike most massive resorts, you are not lost in a large building complex.

Just a short and convenient 45-minute drive from Manzanillo Airport to the hotel and then you arrive at the gates of Tamarindo. The drive through the private forested reserve takes about 15 minutes, immersing you in the sounds of wildlife and the sights of the diverse foliage. This drive allows you to transition effortlessly into vacation mode before being warmly welcomed by the resort's staff.

Then you arrive at the open-air lobby, which at any point of the day frames the breathtaking natural surroundings. (I was lucky enough to immediately spot humpback whales from the hotel lobby view of the beach at check-in, which was the most delightful welcome). The architecture combines sleek, modern lines with locally sourced materials. Every build honestly feels like a picture — framing the landscape and respecting the reserve. The Four Seasons Tamarindo resort vision is created by all Mexican architecture and design teams, which is unique for Four Seasons. They proudly credit this as "puro talento mexicano." The team chose to work with local stone, crafted by artisans using pre-Hispanic techniques that celebrate the earth’s natural tones, regional colors and textures. In addition, they developed a custom cement that closely matches the beach’s sand, both in color and texture, to seamlessly blend with the environment. The project also prioritized materials that would withstand the salt air while complementing the surrounding landscape. Cement, lava rock and wood are the key materials used throughout the property, all of which are organic and native to the Jalisco region of Mexico.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo offers 157 well-designed rooms, all designed with privacy and nature top of mind. All suites have their own private infinity pool and all rooms have their own balcony along with their signature hammock. I was shocked to learn how many guests were on the property during my stay because it never once felt crowded. There is not a disappointing room on site. I will help you decide what will be best for your style and preferences so that your location is ideal on site.

On site, there are three restaurants, two bars and a range of luxurious amenities. This includes three infinity pools, an 18-hole oceanfront golf course, a spa and a traditional temazcal and Rancho Lola. The ranch is a 35-acre farm. This includes a dog named Tequila and Enchilada who had babies. There is an intelligent compost system to eliminate some of the waste from the golf course maintenance. The farm features a range of animals and farming, which eventually will be the supply for the resort’s produce, meat and eggs. The farm will soon produce its own tequila and honey production, which is magnificent!

Each day the hotel has curated wonderful complimentary activities that I will help you design an itinerary around. Some highlights include: a tamale making class, guided nature hikes, a Xochitlán tour, a Coffee Extraction Workshop and TRX Training.

The complimentary Kids For All Seasons program is offered for ages 5–12, running daily from 9 am to 9 pm. For older kids, Escondite is a dedicated space for teens 12 and up. Babysitting services are also available. Activities range from birdwatching, bug exploration in the nature reserve, photography classes and movie nights. The clubs are particularly special for families with younger children, because teens will have plenty to enjoy just being at the beach and in the reserve.

And last, but certainly not least, the staff is amazing! The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo stands out not only for the luxury you expect from a Four Seasons but for its incredible commitment to Mexico. With 85 percent of the staff being Mexican, the resort fosters an authentic connection to the land and the country's culture. Many of the employees do not have a long history of hospitality. They moved their families to this area to be a part of the growth of this resort and the care of this reserve. The employees’ deep-rooted pride and passion is evident, which creates a warmth and enthusiasm throughout the property.

How to get to Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

The closest airport is Manzanillo (ZLO), which currently has direct flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Calgary. Manzanillo airport is around 1 hour drive away and we can arrange your airport pickup by the hotel because you really don't need a car once on site. Puerto Vallarta (PVR) airport is around 4.5 hours drive away, making it a long trek to get here but well worth it. Or we can arrange a private air transfer from PVR. This service includes a 25-minute flight from PVR to Chamela Airstrip and a 55-minute ground transfer to the resort. Alternatively, you could fly to Mexico City for a stop on your way, which has direct flights to Manzanillo.

When is best to visit the Four Seasons Tamarindo

Any time of year, there is something for you to do and enjoy the beauty of the nature reserve and beaches. Later October, later January thru February and May or June will have the least crowds. To avoid the potential heavy rain season, it's best not to plan your visit in July thru early October. However, if you don't mind some rain, the rates are best. Rain won't stop you from having a plethora of experiences or the enjoyment of the spa, the nature preserve and the magnificent rooms.

Who I love a vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo for

• I love this for families. The room layouts really offer a lot of options and they have the most creative kids club and teens club! For a family, they have large connecting room options, or large suites. If traveling with a little, you could easily share the standard room category with comfort. I can help you select the option that will offer your family the most comfort.

• For couples traveling together, this is such a private, special property. Every room or suite is really large and the suites all offer a private infinity pool.

• For best friends wanting an active and social getaway, the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo has so much to offer.

• Golfers! Hole nine is the most remarkable. Tennis players. Nature lovers. Surfers because depending on the seasons, there are surfable beaches.

• It’s important to mention that the property is not at all accessible, unfortunately for wheelchairs. They do offer golf cart service promptly throughout, but it's still not somewhere I would recommend for anyone with a physical condition or disability.

A wedding or special occasion at the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

This property is absolute perfection for a large wedding desiring privacy and a natural backdrop. There is so much beauty in the design and the environment that there is really no reason for additional decor to be sourced. This is also such a great destination to design a retreat. It is best for West-coasters due to the convenience of the flight. Please ask about my retreat model and we can discuss options.

General suggestions & notes

• To make the most of your stay, I highly recommend a minimum of four nights.

• The breakfast is outstanding and it's complimentary when you book with me.

• A special breakfast is offered on the farm, which is a fun special treat that we could add to your itinerary

• The restaurant SOL, which overlooks Majahua Beach, is by far the best. If you like an early dinner, it's perfect to visit during sunset. Order the fresh fish catch ceviche with a citrus-based marinade, toasted corn, sweet potato, cucumber and cilantro.

• Get in-room dining one night because your rooms are that amazing! If you like espresso martinis, get it with a local tequila and they will make it for you bedside (no joke).

• Never miss a sunset. If you are early to rise, the sunrise is a show-stopper as well. A sunrise hike is also a great opportunity to explore the property before it gets really warm.

• I was so shocked to experience such a dark sky. It honestly rivaled a dark sky in Joshua Tree, so absolutely download your Star Night app before your arrival.

• Ask me if you want to do a surprise treat for your significant other (i.e. a proposal) because there is a private beach. This property also features a private spa area with so much room for creativity.

• Ask to plant a tree as part of their reforestation project. You can do it in your name or in someone's honor.

• Currently there is a disappointing amount of single-use plastic throughout the property including the restaurants giving plastic cups and plastic wrapped utensils. This is something I hope to see a significant turn-around for a property that is making such investments in land preservation.

• The rooms have Le Labo products and while it's the best smelling Le Labo, I hope to see them partner with a local brand to resource from the salts and the local flora. The spa has magnificent lotions and salts produced from the copal in the local area. Ask about the copal!

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