Four Seasons Tamarindo, a resort fifteen years in the making, promises an exclusive and secluded getaway within a sprawling 3,000-acre private nature reserve in Tamarindo, Mexico. The sheer scale of the property is immediately apparent, with the drive from the entrance gate to the resort itself taking a considerable fifteen minutes. This sense of grandness and remoteness sets the stage for a luxurious experience, yet also hints at the potential for a somewhat isolated vacation.
Four Seasons Tamarindo's cliffside location framing the ocean view
Perched dramatically on a cliffside, Four Seasons Tamarindo presents breathtaking ocean views, reminiscent of the grandeur of La Reserve Ramatuelle. The initial impression is undeniably striking, with the resort seemingly designed to maximize its stunning natural surroundings. However, beyond the impressive façade and panoramic vistas, a closer look reveals a design that, while undeniably luxurious, might feel somewhat familiar and predictably “Four Seasons.” While the grand entrance and epic views impress, the overall aesthetic can feel a touch muted compared to uniquely designed resorts like Amanzoe in Greece, perhaps suggesting a more restrained approach to luxury.
Reaching this secluded paradise in Tamarindo, Mexico, is an adventure in itself. The journey from Cancun involves a flight to Mexico City followed by another to ZLO, a small airport where the Four Seasons representative is practically within earshot at baggage claim. For those traveling long distances, especially with children, the journey to Tamarindo, Mexico, underscores the resort’s commitment to seclusion, but also highlights the effort required to reach this destination. After a nine-hour journey with two kids, patience truly becomes a virtue, making the promise of luxury at the end all the more enticing.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a guest experience representative who provides a personalized hour-long transfer to the resort. This thoughtful touch offers a valuable introduction to the resort, the surrounding Tamarindo, Mexico area, and local culture. The warm welcome extends to the kids’ club staff who greet families with presents for children, setting a family-friendly tone from the outset. However, even amidst the stunning views, family travel realities persist, as evidenced by a daughter’s unexpected bout of travel sickness shortly after arrival.
Entrance of Four Seasons Tamarindo with a child posing for scale
Room Experience at Four Seasons Tamarindo
The rooms at Four Seasons Tamarindo are designed with comfort and thoughtful details in mind. Welcome amenities like a Tic Tac Toe gingerbread cookie set, a bottle of Chardonnay, a personalized note for children, and a Tamarind chocolate tree – arguably the most delicious welcome treat experienced – create a positive first impression. These touches, reminiscent of the personalized service found at Porto Zante in Greece, elevate the arrival experience.
Cliffside suites share a similar layout and design, primarily differing in their ocean views. While offering stunning vistas, their location necessitates relying on buggies for resort access, potentially detracting from walkability. The Premium Beachfront Room, chosen for this review, offers a spacious bedroom and bathroom with a generous balcony, totaling 98 sqm. While suites are available, the room option was deemed sufficient for a review trip, though a Beachfront Suite upgrade was tempting. For those seeking more space and luxury, a suite is recommended.
For the ultimate indulgence in Tamarindo, Mexico, the Beach House, a three-bedroom villa with direct beach access, is the pinnacle of luxury. Priced at over $20,000 per night, its value proposition may be debatable, but its popularity suggests a demand for this level of exclusivity.
The Premium Beachfront Room’s location near key amenities like the spa, main pool, and breakfast area is a definite advantage. Despite being a standard “room,” it is surprisingly spacious with ample wardrobe space, a large bathroom, and a practical sofa bed. The TV placement is considered adequate, viewable from both the bed and sofa. However, a Toto toilet, a benchmark for luxury travelers, is absent.
The room design is described as modern and minimalist, yet somewhat generic, echoing a familiar “Four Seasons-y” style. While simple, the design is enhanced by abundant natural light, stunning views, and the soothing sound of crashing waves. The bathroom extends to an outdoor balcony with a hammock, though midday sun exposure limits its usability. However, the balcony offers unobstructed sunset views. Balcony privacy is moderate, with visibility to neighboring balconies.
Overall, while the rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, a beachfront suite is the recommended option for an enhanced experience at Four Seasons Tamarindo in Tamarindo, Mexico.
Bedroom with ocean view at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Balcony with hammock and ocean view at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Facilities and Activities at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Four Seasons Tamarindo’s facilities are a mixed bag. The architecture, while visually interesting, is described as both “mesmerising and unremarkable,” like an optical illusion that loses its appeal upon closer inspection. While photogenic, the design may lack a truly distinctive character, feeling predictably “Four Seasons.”
The resort excels at leveraging its picturesque setting. Restaurants are tiered to maximize ocean views, with two featuring their own pools. The property is layered from the reception area down to the beach. Beachside shade is limited to the Sal restaurant area, which, despite its innovative concept, isn’t ideal for relaxation and appears unpopular. Shade throughout the resort generally seems to be an afterthought.
Beachside seating area at Sal restaurant in Four Seasons Tamarindo
For sun-seekers, there are three pools, including an adults-only option. The main restaurant pool is impressively integrated into natural rock formations, though not as dramatically as Amangiri’s pool. The golf course blends seamlessly into the landscape, appearing naturally integrated. A second beach, a short buggy ride away, offers a glimpse into the resort’s past, with original residences still present. However, “swimmable” conditions at this beach are limited to certain times of day.
For younger guests, Tamarindo boasts a teen club with movies and video games. However, some areas, like the advertised cinema and tennis/pickleball courts, were unfinished nearing the resort’s second anniversary, raising questions about completion timelines. A boutique is available for shopping.
Tamarindo, Mexico truly shines in its kid-friendliness. The kids’ club offers complimentary daily activities and is open from 9 am to 9 pm, a significant benefit for families. Babysitting is required for children under four.
The gym is spacious and well-equipped with modern equipment, including a Peloton, and a Pilates studio. However, it can be crowded, and the view overlooks a rooftop with limited ocean views.
The spa features separate men’s and women’s areas with saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, and outdoor pools. A communal area, “the mirror,” includes a waterfall and cold pool, leading to a shaman experience. Despite these features, the spa design is considered generic and underwhelming given the potential of the space. Spa treatments were also reported as underwhelming and lacking personal connection due to language barriers.
Spa relaxation area at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Spa pool with jets at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Pathway within Four Seasons Tamarindo resort
Golf course at Four Seasons Tamarindo blending with the landscape
Main pool nestled in rock formations at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Teen club interior at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Dining at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Dining at Four Seasons Tamarindo offers a variety of options, with three signature restaurants tiered to capitalize on ocean views. Sal, the seafood restaurant, stands out with its dramatic location and the sound of crashing waves. The design and bar area make it an appealing spot to linger. While seafood-focused with a limited lunch menu, the experience is enhanced by potential whale sightings.
Coyul provides a Mexican culinary experience with local ingredients and traditional recipes, also serving breakfast. Breakfast offers both a buffet and an extensive a la carte menu. Arriving early for breakfast is recommended to avoid crowds. Nachos offers a casual dining experience with comfort food options.
Overall, the cuisine at Tamarindo, Mexico‘s Four Seasons is generally excellent and more affordable than in Cancun, with a 15% service charge included and no expectation of additional tipping. A family-friendly perk is that children under 5 eat for free.
Outdoor dining area at Sal restaurant, Four Seasons Tamarindo
Breakfast buffet at Coyul restaurant, Four Seasons Tamarindo
Service at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Service at Four Seasons Tamarindo is an area needing improvement. The Four Seasons app for communication was slow and inefficient, with messages often passed between staff lacking context. A simple request for a room key upon arrival took 45 minutes, despite a virtual key being provided on the app within 10 minutes.
Housekeeping was inconsistent, often arriving late and neglecting tasks like removing old room service items, replenishing amenities, and disposing of diapers. Welcome amenities lingered for almost two days before being removed despite repeated mentions.
Language barriers were present across departments due to imperfect English proficiency. Advertised service start times were often delayed. Turndown service lacked extra touches, with only an unexplained bottle of wine and cheese provided, possibly as compensation for service issues. Checkout was slow, taking 40 minutes due to congestion, highlighting further inefficiencies.
Despite these shortcomings, staff are described as friendly and eager to please, indicating a willingness to improve. Guest relations were generally helpful, and pre-arranged aspects like welcome amenities were well-executed. However, daily operational elements, particularly housekeeping and consistent service delivery, require attention. The resort shows potential, but needs to refine its service to match its luxurious setting in Tamarindo, Mexico.
Guest relations desk at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Resort pathway with buggy at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Lobby seating area at Four Seasons Tamarindo
Exterior architecture of Four Seasons Tamarindo
Resort grounds and landscaping at Four Seasons Tamarindo
The Good:
- Food
- Kids facilities
- Rooms
- Activities
The Bad:
- Service needs work
The Luxurious:
- Setting
Rating:
Good
Conclusion: Is Four Seasons Tamarindo Right for You?
Four Seasons Tamarindo’s primary draw is its breathtaking setting and excellent kid-friendly facilities. For travelers prioritizing these aspects and seeking a secluded Tamarindo, Mexico escape, it is recommendable, albeit with service caveats. Accessibility to Tamarindo, Mexico should also be considered due to the journey involved.
This region of Tamarindo, Mexico, relatively new to luxury tourism, has Cuixmala as its main competitor, which is noted for service issues, highlighting Four Seasons Tamarindo’s service efforts, despite needing improvement. Focus on service enhancement, shade provisions, and managing resort capacity are key areas for improvement.
Despite its drawbacks, Four Seasons Tamarindo offers good value once you arrive, with affordable on-site costs like laundry and a range of activities from photography to whale watching and golf. Comparing it to One&Only Mandarina, another Pacific Coast Mexico jungle-meets-shoreline resort, both offer unique experiences distinct from typical Mexican resorts. While Mandarina is expanding its golf offerings, the review suggests a preference for Mandarina over Tamarindo. Ultimately, while enjoyable, Four Seasons Tamarindo may not fully capture the heart, but remains a solid option for a luxury Tamarindo, Mexico getaway, particularly for families.
