Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo: Ocean Views, Incredible Food, and a Stay to Remember

A secluded escape on Mexico’s Pacific coast—with a few lessons learned along the way.

Some resorts stop you mid-scroll and make you think, I need to go there.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo was one of those places for me.

When my husband and I started looking beyond our familiar Mexico destinations—Cancún, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta—we wanted somewhere that felt different. Somewhere peaceful, beautiful, and removed from our everyday routine.

Tamarindo delivered.

Between the sweeping Pacific views, the architecture, the food, and a suite I could have happily moved into, it became one of the most memorable places we’ve visited together. Our stay wasn’t without a few challenges, but that’s part of the story, too.

Getting There: The Part I Would Do Differently

Let’s start with my biggest lesson from this trip: plan your arrival carefully, especially if you get motion sickness.

The resort directs guests to Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO), followed by a drive of approximately 50 minutes to the property. You can find the details on the resort’s official travel page.

Unfortunately, flights into Manzanillo didn’t work with our dates, so we flew into Puerto Vallarta and arranged a private round-trip transfer through Four Seasons. At the time of our stay, we paid $500 USD.

Our drive took about four hours, with winding, hilly stretches that were particularly difficult for me. By the time we arrived, I was more than ready to get out of the car.

Was the destination worth it? Absolutely.

Would I willingly repeat that drive? I would adjust my travel dates to fly into Manzanillo first.

We also received conflicting information about possible air transfers from Puerto Vallarta. If that’s something you’re considering, I would speak directly with the resort’s transportation team before making plans.

The Arrival: That First Look at the Pacific

Even after entering the reserve, we still had another 10–15 minutes of driving before reaching the lobby. Along the way, we passed cultivated land, blue agave, and stretches of greenery that gave us our first sense of the property’s scale.

Then we arrived at La Mansión.

The open-air reception area frames the Pacific so beautifully that it’s hard to decide what to look at first: the ocean or the architecture. The buildings feel connected to the landscape, with natural materials and open spaces that let the setting take center stage.

We were welcomed with warm towels, friendly faces, and a fermented fruit drink, with the option to add tequila or mezcal.

After that long drive, sitting down with a cool drink and that view felt especially good.

Our Booking Perks Through American Express

We booked our stay through American Express using our Platinum Card. For our reservation, we received a room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, and a $100 resort credit, along with the points earned through our booking.

The breakfast benefit alone was a highlight for me. If you know how I feel about a hotel breakfast buffet, this will come as no surprise.

These were the benefits attached to our particular reservation, so check the terms for your own dates and booking before counting on the same extras.

Our First Room: A Peaceful Beachfront Retreat

Golf carts were our easiest way to get around the property, although walking was an option, too.

Our first room had a beautiful balcony overlooking the beach. It didn’t have a private pool, but the setting was quiet and peaceful, with the water right there in front of us.

Inside, we found thoughtful welcome treats: a chocolate tamarind tree, cake, fresh fruit, champagne, and bottled water.

The bathroom had a rainfall shower, a soaking tub, and Le Labo toiletries in Hinoki—one of my favorite scents. It was the kind of room that made slowing down feel very easy.

An Unexpected Incident—and How the Resort Responded

I want to share this part honestly because it was a significant moment in our stay.

Shortly after arriving, we went to the outdoor taco restaurant overlooking the ocean and the adults-only pool. We had barely settled in when a strong gust of wind sent a large umbrella onto our table, striking my head.

I suffered a minor concussion and a cut on my forehead that did not require stitches. It was frightening, and I was understandably shaken—especially since we had only been on the property for about an hour.

The resort manager came over promptly after learning what had happened and worked with my husband to address the situation and help us feel comfortable for the remainder of our visit.

The incident mattered, and so did the response. We appreciated the attention, professionalism, and care the team showed afterward.

As part of that response, the resort moved us to a cliffside one-bedroom suite with a private infinity pool.

The Cliffside Suite: A Room I Won’t Forget

Our cliffside suite was one of the most spectacular accommodations I’ve ever stayed in.

The private infinity pool stretched across the terrace, with ocean views beyond the surrounding greenery. Outside, there were lounge chairs, patio seating, an outdoor shower, and a hammock.

It was an entire afternoon’s worth of plans without ever leaving the room.

Inside, we had separate living and dining areas, a walk-in closet, and an oversized bathroom with double vanities, a separate toilet room, and a deep soaking tub.

What I loved most was the privacy. The suite felt tucked into the landscape, with enough space to settle in and enjoy being there. It was a beautiful place to return to after exploring the property—and an equally beautiful place to spend the day doing very little.

My husband and I agreed that, on a future visit, we’d love to try a beachfront one-bedroom suite with a private pool. We adored the cliffside views, but being closer to the water would be hard to resist.

Let’s Talk About the Food

Would I be the Hungry Blasian if I didn’t give the food its own section?

The scenery was incredible, but breakfast deserves some attention, too.

Breakfast at Coyul

As much as I enjoy room service, a good hotel breakfast buffet will get me out of bed every time.

During our stay, Coyul’s breakfast spread included pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, hot dishes, cold selections, and eggs made to order. There was enough variety to make breakfast feel like something to look forward to each morning.

I was especially excited about the restaurant’s connection to chef Elena Reygadas, whose Panadería Rosetta we had enjoyed in Mexico City. Seeing that pastry influence at breakfast was a treat.

My usual plate leaned toward a smoked salmon bagel, eggs, fresh fruit, and juice. But my favorite discovery was café de olla. This was my first time trying it, and it quickly became something I looked forward to ordering on later trips to Mexico.

With breakfast for two included in our reservation, we could take our time and enjoy it without adding a separate breakfast bill each morning.

Coyul also offered a seated dinner service during our visit, with a seasonal menu.

The Luxury of Slowing Down

One of my favorite things about Tamarindo was simply having room to pause.

Between the beach, the views, and the private terrace, we didn’t need a packed itinerary to feel like we were enjoying the destination. Some of the most memorable moments were the quiet ones: breakfast together, time by the pool, and looking out at the ocean with nowhere we needed to be.

For me, that’s a big part of what makes a resort stay feel special. A beautiful room is wonderful, but having the time to enjoy it is even better.

A Few Things I’d Keep in Mind Before Returning

I would plan around the easier airport arrival. Our Puerto Vallarta transfer was the most difficult part of the trip. Next time, I would prioritize flights into Manzanillo.

I would choose the room around how we want to spend our time. The cliffside suite offered privacy and sweeping views. For another visit, I’d be tempted by a beachfront suite for its proximity to the water.

I would look closely at the booking benefits. Breakfast and a resort credit added value to our stay, so I’d compare the full reservation package rather than the room rate alone.

I would ask about service charges upfront. During our visit, staff advised us that service charges were included in our bills and additional gratuities were optional. It’s helpful to have the resort explain what’s included in your own reservation and charges.

Would We Go Back?

Yes—with a different arrival plan.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo gave us extraordinary views, memorable meals, and a suite we still talk about. Our visit also included a frightening incident, and I wouldn’t leave that out of an honest account of the trip. We appreciated how seriously the team responded and the care they showed us afterward.

When I think about returning, I picture a slow breakfast, a room near the beach, and an afternoon with very little on the schedule.

That sounds like a pretty wonderful escape to me.

More From Our Stay

What makes a resort unforgettable for you: the room, the food, the views, or the service? Tell me in the comments—I’d love to know.