We spent Labor Day weekend there and it was fabulous!! It was like being in the middle of the jungle with a beautiful beach. The rooms were huge. There was enough room for two roll away beds for my young kids. We had a ocean front villa where you could wake up and see the ocean right in front of your room. There were so many water activities to enjoy. While my husband and I jet skiied, the staff watched our kids and even played golf with them.

Unfortunately, there was a strom while we were there, however, we still enjoyed ourselves very much. There was a kids club for the kids to hang out while I spent time with my husband. Luckily while we were there the owner of the property/hotel was there and he was so welcoming. Because we were celebrating our anniversary he treated us to a massage. It was really generous of him. Everyone who worked there really loved being there. They all spoke highly about the new owner. It changed ownership about a 2 years ago.

We would definitely return again. It was truly heaven!!

I am the owner of Qamea Resort & Spa in the Fiji Islands, and for many years I have sought to visit El Tamarindo, having read many reviews and travel articles of the hotel. Also, as a long time home owner in Puerto Vallarta, I finally could not resist the urge to visit the resort. to see what all the fuss was about. We drove down to El Tamarindo yesterday morning from Puerto Vallarta, a very scenic 2.5 hour drive. Once you turn off of the main highway to the resort you know immediately that you are in for something very special. The private cobblestone road from the main highway winds through about 6 miles of virgin tropical forest, down to the coast, and we stopped several times to take pictures. When we arrived at the main reception lounge, we were met by the the duty manager and one other staff member with a scented cold towel and a special Tamarindo Margarita. Check in was seamless, and we were brought to our beachfront villa. All I can say is WOW, romance personified! The pictures on their website do not do the rooms justice. We had a lovely plunge pool with a jacuuzi spa pool, and the views to the ocean were fabulous. As we own a spa in our 5 star hotel in Fiji, we booked two hours of treatments at El Tamarindo - products used were top quality, and the therapists were professional and well trained. We had dinner and breakfast at El Tamarindo, and both were suberb and equal to if not better than what you would expect from a top restaraunt in the USA. As a hotel owner, what impressed me the most is the overall attention to detail throughout the resort. From the in room amenities, the restaraunt service, hundreds of acres of gardens that would surpass most botanical gardens, and the smiles and professionalism of the staff where I could easily see the pride in their eyes as employees of such a beautiful hotel. I will definitely return to this resort, and next time for more than one night.

El Tamarindo is a place that I would truly like to keep as "my little secret" - it is fabulous. I have in fact, resisted my usual need to post on tripadvisor because this place is truly that amazing.
We arrived for a week of spring break with our 16 year old daughter and a friend. As we were barely out of the property when my daughter
pleaded that we return next month - any parent of a 16 year old girl would know that that is a "Wow".

This is a remote, exclusive property, set on one of Mexico's most stunning bays. It is a bay within a bay so it actually is not open to the ocean and therefore has wonderful snorkeling, swimming and water sports (thank you to Ricardo at the beach).

The individual casitas all have their own plunge pool - we had side by side on the ocean - our open air living room looked over our pool that over looked a manicured lawn that fell into the beach and ocean. Heaven.

The golf course is trully spectacular - the 9th hole restaurant is worth the green fees for the dramatic view and quality of food. The proand staff are amazing - and equipment (rent theirs) is first rate.

There is only one restaurant, but as a family of fussy foodies - we were NEVER disapointed, NEVER bored, and every meal we looked forward
to visiting with our new friends Luis, Miguel, and Saul. The nightly menu changes, but the usual items during the day are first rate.

The owner of El Tamarindo is a man truly dedicated to his property and staff - he loves this place. His ownership is only two years old,
but the changes and improvements are tangible. This resort may one day become private - so go now - it is truly the best.

If you are looking for night life - do not go. If you are looking for
an exclusive retreat - I can't believe I'm sharing....GO!

Tara and Kathy say XOXO to all the staff.... :)

All I can say is WOW!!! This resort is fantiastic! So fantastic that we were leaving to go home, looked outside, and decided to stay another 2 days!

DEFINATELY a destination resort. There is no shopping. 1 FANTASTIC restaurant. It feels as if you are at your own private resort. No one at pool, just a few on the beach--we had this resort to ourselves. Food was excellent in restaurant. Service amazing. Luis at resaturant is the best ever, as everyone is. The chef made the BEST dinners ever! Food was incredible!

The gym has state of the art cardio machines--and they play hip club music :) I had the gym to myself every day.

Massages on the beach were to die for! Masseuses were all VERY good. I had a massage every afternoon. My friend had a chocolate scrub in the spa and raved!

Nice business center--should you feel the need to work on your comuter or watch TV :)

Water sports galore! kayak, wave runners, Hobie Cats, snorkeling--you name it!

I MADE THE MISTAKE OF TAKING A SUITCASE FULL OF HIGH HEELS! Not good. The walkways are made of pebbles, and not a great idea in spikey heels!

Alex is the GM and he is DARLING. He gets an A+ in accomodating our every need.

Double chaises out on the beach :)

And golf? OH YAH!!!! The course was out of this world. Especially hole #9! What a showcase! Be sure to have lunch at the 9th hole, too. Views are spectacular.

I think this is my most favorioite place--EVER. BUT DON'T GO WITH SOMEONE YOU DO NOT LIKE! As there are not a whole lot of other people there :)

This would be the perfect wedding weekend, or b-day or WHATEVER. It is a very special place--and the trip of a lifetime!