As they say in real estate, location is everything and with El Tamarindo, this was never so true. This is a to die for romantic location accessed by a 7 km cobble stone lane through the jungle and highlands of Jalisco to a secluded beach cove. They only have 29 casitas and only 9 were occupied the week we were there. So the major pluses are 1) location, 2) the golf course and 3) location. Opps, I think I said that but it's worth repeating! The golf course is one of the most beautiful and challenging in the world (I've played a few!). Wildlife all over the place (loved the wild pigs). On the 'so so' side, I would have to include the food here. I expected better given the price and advance billing by others. Maybe they haven't experienced true top dining. However, I have to say that Pedro's Spanish Coffee is by far the best I have ever had. WOW! Oh, and the spa is first class. You don't normally get a quality massage at a resort like we had there. All in all, we would definately return.

And, by the way, all this talk about going completely private as part of the Yellowstone Club, I don't think you have to worry about that for a year or so until the Blixseth's settle their high profile and very bitter divorce action that will likely result in the Yellowstone Club being sold to a major hedge fund.

I really can't say enough good things about El Tamarindo. It has forever spoiled us for future vacations. The oceanfront casita is enormous and perfectly appointed. Every evening the housekeepers come and light candles everywhere, creating a romantic atmosphere. We had a lovely fruit basket and bottle of wine in our casita, among other amenities. The service is unparalleled, but never intrusive. There is one restaurant with excellent food (and incredible service), and the drinks are outstanding. There is a wide variety of activities, mostly free: snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, waverunners, boogie boards, full-service gym, golf, tennis. We will stay here again.

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.