If I ever commit a crime and am running from the law, I now know where to hide. The El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort is the very definition of remote and gives new meaning to “off the beaten path.” First, you fly to Manzanillo, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Then you head 45 minutes north. You’ll pass thru a couple of small towns but mostly you’ll see fields of banana trees. Once you arrive at the resort’s gorgeous but narrow stone driveway, you must drive down it for 15 minutes. The twists and turns are endless you can’t help but think – what have we gotten ourselves into??
Once you arrive, though, your reasons for coming to El Tamarindo become crystal clear. It is a gorgeous and unique spot, with a beautiful stretch of sand, gentle waves, mountains on either side, and complete and utter privacy and serenity. The weather is perfect - the sun shines every day and although it’s December, we didn’t need sweaters - even at night. Plus, the balmy breeze blows incessantly.
Although the boutique resort isn’t exactly a kiddie hot spot, there’s plenty for a child to do and we saw several children ages 6 – 15 riding wave runners and playing on a big trampoline set out in the water. If you are toting a screaming infant though, you might want to make other plans. The high-paying guests take too kindly to their tranquility being interrupted.
Speaking of price, let’s discuss accommodations. There are 29 brightly-colored casitas which have a roof of thatched palms – basically the whole thing opens up to the outdoors except for the bedroom, which has air conditioning and a TV. The casitas (which also have internet) are spaced far enough away from each other so they feel private. You also have your own small pool and heated Jacuzzi. The feeling is an interesting mix of rustic luxury, which, of course, comes at an, at times, dear price.
The one bedroom casitas range from a low of 500 bucks a night for a Forest Casita in the rainy season (May – Nov.) to a high of $1800 oceanfront casita rate during Christmas week. The best bang for the buck comes between January and April though- when you can stay for between $625 and $1125 for a one bedroom.
One of the coolest things about this resort is that it’s situated on 2000 acres (900 acres are the golf course) of lush vegetation and wild animals. We saw wild boars, mongoose, and a deer among other animals.
The food is delicious, and they’ll make dinner and set up a table on the beach in the sand for you. Breakfast and lunch tend to be traditional Mexican fare, while dinner offers more continental choices. We particularly enjoyed eating lunch atop a hill at Hole 9 on the golf course. If you ask them, they’ll shuttle you up there (about 10 minutes by car) and then come pick you up afterwards. The view is breathtaking and the shrimp quesadillas are mouth watering!
The 18 hole golf course, by the way, is considered the second best in Mexico. Although the fare was listed at $175, my husband said they paid $125 per person. My husband, who plays all over the world as well as at a private club in Los Angeles described the course as good but not great. He said it needed grooming. Still, he said he had a good time (duh! Anytime a golfer can hit a ball in a hole and then walk over to it on a green expanse, and talk about it with buddies afterwards, he is happy – right?).
The “spa” is actually a small hut with a few rooms and the typical menu of services is offered. They do, however, have an interesting mix of natural products there as well as in the casitas. We loved the lightweight mud scrub mix in the casita bathrooms. Really makes your face glow! If you opt for a massage, be sure you get it at the small massage palapa down by the beach. The massage mixed with the crashing waves will leave you in a glorious state. (Plus, it’s so great for a change to have a masseuse who doesn’t speak English. I am so sick of hearing about my masseuse's health problems, messy marriages and whatever else they’re into to talking about!).
So, all in all, we give El Tamarindo five stars. It’s a cool experience that is simple in approach, natural in setting and serene in attitude. Whether you come with a lover or a family you love, you’ll leave in a better place.
My boyfriend and I went to El Tamarindo last winter and loved it. The only bummer, quite frankly, is that there aren't as many flights to Manzanillo as, say, to Cabo. You've got a real limited selection. Other than that, yes, five stars seems about right!
Posted by: Carla in LA | December 31, 2008 at 12:02 PM