Beachy Bliss

The moment you pass through the imposing stone-walled gate and into a 3000 acre nature reserve, there’s a sense that you’ve arrived somewhere special – and indeed you have. Tucked away on this secluded Mexican peninsula is the new Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, one of four properties recently launched by the renowned hospitality brand and yet, one of a kind.

 The open-air lobby of La Mansion, the resort’s main building, greets visitors with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean framed by carefully considered architecture. The design team – a collaboration between architects Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha and Mario Schjetnan, and designers Estudio Esterlina and Uribe Krayer – meticulously studied the topography to ensure Tamarindo’s aesthetic would complement its natural surroundings, using a palette of local materials including wood, stone and lava rock.

Mexican craftsmanship can be seen at every turn throughout the 157-room resort. Working closely with non-profit brands and projects such as Taller Maya and Ensamble Artesano, the team sourced artisan pieces from all areas of Mexico – from bathroom accessories made of Mayan cream stone to sansevieria and henequén wall hangings. Handmade hammocks adorn the private infinity pools of each suite, and are made by a group of female artisans from the Yaxunah, Yaxche, Santa Rosa, and Becan communities.

La Mansion, a multi-level building cascading down the cliffside, serves as the centrepiece of the resort, with two pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. It also houses three restaurants, including Coyul, run in partnership with internationally acclaimed chef, Elena Reygadas. The ambiance here is matched by the  food, with interiors created by celebrated Mexican designer, Héctor Esrawe. This is complemented by the laid back vibe of Nachos, a taqueria open for lunch and afternoon snacks.

Hovering just above the beach is Sal, a raw bar and open air restaurant combining barefoot luxury and fine dining, with Noe Suro’s hand-painted pottery adding an artful texture and a pop of colour.

With only 2% of the private reserve set for development, the resort’s strategic position was carefully mapped out to provide guests with a sense of exclusivity and pure isolation. Four Seasons Tamarindo provides a wide range of activities, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. For those interested in learning more about local agricultural practices, guests can enjoy a tour of Rancho Ortega, the 14-hectare working farm where guests witness the progress of more than 8000 agave azul plants, certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council, that have been planted to produce Rancho Ortega’s own small batch tequila.

Finally, the spa – designed by Uribe Krayer in partnership with Blu Spas – offers a serene atmosphere, indoor and outdoor showers with the lush greenery of the surrounding jungle. While there guests are enveloped in the scent of copal, which is said to enhance connection with everything around you and yourself. At Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, it happens quite naturally.