Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México

Design Aesthetic:

• Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México is a showcase of the five most well-respected and revered Mexican architecture and design firms in the country and a tribute to Mexico’s rich heritage. Visionaries and experts in their crafts, Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha, Mario Schjetnan – who formed the firm LegoRocha for this project – Estudio Esterlina and Uribe Krayer envisioned a resort that blends seamlessly into the peninsula’s unique topography, supports “rewilding” practices and creates a perfect balance between the comforts of the indoors with the exceptional outdoor opportunities offered on the 3,000+ acres (1,200 hectares) of private natural reserve.
• The 157 room Resort was built to look camouflaged in the landscape and almost disappear into nature. The team studied the terrain’s curves so that they could insert the buildings while respecting the Reserve, which allows for breath-taking ocean views from towering cliffs that descend from more than 300 feet (90 metres).
• The contemporary architecture and thoughtful interior design blends with the natural surroundings and showcase local materials and textiles. The teams set out to create an architectural look and feel that is authentically Mexican and that speaks to the place – elements of pre-Hispanic culture, colonial heritage, and contemporary Mexican architecture can be seen throughout. It features many surprises; this sense of mystery is very common in Mexican architecture. It is an architecture that is about emotions, one that makes one discover it as one walks through it.
• The Resort displays incredible local artisan pieces from all areas of Mexico. Specifically, the team is working with non-profit brands and projects such as Taller Maya and Ensamble Artesano, which protect pre–Hispanic culture. Taller Maya has supported Mayan artisans Enterprises for more than 20 years and offers financial recognition to continue valuing their work. On the other hand, Ensemble Artesano is an initiative with the aim to reinforce the economy of artisanal groups all around Mexico that were affected by the effects of social distancing measures before and after the lockdown due to Covid-19. Nowadays, both projects reflect Mexico's incredible abundance of beautiful, handcrafted fabrics and art. The vision was to build a resort for this time in history and make it a testimonial of Mexico’s rich heritage.
• Examples include:
  • Laundry hampers made of stitched henequén from Xcanchakán and Santa Rosa
  • Bathroom accessories made of mayan cream stone by master artisans
  • Hammocks made from cotton by approximately 30 artisan women from communities Yaxunah, Yaxche, Santa Rosa and Becan
  • Tortilleros, hats in the room and glass covers made of Jipi Japa from Granada and Tankuche
  • Bags in rooms as amenities made of henequen
  • Wall hangings made of sansevieria and henequén
  • Black clay candles from Michoacán

Designer: Uribe Krayer + Estudio Esterlina

Architect: Victor Legorreta + Mauricio Rocha + Mario Schjetnan

Location:

• Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico is located on Mexico's Pacific Coast. The 3,000-acre (1,200 hectare) private natural reserve is hidden on a secluded peninsula between the towns of La Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad. 
• Located in the state of Jalisco, the Resort's unique topography, seasonality and pristine beaches provide an extraordinary opportunity to experience this part of the country.
• A 35 minute drive from ​International Airport of Manzanillo-Costalegre (ZLO) to The Reserve.
• A 15 minute drive through the verdant Reserve to the Resort´s entrance, La Mansion.
• Direct flights from Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Calgary and Mexico City via commercial carriers; the Resort is “remotely close."
• For generations, sophisticated travellers have been flying their private jets to Manzanillo/Costalegre International Airport (ZLO). The airport is brilliantly equipped to welcome private flights.
• The Resort’s Airport Ambassadors will greet guests at the airport runway and escort them directly from tarmac to the Resort´s private natural Reserve.  
  

• The Spa is inspired by the spirit of alchemy, introducing a transformative experience within an open-air garden filled with indigenous plants and Oaxacan red clay. Subtle nods to regional healing traditions and a celebration of the local culture can be seen throughout. Alchemy’s notion of transformation through the balance of elements and movement of energy, serves as a metaphor for the intention of The Spa, which offers a transformative opportunity to guests through its traditional Mexican Temazcal ceremony.
• Guests are welcomed into the Spa by a magnificent stone uncovered by the Resort´s ownership team when Tamarindo broke ground. The stone is a symbol of authenticity in this tranquil space and its distinctive curves and markings are signs of Tamarindo´s history. When guests make their way from the entrance of the Spa to the centre of the Spa they begin their journey of rebirth. A direct line of water from the Spa’s entrance to the Temazcal marks the journey of rebirth – this mix of water and fire are a symbol of the cycle of life.

Designer: Uribe Krayer in partnership with Blu Spas Inc.

Size: 31,215 sq. ft. / 2,900 sq. m.

Number of Treatment Rooms: 8

Signature Treatments:

• Explore an inspiring variety of massages, body treatments and facials that bring to life all the senses. The Spa’s incredible design honours Mexico’s traditional architecture; its signature scent Copal envelopes guests with warmth, sounds from the private reserve create a sense of calm and culinary pairings featuring ingredients from the Resort´s low-impact farm enhance the experience.

Special Features:

• An essential oil, in the scent Copal from Natural Benefits can be smelled throughout.
• Plunge pools that blend with the sounds of nature surrounded by distinctive Oaxacan red clay, volcanic stone walls and elements of the Earth seen throughout.
• Treatment rooms with an indoor/outdoor design offering full immersion into the jungle that surrounds them.
• Spacious indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with rainfall showers, exquisite his and hers changing areas including steam room and sauna and an elegant full-service nail and hair salon.
• The traditional Mexican Temazcal ceremony is a pre-Hispanic experience originating from the Nahuatl word Temāzcalli (house of heat) that brings together medicinal herbs and spiritual rituals to open a space for personal reflection, contemplation, and re-connection.

Signature Experience: Coyul

• In partnership with celebrated Mexican Chef Elena Reygadas and designed by famed Mexican interior designer Héctor Esrawe, at Coyul guests can expect Mexican ingredients in recipes that are driven by Italian and French cooking techniques, Chef Reygadas signature style. Coyul will serve dinner and buffet breakfast or à la carte options – guests can savour in traditional Mexican baked goods. Closed for lunch, Coyul’s exceptional dinner experience starts perfectly with a signature cocktail, light snack, and unmatched sunset views at Coyul Bar. Dinner includes a tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu, with dishes celebrating the most amazing ingredients in the region. This distinct dining experience invites guests to taste Mexico’s vibrant culinary expression in a location featuring world-class architecture, art, and design. Coyul is located in the Resort’s main building, La Mansión, close to Caramelo, where kids can enjoy their own night out while parents dine.
• Designer: Héctor Esrawe

Signature Experience: Sal

• Executive Chef: Nicolas Piatti
• Concept: Steps from the Pacific Ocean perched above Majahua Beach, Sal celebrates local ingredients, traditional Mexican fare, and a barefoot luxury lifestyle. Daily caught fresh seafood from local fisherman married with simple yet elevated culinary techniques create a perfect environment to enjoy this dramatic oceanside restaurant. A magnificent raw bar anchors the open-air space and features ceramics made by Noé Suro, hand painted Mexican pottery that is bright and colourful. Sal features flor de sal from nearby the town of Cuyutlán. The flor de sal has a superior taste and texture to other salts and is celebrated around the world. Sal is open for lunch and dinner and offers an artisanal cocktail menu with nods to the Resort´s authentic Mexican heritage. Those in the know will book a table at golden hour for the best sunset views in Tamarindo.
• Designer: Bibiana Huber

Signature Experience: Nacho

• Executive Chef: Nicolas Piatti
• Concept: At Nacho guests can enjoy a laid-back taqueria experience steps away from one of the Resort’s most beautiful pools. Open for lunch and dinner, Nacho pays tribute to the flavours and traditions of some of Mexico’s most gastronomically diverse regions, such as Puebla, Oaxaca, and Yucatán, and transforms that love into delicious tacos made in made-to-order tortillas. Choose one of the traditional tacos, seafood specialties, or ask about the trompo of the day – fresh caught that day. Refreshing aguas frescas made with fruit indigenous to the region, signature Margaritas and a curated selection of local beers round out this laid back traditional taqueria experience. 

24-Hour In-Room Dining

Activities:

• Nature walks with Four Seasons biologist
• Bird watching featuring 13 endemic species
• More than 26 miles of hiking trails
• Complementary water sports (kayaks, paddleboards, water bicycles, snorkelling, etc.)
• Introduction to freediving
• Introduction to spearfishing
• Scuba (emphasis on macrophotography)
• Boat trips on locally made lancha with fishing cooperative
• Fishing (hand fishing and sport fishing) on locally made lancha with fishing cooperative
• Cooking classes
• Composting 101 at Rancho Ortega

Venues:

• Tenacatita Ballroom: Natural light streams through a wall of windows into Tenacatita Ballroom, the largest indoor venue. Divisible in two, the space is perfect for receptions, sit-down dinners and conferences.
• Manzanilla: Paying tribute to the neighbouring town of Manzanilla, this space offers a sleek and modern setting for a business meeting or private social gathering.
• Careyes: With a name referencing the charming seaside town of Careyes, this venue offers a flexible setting for meetings and intimate celebrations.
• Perula Boardroom: This dedicated boardroom features a table seating for up to 16.
• Melaque Event Lawn: Immediately outside the Tenacatita Ballroom, the Melaque Event Lawn is a flexible space ideal for receptions or dinners. The lawn features a special area inspired by the juego de pelota, an ancient Mayan ball game. A series of terraces leads down to an outdoor kitchen that can serve as a chef’s action station – while also becoming the Resort’s pop-up cooking school.
• Vista:  Located at the highest point on the Reserve, Vista offers guests a unique pop-up space for intimate dinners or small group events. With 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Reserve, this location is unlike any other in the region.
• Playa Majahua: One of three Tamarindo beaches that may be used for private events, Playa Majahua is located directly in front of the Resort’s main building.