Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, On the Secret Coast!

Benjamin recently visited Tamarindo, and true to their mantra: stay longer, he indeed, extended his Journey here! Enhanced, I’m sure by our dear Four Seasons pal, Jesus Aguirre Martinez!

Although I love the Four Seasons Costa Palmas partly due to the remote location outside of Cabo, there is another isolated, exclusive sandy paradise, Tamarindo! The Four Seasons brand is an authority on sniffing out secluded locations and creating a beach paradise, before anyone else discovers a serene warm body of water and a private stretch of sandy beach, and here a nature preserve!

Escape to a secluded nature reserve in Mexico’s Tamarindo, the pristine coastline where verdant jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. This rugged and pristine biosphere-protected swath of coastline in western Mexico, about 125 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, is actually quite easy to reach. Tamarindo is located on a sprawling 3,000-acre nature reserve on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, an hour’s drive from the nearest town. The resort is remote but easily accessible, a 35-minute drive from the International Airport of Manzanillo-Costalegre. A destination in its own right, the hotel brings together the richest elements of Jalisco, convincing even the most curious of travelers to plop for a while. Visit the Four Seasons Punta Mita first and take advantage of a private flight transfer!

After winding through the verdant nature reserve for 15 minutes, guests arrive at the main building, which frames impressive, uninterrupted views of the Pacific coast below. Tamarindo is a showcase of five of the most well-respected architecture and design firms in Mexico, who came together to create a resort that blends seamlessly with the peninsula’s topography, supports rewilding and blurs boundaries between indoors and out. Their commitment to authentically Mexican architecture results in a mosaic of pre-Hispanic culture, colonial heritage, and contemporary architecture. 

Feel at One with Nature – Start your day by awakening your senses and feeling the rhythm of the nature reserve. Join their team of resident biologists and researchers on a morning hike through hills and winding paths. In a destination where there are more animal footpaths than human footpaths, you’ll gain an intimate knowledge of this tropical seasonal jungle. This walk, a Tamarindo tradition, will present you with an insider’s peek into the biologists’ work to study and protect the reserve’s natural treasures as you experience your natural surroundings with all your senses.

A Journey Through Taste – Led by Culinary Director, Nicolas Piatti, their culinary workshops are immersed in Mexican cuisine and traditions. Learn about recipes passed down by generations and about their unique fresh produce, such as blue agave from Rancho Ortega, their low-impact farm. Piatti and his team also bring organic corn from the Yucatán Peninsula and harvest salt. Each of their on-property workshops serves to tell a story – of a place, traditions and ingredients – and are soulful expressions of Mexico’s culinary heritage, executed by a team of chefs, farmers, fishermen, sommeliers, foragers and mixologists, dining at Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo offers an exploration of Mexico’s cuisine as told through rich flavors and long-standing traditions.

We’ve each taken many cooking classes, and tequila tastings at Four Seasons resorts, including an Indian cooking class in the Maldives – we leave inspired, full and excited to try the recipes at home. Prepare to get your hands dirty, delight your palate and learn culinary secrets that are emblematic of Mexico, as you join the culinary team to prepare an authentic black aguachile dish at Tamarindo.

Pause on the Sea – Head out on an adventure with the local fishermen of La Manzanilla, who have lived on these shores for generations and know the local waters better than anyone. Aboard their traditional lancha (fishing boat), listen to their stories about the ocean and the creatures that live in it, and learn the secrets of hand-line fishing, a sustainable fishing practice, from the very best. As you roll along the ocean, you will gain a unique understanding of local culture, and perhaps a few new friends.

Bring your Clubs – Offering 18 holes of links-style play, El Tamarindo was designed by celebrated golf architect David Fleming. The course weaves through tropical jungle along the rocky Pacific coastline with pristine ocean views.

Perhaps one reason Benjamin couldn’t depart, his Infinity pool cliffside Suite hangs above the ocean, who would want to leave this paradise? Secluded on the cliffside enclave, these one-bedroom suites offer elevated views of the ocean and the natural reserve. With your own 43-foot infinity swimming pool, a hammock and an outdoor shower, you too may never wish to leave!

All 157 rooms and 63 suites are an expression of the region, I always appreciate a sense of place in a hotel property. The buildings were designed using native materials and outfitted by local artisans to create a tranquil space to return to after a day spent exploring.  Bathroom accessories are made of Mayan cream stone and cotton hammocks were woven by around 30 women from local communities.

Dining – The three restaurants at Tamarindo showcase the abundant flavors of Mexico, with ingredients sourced as locally as possible, including from the onsite farm Rancho Ortega. The main restaurant Coyul is helmed by Elena Reygadas, who in 2023 was named the world’s best female chef by The World’s Best 50 Restaurants; the menu reinterprets Italian and French classics through a Mexican lens with dishes such as lobster tagliolini with cuaresmeño pepper.

Mosey down by the beach to visit Sal, which serves traditional Mexican fare with a seafood focus. The resort’s very own Taqueria Nacho provides a more laid-back dining experience, serving traditional and innovative tacos packed with flavor. Breakfast is a plentiful buffet of Mexican dishes and Western classics. 

Benjamin Highly Recommends – I must go see for myself!

Ring us to ask about stay three for fourth night free for a limited time…

Queen Victoria, Scotch, Wellies, Fife Arms, Robert Burns, Golf and Haggis?

Greetings from Braemar Scotland. My springtime Scotland sortie yielded so many valuable meetings and property stays. Many of our clients followed me to the fabulous Fife Arms and the
five-star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Due to my timing, I was able to also visit the Royal Family Balmoral Castle and its beautiful gardens. Balmoral Castle has been the Scotland home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. Queen Elizabeth passed away peacefully here in September. Inspired by seeing Queen Victoria’s ‘A Stag Shot’, a pencil and watercolor drawing for John Brown at Fife Arms, I recently watched Dame Judy Dench in Mrs. Burns. A reminder of the ravishing Scottish countryside.

One of my absolute most delicious afternoons was spent with the owner of an exceptional touring firm in Braemar, where Fife Arms is located. A magnetic personality, owner of a Royal Deeside Premier Luxury firm; he has been a land steward in the area for decades. A well-known local character often to be found in bright yellow wellies with his two chocolate cocker spaniels – Rosie & Peggy – in tow. He is originally from Northumberland, just south of the Scottish Border. Having spent many happy summer childhood holidays stalking the Scottish hills with his parents, grandparents, and siblings he always knew he wanted to live here full time. For over 21 years he managed Invercauld estate (the large estate by Braemar, stretching from south of Glenshee to east of Ballater and north towards Strathdon) until his retirement.

He mentioned he could take our clients out in a modern Range Rover or his two passenger Morgan. I exclaimed, a Morgan?  I used to drive a Morgan! He stood up and said come with me, we are going to my house to see my Morgan! With a questioning glance to the Fife Arms ghillies, they smiled and said he is safe – go!

Our Fabulous Scottish Guide with his Morgan and his Yellow Wellies!

An Elder at Crathie Kirk, he can tell you many behind the scenes stories as well as showing you the grave of Queen Victoria’s favorite, John Brown, in the old kirk yard. He has unparalleled knowledge of the locality and its traditions, is a Braemar Local History Group guide and sits on the board of VisitAberdeenshire, the destination organization covering the north east of Scotland. A tour with him will leave you informed, entertained, well versed in local folklore while sharing the local hidden gems.

In the words of our favorite guide in Scotland “We can take you anywhere in Scotland. We have a stunningly beautiful country with so much diversity in the landscapes and culture, but Royal Deeside is our first and foremost love.”

If you want majestic hills and world class landscapes, royalty, a rich and sometimes bloody history, castles, a rushing river, highland cows – or even a unique visit to Crathie Kirk where the Royal family worship when they are here then he is the tour guide for you. Our clients have followed and raved!

Perhaps a picnic lunch at the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother’s picnic house with a roaring log burning fire and wide-open views across Balmoral Estate to the mighty Lochnagar – or maybe an eclectic café serving delicious lunches and coffee…? 

Our favorite host, a born raconteur, has lived and worked in the area for thirty years, is passionate about the local area and the local community. Several of our clients enjoyed hiking about the Royal grounds with him.

Balmoral Castle

Whatever your interests, whatever your tastes, be you young or old or somewhere in between, a morning, an afternoon, a day or more with this unique and knowledgeable guide will leave you entertained and with far more insight into the area than any guidebook can relate. His genuine interest in each of our clients has led to very successful days, he tailors each bespoke outing to the needs of each guest, whether they be slow strollers or zealous hikers.

There are so many extraordinary and varied areas of Scotland, which he can help you explore and make lifelong memories to take home with you.

Fife Arms enticements: BURNS NIGHT But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, Gie
her a Haggis.  On Saturday 28th January 2023, enjoy an evening of poems, pipers,
and puddings as we commemorate the life of Scotland’s most beloved bard, poet
and lyricist, Robert Burns. Every year, Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland
to mark his unique contribution to Scottish culture and history. This year they
will be joined by Scotland’s Makar, Kathleen Jamie. There is no place more
atmospheric than the Fife Arms to mark this uniquely Scottish event.  

‘Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang ‘s my arm.’  

Address to a Haggis  Robert Burns

Robert Burns

KILTED OPEN. Discover one of Scotland’s most dramatic golf courses nestled in a remote valley of the Cairngorms National Park. A true community course, the Braemar Golf Club, provides a unique opportunity to play a round of golf overlooked by golden eagles, stags, and other rare wildlife. From the 12th – 14th May 2023, the Fife Arms is partnering with the club to host a tournament that celebrates the magic of Scotland and its most famous sporting export. The Kilted Open offers the chance for golfers of all levels to play as part of a 4-ball or create their own 4-ball in the Texas Scramble format. Each team has to create a name for themselves and there is a prize for the best name. The wearing of kilts by all players is strongly encouraged.  

Gather your Golf Tribe for the Kilted Open!

BRAEMAR LITERARY FESTIVAL. Following the incredible success of the inaugural Braemar Literary Festival in October, we are delighted to confirm that the Festival is returning in 2023. Join us on 29th September – 1st October, for a weekend exploring the creative use of words and
text in their broadest sense, celebrating the works of bestselling authors alongside visual artists, spoken word performers, singer-songwriters, and publishers alike. 

Queen Victoria A Stag Shot

What could be better Fife Arms and our Glorious Yellow Wellie wearing Guide? Where do you want to visit in Scotland, we can create unforgettable adventure’s everywhere.