Inside Mexico's 'best hotel' with its own private nature reserve - and it was 15 years in the making

Good things come to those who wait – just ask guests of the Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico.

While officially opened in November 2022, initial plans for this spectacular resort were first dreamt up over 15 years ago.

In the early 2000s, the Four Seasons design team visited Mexico's Jalisco region, where the Tamarindo resort sits today along the Costalegre coastline.

They were instantly enthralled by the lush jungle, white-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs that characterise this untapped corner of the Pacific Coast.

However, the unique topography of this land presented significant challenges for any building work.

In order to preserve the natural wildlife, only two percent of the sprawling 3,000 acres could be - and will ever be - touched.

The terrain presented similar problems, with elevation ranging from sea level to 120m above ground.

It took over a decade for construction to get underway, when five of Mexico's most prestigious architecture firms were eventually enlisted to help. To visit this magnificent hotel today, though, there's no denying it was worth the wait.

Nestled between Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, approximately 90 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, the Four Seasons, Tamarindo is miles away from the hustle and bustle of Mexico's cities, offering a rare oasis of calm in this often hectic country.

The hotel offers a range of accommodation options, with rooms that include ocean views, direct access to the beach as well as private infinity pools.

The experiences available at the hotel are similarly unrivalled: guests are invited to take part in local cooking classes, stroll through the reserve on guided 'ethnobotanical walks', or spot whales on boat tours along the coastline.

There's also the option to explore the vast Tamarindo Beach, or enjoy the 18-hole golf course on site.

The Four Seasons, Tamarindo also prides itself on its ability to offer its guests the best of Mexico's rich and diverse cuisine.

In fact, the culinary offerings are led by Elena Reyadas, who was named the world's best female chef by The World's Best 50 Restaurants in 2023.

The three signature restaurants use locally sourced ingredients, including from the onsite ranch, Rancho Ortega.

Food options range between traditional tacos at Taqueria Nacho, fresh seafood at Sal or a reimagining of French and Italian classics through a Mexican lens at Cayol, the hotel's main restaurant.

The time and care that has been taken over every aspect of this property has certainly not gone unnoticed.

It was listed as one of the best new hotels in the world in Architectural Digest's 2023, Great Design Awards, and has earned a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award, too.

Functioning as both a great spot for families, as well as couples, there is a kids' club with daily activities for littler ones, as well more teen-friendly spaces for watching films and hanging out.

So complete is the experience offered here at the Four Seasons, Tamarindo, that it begs the question: is this the best hotel in Mexico?