Las Alamandas

I don’t even know where to start because Las Alamandas is that special. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places, but this one? It’s in a league of its own. Imagine having an entire luxury resort pretty much to yourself, with private beaches, stunning sunsets, and a staff that makes you feel like family. That’s exactly what my experience was like. First off, the privacy is unreal. It felt like I was on my own private island, but with all the comforts of a five-star resort. The entire property is massive (2,000 acres!), but they only have a handful of suites, so you barely see other guests. During my stay, I think I saw other people maybe twice, and even then, it was just in passing. It was like the world slowed down, and all that mattered was the sound of the waves and the breeze through the palm trees. Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of my trip—Victor. I don’t even know his official title, but he was everywhere, making sure everything was perfect. He took care of everything before I even had to ask. And the chefs? Absolute angels. I’m vegan, and they went above and beyond to make sure I had delicious, fresh meals straight from the resort’s gardens. You can taste the difference when food is that fresh. One of my favorite moments was the sunset picnic on the hilltop. It was straight out of a movie—perfectly set up, breathtaking views, and just pure magic. And then there were the donkeys! Yes, adorable donkeys roaming around, adding to the whole fairytale vibe. But the moment that really sealed my love for this place? My luggage zipper completely broke right before I had to leave for the airport. Just when I thought I was out of luck, the housekeeper, a couple of maintenance guys, and a few other staff members basically came to the rescue. They literally took my suitcase apart and put it back together like it was no big deal. Who does that?! That level of care and kindness is just who they are here. I also have to mention Isabel Goldsmith, the owner. Listening to her talk about her vision for eco-sustainability and protecting this beautiful place made me appreciate it even more. You can tell that everything here is done with so much thought and love. Honestly, no pictures or videos do this place justice. You just have to experience it for yourself. If you want total relaxation, luxury without the crowds, and the kind of service that makes you feel like royalty, book this place immediately. I’m already counting down the days until I can go back!

Having stayed in Puerto Vallarta over New Year’s twice in a row, we decided to try a more remote location and are so happy we did! We had a wonderful 8 night stay at this special spot, where we were treated so well and enjoyed many of the amenities on offer: round trip car service from/to PV airport, lunches on a beautiful private beach, sunset on a stunning lookout point, workouts at the well equipped gym, room service on our rooftop terrace, dips in the pool before dinner. The staff are fantastic and immediately respond to any requests by WhatsApp. The food is fresh, tasty and healthy - especially loved the omelettes, ceviches, coconut shrimp, soups, juices and fruit plates. With only 18 rooms and not being fully booked, at times it felt like our own personal resort. Back in Toronto, fully rested and recharged for the year ahead, we’re already talking about a return trip at the end of this year!

When we booked our 4 night stay at Las Alamandas we noticed the 5 star prices but we missed the 4 start rating. What a disappointment it was to visit such a beautiful location to find that indeed the prices are certainly 5 star but the service is 2 star at best. Very low occupancy (us and one other couple) – great for privacy, worrying for sustainability). Friendly staff – but friendly does not mean efficient/effective. Let´s start from the beginning: Nice Chevy Suburban picking us up at the airport, water offered and clean car, friendly driver. Arrive at the hotel, beautiful location and then downhill from there: We had booked Isabel Master. Amazing entrance with a view of the ocean from the nicely appointed social area, which holds the mini bar, right across from the foyer. Then we are told that in a hotel with only one other room occupied, there will be other guests arriving next day and they will be staying in the room above us and sharing the common entrance. With privacy being a major selling point, that seems nonsensical when the hotel resort is next to empty. If the newcomers specifically booked that room, then let us know in advance so we can be moved (even at extra cost) if we choose. And Isabel Master’s minibar cannot be secured as there is no lock on the door to this “private area”. As we were to find out, there is a lot of pricey stuff in the mini bar so control on access is important. Whilst on the subject of the mini bar, “coffee making facilities” but no tea, no sugar, and milk has to be ordered. The only way to heat water is in the coffeemaker so if you like your tea tasting of coffee…. No ice, and then we arrive at the water issue. How is it possible that you have to pay for the drinking water at all, never mind at the exorbitant rate at $5 per bottle plus 34% tax and service? A small bottle is provided for free with the turn down service but that is not enough in a resort where you are told not to drink the tap water. So provide filtered water, no need for branded water. We have stayed in some really out of the way locations and drinking water has always been provided free of charge. In a tropical beach resort if you are going to charge for water, tell your guests to stock up at the local shop before arrival! The charging for water is a sign of what seems to be a policy at Las Alamandas – there is a charge for everything “extra” and everything is considered extra. The Welcome letter in our room was accompanied by one addressed to someone else, maybe a previous occupant. Quality control at the resort was lacking and this was the first example. Off to the bar in the evening for a drink before dinner and we had to wait close to 15 minutes for 2 beers, and we were the only people there. It seems there were no beers in the bar and the barman had to go and find some. On our last night, our two beers order came faster but this time we were told they only had one cold beer! Unfortunately the food was subpar throughout. We were allowe