Trip Report - Las Alamandas (south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
Jun 8, 2010, 12:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southern California
Programs: SPG, Amex Platinum
Posts: 223
Trip Report - Las Alamandas (south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
This was a last minute trip that was booked three days prior to our arrival. Thanks to DavidO who helped us get virtuoso amenities and other perks.
Reservation: Staff were very prompt and responsive in making all the necessary arrangements. We booked the Casa Duomo, which has two bedrooms and three bath. They had great specials with 4th night free compared to their advertised rates.
Arrival: The driver met us at the PV airport with a luxury SUV. The drive from Puerto Vallarta airport to the resort is around 2 to 2 and a half hours. It is scenic for the most part but can be hard to tolerate. Our driver was amongst the best I have had. Las alamandas is a nature sanctuary, so you will not find ANYTHING or ANYONE around it except for a small village that is right adjacent to it. We went at the end of the dry season, so most vegitation composed of cacti and for the most part dry trees. But once you get to the actual hotel grounds, it is kept very tropical with greeneray all around. Our car stopped right in front of our Casa and we went right into our room with our luggage delivered immediately.
Casa Duomo: This is the house that is on most of the pictures of this hotel. It is very much architecturally appealing and functional. You have the most amazing privacy that can be described. The other four Casas are located adjacent to Duomo, but the view of Duomo is only towards deserted beaches and cliffs that go on for ever. The beach itself is spectacular in many ways. The sand is very soft (almost as soft as Amanpulo), but not white. The ocean is NOT swimable due to massive waves and currents. But it is amazing to look at.
Resort ground: There are two restaurants in the property. One is by the beach and the other a bit more inland towards the reception. The beach restaurant is open for lunch and breakfast while the other one is for dinner. There is a store with artwork, clothing, jewlary as well as basic necessities. There is also a TV/Library that we did not use. Other amenities included a lighted tennis court as well as kids playground and ping pong table.
Food: In summary: Just great. No complaints at all. Fish meals were prepared amazingly well and healthy. Options can be limited though due to remoteness of the hotel. On the last night of four nights that we were there, we had the hotel drive us down the road to Careyes resort's restaurant which also offered pretty good quality meals, but not as great.
Activities: The location of this resort is the quietest that I have ever stayed in. There are very few rooms for guests and the occupancy was very low during our stay. So we were pretty much by ourselves the whole time. We went horseback riding, boogie boarding, had massages by the beach, toured the extensive property and had a great time with the local wildlife. There are so many birds around and the local night time companions are these animals that look similar to Racoons, but much friendlier called Tejons. My six year old son as well as my wife had a blast in feeding these creatures every night. All activities were very well organized and high in quality. We also had a picnic lunch during our last day at a deserted beach that was highly momorable.
In summary, this hotel is one of the best option if one is looking for tranquility and peace. The service level is very high for Mexico and the fact that it has been kept as a nature sanctuary, it is perfect for nature lovers. Your view from your room is nothing but unspoilt beaches with no one or no structures to be seen. Highly reccomended.
Reservation: Staff were very prompt and responsive in making all the necessary arrangements. We booked the Casa Duomo, which has two bedrooms and three bath. They had great specials with 4th night free compared to their advertised rates.
Arrival: The driver met us at the PV airport with a luxury SUV. The drive from Puerto Vallarta airport to the resort is around 2 to 2 and a half hours. It is scenic for the most part but can be hard to tolerate. Our driver was amongst the best I have had. Las alamandas is a nature sanctuary, so you will not find ANYTHING or ANYONE around it except for a small village that is right adjacent to it. We went at the end of the dry season, so most vegitation composed of cacti and for the most part dry trees. But once you get to the actual hotel grounds, it is kept very tropical with greeneray all around. Our car stopped right in front of our Casa and we went right into our room with our luggage delivered immediately.
Casa Duomo: This is the house that is on most of the pictures of this hotel. It is very much architecturally appealing and functional. You have the most amazing privacy that can be described. The other four Casas are located adjacent to Duomo, but the view of Duomo is only towards deserted beaches and cliffs that go on for ever. The beach itself is spectacular in many ways. The sand is very soft (almost as soft as Amanpulo), but not white. The ocean is NOT swimable due to massive waves and currents. But it is amazing to look at.
Resort ground: There are two restaurants in the property. One is by the beach and the other a bit more inland towards the reception. The beach restaurant is open for lunch and breakfast while the other one is for dinner. There is a store with artwork, clothing, jewlary as well as basic necessities. There is also a TV/Library that we did not use. Other amenities included a lighted tennis court as well as kids playground and ping pong table.
Food: In summary: Just great. No complaints at all. Fish meals were prepared amazingly well and healthy. Options can be limited though due to remoteness of the hotel. On the last night of four nights that we were there, we had the hotel drive us down the road to Careyes resort's restaurant which also offered pretty good quality meals, but not as great.
Activities: The location of this resort is the quietest that I have ever stayed in. There are very few rooms for guests and the occupancy was very low during our stay. So we were pretty much by ourselves the whole time. We went horseback riding, boogie boarding, had massages by the beach, toured the extensive property and had a great time with the local wildlife. There are so many birds around and the local night time companions are these animals that look similar to Racoons, but much friendlier called Tejons. My six year old son as well as my wife had a blast in feeding these creatures every night. All activities were very well organized and high in quality. We also had a picnic lunch during our last day at a deserted beach that was highly momorable.
In summary, this hotel is one of the best option if one is looking for tranquility and peace. The service level is very high for Mexico and the fact that it has been kept as a nature sanctuary, it is perfect for nature lovers. Your view from your room is nothing but unspoilt beaches with no one or no structures to be seen. Highly reccomended.
Jun 8, 2010, 3:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 570
Thanks for the report! great resort, flew from PVT to the resorts airstrip, plane stocked with cold beers for the ride about 10 years ago. Almost drowned here so really don't go in the sea in front of the resort no matter how calm it looks.