Wonderfully isolated, Las Alamandas is set on a sweeping bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. The rural province of Jalisco is tequila country, where fields of cactus cover the arid landscape. A dirt track leads from the coastal highway to the resort, passing ramshackle villages and sleepy farms before opening into an oasis of verdant manicured gardens. Hidden amid the palm trees, 8 villas painted in vivid hues of pink, orange and blue house just 18 exquisite suites. Private Jacuzzis and sun terraces add to the sense of seclusion; two of the most luxurious suites even have their own pools.
Owner Isabel Goldsmith (daughter of the late Sir James Goldsmith) ensures that every whim is catered for by professional and friendly staff, from a romantic picnic on a private beach to a family fishing trip on the San Nicolas river. There is also horse riding, surfing, yoga, spa treatments, cliff-top hikes and salsa dancing, but the atmosphere is so peaceful and soporific that you can't help but just want to laze around soaking up the sunshine. This intimate hotel is the place to come to get away from it all, and where you may well find yourself sharing the pool with movie stars.
Highs
- Low-key luxury melds with a warm and colourful Mexican feel
- The 5* facilities include a private airstrip, and Jacuzzis in most suites
- It's private, peaceful and relaxing; with just 18 suites in 1,500 acres you may never see another guest
- The service is very attentive - there's a staff-to-guest ratio of 10 to 1
- The attention to detail - from hand-embroidered towels in the bathrooms to crochet-fringed parasols by the pool - is excellent
- It's surrounded by pristine nature, including deserted sandy beaches, lush tropical gardens and hidden lagoons rich with birdlife
Lows
- Powerful, unpredictable currents and crashing waves make swimming in the ocean unsafe at times
- Harmless racoon-like tejones invade the restaurant at meal times, but if you don’t feed them they won’t bother you
- The isolated location may not suit all - don't expect nightlife, shopping or sightseeing nearby
- WiFi is limited to the Presidential Suite, the art gallery and the front office - a plus for some!
Best time to go
October to May is dry and warm, with temperatures averaging 70-80F. The best month to visit is November, when the surrounding countryside is verdant after the summer rains. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with rain falling most afternoons in the wettest months of June to September, when temperatures average 80-90F.
Our top tips
Not much is not catered for in this 5* paradise: “If we can do it, there’s no reason why we wouldn’t” says Isabel Goldsmith. Make sure you bring binoculars if you're keen on wildlife, and pack evening wear for dining beside the ocean - the hotel’s ‘little guidebook’ suggests gentlemen wear long trousers after 6pm, but no jacket or tie is required.
Location
Las Alamandas is located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, along the Costa Alegre, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.
By Air
Puerto Vallarta International (120km away) is the nearest airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange transfers by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, or charter a plane to its private airstrip (the flight takes less than 45 minutes - see Rates). Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the terminal.
By Car
Las Alamandas is a 2-hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta and 1.5 hours north of Manzanillo, the last half an hour of which is slow going along a bumpy dirt road into the back of beyond. See our car rental recommendations.
Getting Around
The hotel can arrange air-conditioned cars with drivers. 
More on getting to Mexico and getting around
Airports:
- Puerto Vallarta International 120.0 km PVR
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.0 km