Rancho Santana - Inn & Residences

That sunset horseback ride was a highlight of our honeymoon. Januar and Miguel were kind, knowledgeable, and made it such a fun experience. The spa was just as lovely as the rest of the ranch. We had the most relaxing couples massage in a treehouse above the forest, and it really felt like being in Bali. Getting around was easy thanks to Eliezer, Gustavo, who took us on the monkey tour, and Manuel. They were always punctual, friendly, and accommodating, including for the airport trip. Mario, Luis, and Fernanda from the concierge team also went out of their way to plan activities and answer every question with a smile. We loved the food at all the restaurants. There was lots of variety and everything tasted fresh. Janely took great care of us at La Finca y El Mar, and David Garcia was attentive, professional, and personable at La Boquita. Every server, host, and bartender we met put in extra effort. Rancho Santana was above and beyond for our honeymoon. The staff were warm, attentive, and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The grounds, beaches, views, spa, restaurants, and rooms are gorgeous and peaceful. Our king room at The Inn felt like a spacious one-bedroom suite and looked out over the ocean. It was a magnificent setting for celebrating. We've stayed at a lot of wonderful resorts around the world, and this is the best of the best. If you're thinking about booking, just do it. We can't wait to return.

Everything was so well run at the rancho. The chefs, cleaners, gardeners, drivers, pool staff, hiking guides, and the team keeping watch over the sea turtle hatchings were all amazing. Thanks especially to Nestor for the rides, Yoseline for making our days go smoothly, and Christopher for making our meals delightful. The food was prepared with care and delicious, and they handled my gluten-free needs perfectly. A wonderful place to stay.

Our visit to Rancho Santana for lunch with our calm, affectionate dog was disappointing from the start. We'd called three times before arriving and were told each time that the staff had already been notified. Still, once we got there, we waited without any explanation. The poor communication and organization set a bad tone. At the entrance, the guard's dismissive comment, “Let's see if they accept you here,” made us feel unwelcome, as if bringing our dog were a problem. He also approached her abruptly and scared her. She's shy when strangers come up suddenly. A place that says it's pet-friendly should treat dogs respectfully, not just have a policy on paper. I look for places where my dog is treated with kindness and consideration, and that wasn't our experience. I hope they improve how they treat guests and the pets who are part of our families.

The long two-hour drive was worth it, and we didn't want to leave. There are lovely pools with poolside service and beaches right out the back door. Rancho Santana, its restaurants, and all the staff went far beyond what we expected. We were pleasantly surprised every day. The meals were fresh and delicious, the staff were genuinely warm and helpful, and the decor throughout the resort and in our room was lovely. The linens and towels felt luxurious. I can't recommend it enough, and it's so good you'll want to tell all your friends.