Taheima Wellness Resort

Our family of 4 stayed here for 11 days in January. The hotel design is gorgeous. The pools, promenades and gardens are treats for the eyes. It is a very different all-inclusive experience. Instead of following hoards of ravenous pigs through buffet lines all meals were ala carte. Portions were generous, but not overwhelming. The breakfasts became a bit repetitive, but the lunches either in the cafe or around the pool were great. The dinners were freshly prepared daily specials served in a beautiful diningroom by attentive waiters. The room and bathroom were large, the yoga and dance classes fun and the entire vacation great.

Everyone was very friendly and we enjoyed many activites, especially the Temazcal. The food was delicious at both restaurants and the staff members were very friendly and helpful. We did not enjoy the beach club.

As I was having my first Christmas without my children, I decided to take a solo trip and wanted to go where there were workout classes and a spa. Taheima was just what I needed. My room (suite) was roomy and tastefully decorated with a king-size bed, small kitchen, living area, and my own pool. There was also a sweet concierge for my building, but I never needed his services. I enjoyed all of the exercise classes, and the inclusive meals were delicious, especially the fresh tuna salad and ceviche I had by the pool every day. I also enjoyed my daily massages each with a different masseuse. I would definetely visit again- next time with a companion.

Greatly overstated describes Taheima Resort and Wellness Spa based on our recent experience (Feb 4-8, 2011). The many 5 star reviews was our impetus for booking nine days at Taheima. The first clue that this property was lacking came at check-in, which consists of two desks situated at the far corner with laptops and a cardre of employees that have trouble answering basic questions. Situated on El Tigre Golf Course, it would seem they would know about green fees. Wrong. We had to visit the golf course to book a tee time and find out we were entitled to a 20% discount. While the combination hotel/condo complex opened early 2010, the rooms are new, modern and beautiful. We paid extra for a private lap pool. But, while it advertises 24 hour room service, free one hour daily massages, a spa, and a variety of other wellness features, there is absolutely no literature in the room describing any of this. A small framed notice at the front desks note that only 30 minute massages are free. As to room service during off hours, a digital phone message reads they are closed. While the property states they are not on the beach but a few minutes away, in truth it is at least a twenty minute walk that access the beach through another hotel, the Playa Royale. Getting to downtown Puerto Villarta is another matter. You can either take a bus after walking or shuttling to the bus stop. But bus service is spotty and crowded. A taxi ride will run $20.00 each way. The food in the all-inclusive package is another major shortcoming. Breakfast is the same boring buffet and the lunch menu consists of either a hamburger, chicken sandwich on herb bread or a variety of ceviches. Very boring. The swimming pool is probably the most beautiful in Puerto Villarta. It's almost surreal the way the infinity pool blends into the lagoon background. But the lounging area around the pool is like a cemetery—very few people around. Even scarcer are the attendants that are supposed to bring you food and drinks.Despite all of these shortcomings, the one that did us in was the hotel's inability to provide hot water. Every time we complained about no hot water in the shower, we were assured it was being corrected. When we walked to the lobby to confront the front desk person, we were instantly hounded by the property's condo hawkers insisting they show us the property. We had no interest in purchasing a condo at Taheima, but that didn't discourage them from repeatedly trying to lure us to their presentation. The hotel finally moved us to a larger room with a private Jacuzzi, with the promise of hot water. It never happened. After four frustrating days, we cut our losses and booked the remainder of our vacation at another property. During our checkout the front desk manager, [...], offered us his heartfelt apology and even paid the taxi fare to our new digs. He followed up with an invitation for a free three night stay and reimbursed us for the unused portion of our package.After re-reading all the 5 star reviews when we returned home, I remain dubious as to their authenticity and wonder if they were generated by self-serving condo owners at Taheima. As retirees, we travel extensively. I rate this property no higher than one-half of what a majority have said here.

Something Different..and you will know it after you get away from your Stressed out Carreers. You all will need this, because u are treated like a King..or Queen!.. Water Everywhere, invigorates the spirit..and u do not even know what that means! I highly recommend Taheima PV and do yourself good, you deserve it! Frank

This hotel is beautiful, clean, the pools are a pleasure to look at. Having a private pool available to each first floor room is quite special. We enjoyed the work out room, yoga and tai chi. The food was especially good, the only negative (although we laughed about NOT having anything else to do) was that it took quite some time to sign off on our meal tickets (even though it was all-inclusive). We did not participate in the Culinary kitchen as we were not there the days it was offered. We think this would have been an enjoyable treat to experience.

This resort is gorgeous! Wonderful staff, beautiful room, mine had its own pool! Had the opportunity to try yoga, several activities available. The daily massage was bliss, the food divine and the location on a private golf course was lovely. There is an opportunity to go to the beach club for free, however I would try the beaches down south if you want to go that far. The resort is so lovely there is no need to leave it!