The Farm at San Benito

I had been wanting to visit The Farm at San Benito for years, so arriving with the expectation that it was now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection set the bar fairly high. Unfortunately, the reality was confusing and somewhat disappointing. The property feels caught between the original vision and the newer Marriott affiliation, and the result is that many areas feel tired and in serious need of renovation. The first room they tried to put us in honestly should have been taken out of service. It felt extremely run down and borderline condemned. We were moved, which was appreciated, but overall the accommodations are far below what most people would expect from anything associated with the Marriott Autograph Collection. That said, the staff are wonderful. Everyone we encountered was warm, kind, and genuinely helpful, and the wellness procedures themselves were very good. The acupuncture consultation raised some questions. My sister and I had the same treatment, and despite being very different health-wise, we were both told essentially the exact same diagnosis, which made the experience feel somewhat scripted. Another strange issue was the restaurants frequently being out of food, which seemed bizarre for a wellness resort. Several items were unavailable daily, and overall the food was mediocre at best, which was surprising given the reputation of the property. When I first arrived, I was honestly disappointed by how dilapidated and dated the property felt. But something shifted over the next few days. The peacefulness of the grounds, the jungle sounds, and the slower rhythm of the place slowly grew on me. By the end of the stay, I appreciated the serenity and natural beauty of the setting, even though the property clearly needs significant investment and remodeling. In short: Wonderful staff and a peaceful environment, but rooms that desperately need renovation, inconsistent food service, and a property that feels caught between old and new ownership. With the right updates, this place could be truly special again. PS. There should be zero children allowed!

Mar 2026

We have mixed feelings about our stay here, but ultimately our expectations for the Farm fell short. The cons: The reception did not answer our emails for one week, nor did they answer WhatsApp. This led to the room we were hoping to upgrade to being unavailable upon check-in, and not much was done to compensate this lack of service besides a free coffee. The service at the restaurants was lacking, with multiple employees standing around, having to ask for menus or the bill multiple times, drinks coming after food, and being billed wrongly for items. There also was hardly any vegan options at the breakfast, which was surprising given its a health retreat and breakfast is hosted in the all Vegan restaurant. The breakfast overall was quite bad for a resort of this price. For example, no coffees/lattes were offered to be made and there wasn’t milk alternatives available. The billing was messy, and we were quoted wrong at least 4 times. Twice in the restaurant, once in the spa, and once for the entire program inclusive. They also forgot to bill me for my program inclusive leading to having to retroactively sort this by international bank transfer. The organization of this hotel really needs work. The pros: Beautiful facilities and rooms, amazing treatments and service quality in the spa and wellness center, really responsive and helpful front team at the wellness center, and an overall really nice custom retreat experience! All of the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, like saying hello, remembering our names or getting a driver to take us up to view their organic farm which we really enjoyed. The complimentary wellness activities were also really nice and the whole stay was quite peaceful. We sincerely hope some changes are made and the reviews for this hotel improves, as we would love to come back some day if so.

Feb 2026

Our stay at The Farm at San Benito was a memorable experience and a beautiful way to celebrate 15 years of being together. We stayed for three nights, and from the moment we arrived, we felt an immediate sense of peace, intention, and luxury that stayed with us throughout our visit. The surroundings are lush and calming, creating the perfect environment to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with each other. Our accommodation was spacious, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed to support rest and wellness. Every detail felt purposeful, from the natural materials to the serene views that made each morning feel special. The wellness programs and treatments were excellent, offering a good balance of relaxation and gentle structure. The staff were consistently warm, attentive, and professional, making us feel cared for while respecting our privacy. The only downside worth noting is that the food, while beautifully prepared and nourishing, is on the expensive side. The quality is okay, but pricing may feel high for some guests. Overall, after three nights, we left feeling refreshed, grounded, and grateful. The Farm at San Benito is a unique retreat that creates meaningful memories and a deeper sense of well being we will always cherish.

Feb 2026