La Buena Vibra Wellness Resort and Spa — Hotel in Morelos

My fiancé and I stayed at La Buena Vibra twice. The first time (July 2021), we purchased the Experiencia Romance, and received such disappointing service that we were given a voucher for another stay. The second time (November 2021) was even worse than the first, resulting in violent food poisoning.

July 2021: The Experiencia Romance for 2 people guaranteed welcome canapés and drinks, a 3-course meal at La Cascada, and a couple’s massage, reflexology, body exfoliation, and vitality pool. I exchanged multiple emails and phone calls with Olivia Dorantes (reception) and Audi Gomez (spa) to confirm the hotel terms and spa booking and to pay for the package in advance.

Upon arrival, we were shown to a lovely Standard room. We were impressed by the hotel grounds, pools, and facilities. After settling in and waiting an hour, we inquired about why we had not received our welcome canapes. We called reception, who replied, “Oh, did you want those now?” Those being our WELCOME canapes and drinks? The food and drinks arrived 2 hours later.

That night, we woke up to the smell of smoke. In spite of the “No Smoking” signs plastered everywhere, another guest was smoking in the enclosed common area right outside our door. They apologized and left when we asked, but the receptionist didn’t even look up from their phone.

The next day, our spa appointments were scheduled to begin at 3pm. We called the spa at 1pm to confirm. To our bafflement, the spa receptionist replied that they had no record of us. They asked to schedule our 4-hour block of appointments for the following day (after our departure). We forwarded email record of booking to the receptionist, who—only after receiving “proof”—scrambled to squeeze us in. Fortunately, we were able to complete all the appointments nearly as planned, but not without stress.

Upon checkout, the receptionist asked us to scan a QR code to access a questionnaire about our stay. The QR code led to a dead link. As we waited for a physical copy of the questionnaire, another staff member handed us an invoice and asked us to pay the outstanding balance for the restaurant and spa. WHAT outstanding balance?! We had already paid the full amount 2 months earlier.

At this point, we asked to speak with a manager. Two supervisors listened politely and then offered us “drinks on the house” to make up for our disappointment. We declined because it was only 11am and we needed to drive home. We were then offered a 2-night stay with the purchase of 1 night’s stay, including a suite upgrade. We accepted this offer. In spite of the staff’s inattention, we had enjoyed the hotel and spa amenities, and we were hopeful that our experience was just an unlucky one (ha).

November 2021: Upon checking back into La Buena Vibra, we were told that the pool, spa, and restaurant hours had all been reduced--without warning. We were then shown to a sparsely furnished suite in a separate extremely loud/echoey building. We stopped by reception to ask if they could send a waiter to attend to us at the pool. After 2 hours, the waiter still hadn't arrived, so we left.

Unlike our first visit, our dinner experience with La Cascada was subpar. Nobody came to take our order for 20 minutes, and the food quality had declined. Two hours after the meal, my fiancé began to feel ill with severe indigestion.

The following morning, my fiancé vomited 3 times and developed a fever. We canceled our day's plans, as my fiancé was too weak to move. We called reception to ask if they had any thermometers/medicine available, and they replied, “No, but we can call a taxi for you to go get medicine yourself.” WHAT?! How could a hotel--during a pandemic--not have ANY medicine or thermometers available?

Three days after checkout, the indigestion and brain-fog from our food poisoning at La Cascada persisted. What persists now is a deep dissatisfaction and disappointment with a hotel that supposedly prizes itself on relaxation, service, and elegance. Contrary to their marketing materials, you won’t find any of those things at La...

It isn’t easy to describe how gorgeous and incredibly peaceful and uplifting this destination is. It is clear as day though that the jungle vibes and cultural atmosphere there provoke a very deep sense of healing! During my journey, scouting Tepoztlán for the perfect center to host an International wellness function, I found myself here soaking up so much serenity. There are many noteworthy Teachers of several modalities and disciplines that have acquired a lifetime of profound practical knowledge to share with students, and I witnessed them doing so humbly. It is remarkable to see strong Women and Men developing their practice and doing ‘the good work’ of the world. There are only a few critical thoughts I suggest for improvement. I would love to see this location taking immense pride in curating an Essential Vegan/Plant Based Menu (which will also contribute to local Farmers maintaining market, harvests, and secure sustainable futures). The service can be improved by making sure every Worker is appreciated so they can emit that Joy to the Guests. Next time I am in town to make my determinations I will again visit the restaurant and I would like to be seated within 3 minutes of my arrival and I would like to have a Menu and option for beverage within 1 minute of being seated. I would like to be asked by the Server immediately if I have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. In the past I’ve assumed what was presented at the table was one thing when it really was another and I almost ended up in an emergency room because I was not carrying my Epi-Pen with me. I would like for the Server to announce any menu item that is served so my table mates and myself can all be educated and I would like for all the food to be delivered as close to the same time as possible. I would love to see the Servers with Joy in their eyes as it translates into the experience for the Guests. In service work, the bottom Man/Woman needs to be treated well and provided with living and loving wages so that She/He can share that security with the Guests. I would like to be checked up on more frequently, just a slight pick up in pace. The Pool is so serene and the Jacuzzi could be a tiny bit warmer but those are quick fixes. I would like to see Juice options at the pool. The overall vibe here had me feeling hypnotized the whole time and I still will highly recommend staying in this location for at least 5-7 days to get the full experience. Hustling ain’t easy and neither is Detoxing so finding this location (hopefully to accommodate a function of 200 persons) has been Godsend. I can’t wait to return to get the final approval for drafting our first contract and enjoy more of this place that oddly...

I chose La Beuna Vibra for the great reviews and the fact that it had a gym and pool big enough to swim laps. I’ll return for many reasons, but chiefly three.

Tepoztlan is know for its nature and it’s energy, and LBV is in the heart of the jungle at the foot of the mountains. One is serenaded at night by a gentle chorus of wildlife, and one awakes to the sound of stillness and the view of mist receding from the stunning face of the stone cliffs that border property. There are plenty of lovely hotels in ‘Tepoz’ Centro, but if you’re traveling for tranquility, LBV is the best choice. The Mercado, artisan shops and restaurants taxis are only a 10 minute / 60 peso taxi away.

The property looks beautiful in photos, but no photography could do justice to the care and intricacy of the buildings and landscaping. To walk around the property is to be simultaneously rooted in the spirit of Tepoz and also transported through the vision and imagination of the people who created it. This property alone is a reason to visit Tepoz.

Which brings me to the third and most important reason I’ll return: the people. Every member of staff is warm, attentive and charming. With the notion of luxury hospitality comes a certain expectation of competency, but LBV exceeds these expectations to a astonishing degree. To wit, on this rainy morning of my (very early) departure the security guard on duty brought an umbrella and left it open at my door. Thoughtfulness like this is inherent in some, but it’s generally imbued by leadership, in this case Paul and Tanya. Tanya had her first experience in Tepoz in 2006 and thereafter bought a small property. Fueled by Tanya’s vision, the couple turned the modest initial investment in a neglected plot of land into the sprawling, integrated, meticulously landscaped estate that it is today. I had the good fortune to meet Paul and hear their story firsthand. He’s a lovely guy, and I could see after our short chat why the team at LBV are so exceptional. He and Tanya lead by example.

I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone at the hotel (especially the patient young woman who willed a taxi into existence this morning when the heavy rain caused several to cancel - I made my flight!), I wish everyone good health and an easy and swift transition back to normalcy, and I look forward to returning...