Imanta Resort Punta de Mita

As you wind your way by car just a few miles north of the Four Seasons Punta Mita and the St. Regis Punta Mita, the roads begins to wind and the foliage grows thicker.  I only really remember about that short drive that we took a left off the highway and then a few other quick turns, passing through two guard gates.  Honestly I was too busy staring straight up out the windows of the car wondering if indeed I was in the jungle?  Affirmative, I decided as I exited the car upon arrival to the gorgeous, boutique and just five years old Imanta Resort.

Imanta is definitely different, but in the best possible way.  It uses its lush jungle and position perched high atop a cliff to its very best advantage.  There is no official lobby or check-in desk, instead, this routine task is performed very informally atop the hill by the small restaurant, where a few tables are scattered about the deck overlooking the sea.  Do not let me downplay the dining, however.  Imanta just became a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group last year, meaning it is now a member of the elite society of gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels and villas around the world (and it is one of 3 R&C properties in Mexico).  So basically, the accommodations AND the food are amazing.

The property itself is made up of 250 jungle-y acres, all of which were visible from that highest point containing the main restaurant and the Observatorio bar and lounge area.   Rodrigo, the Director of Sales, kept pointing out hills, “See that?  That is Imanta.”  And then the hilltop in the opposite direction.  “That’s Imanta, too!”  All of these lush acres for (currently) just ten 1-bedroom suites (of which half have private pools) and two 3-bedroom villas.  A few private homes are in the works to be built.  The largest and most luxurious 3-bedroom villa is called Casa Jaguar.  It was hard to pick my jaw up off the floor when checking out these immense 10,000 square foot digs.. comprised of not just 3 bedrooms, but a family room, a rooftop terrace with jacuzzi, immaculate kitchen, and all topped off by a 65-foot-long infinity edge lap pool.  I am fairly certain that you could not do better than “Casona Jaguar” if you desire a unique hideaway for a small celebration, honeymoon, or extended family getaway.  Or even better.. buy out the entire property for a special event!

It is true there is no kids club here (children under age 12 are not allowed), no nightclubs, no party.  But I felt the romance and the sense of place about Imanta.  The winding pathways to the secluded accommodations are best maneuvered by golf cart (or feel free to hike for a great workout!) and the jungle trees seems to grow together over the pathways as if they are trying to keep you in all cozy at Imanta (which I would be totally fine with).  If you tire of relaxing in your suite, swimming in your private pool, or soaking in your huge bathtub carved out of a boulder (as in the Werika suite, which also includes a private pool), you may always make your way down to the beach for some swimming, or to the spa for a massage in one of its open-air treatment rooms.  The boho surfing town of Sayulita is just a half hour north of here as well.  Imanta’s is sexy, secluded and it’s beauty still haunts me.  I hope to be able to return one day!

I am especially thrilled to be able to offer my clients the following complimentary value-added amenities at Imanta:

• Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• A complimentary dinner for up to two people per room
  • once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
• For 5 or more nights:
  • two complimentary 60 minute massages per room, once during the stay will be provided. (Massages exclude hot-stone massage and other spa treatments such as facials, manicure or pedicure)
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability