This Relais & Chateaux resort, which opened in 2010, is impeccably luxurious and has you feeling as though you have entered your own private jungle reserve upon arrival. Situated in Punta de Mita and less than 30 minutes from Sayulita, Imanta Resort sits among 250 acres of jungle, mountains and beach and has a “no neighbors” concept. Trees and stone that covered the acreage were not moved from the property to build the resort but instead incorporated into the resort. The outdoor walkways are carved from the original stone, beautiful stone sculptures can be found hidden throughout the property and inside one of the luxurious suites is a gorgeous stone bathtub centerpiece. Instead of moving the giant boulder during construction of the hotel, it was polished into a shiny stone bathtub.

While this amazing resort focuses mostly on a clientele of couples, families with older children will find this to be an excellent, over-the-top luxurious place to stay in Mexico. The suites feature private pools and the multi-room casas and tree house are ideal for larger families.

Teens will love to explore the jungle on a hike or mountain bike or go snorkeling or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. The onsite restaurants (one of which is directly on the beach) feature amazing cuisine. The observatory high in the sky features outstanding sunset views and the expansive beach and calm Pacific Ocean waters will have the whole family relaxing instantly in the Mexico sun.

Each suite and casa is unique at Imanta and features amazing jungle, mountain or beach views and its own unique name. There are no room keys at the resort unless requested. The doors are able to lock from the inside, but the resort is so secure (and there are safes in each room) that they don't believe there is a need for keys.

There are 10 one-bedroom suites and two three-bedroom casas. All of the rooms feature high ceilings and there are always three doors in every room. The large, sliding glass balcony doors also feature screen sliding doors so you can enjoy the sounds of the sea without letting in any bugs. But with the large expansive glass doors and windows, you don't have to worry about the sun waking you up in the morning because giant bamboo doors create complete blackout darkness in the rooms. The lighting alone in the rooms will have kids pushing buttons all day! The lighting is designed with a purpose and each button offers a different mood, in a different portion of your room.

There is a coffeemaker and fully stocked mini-fridge in suites that features snacks and beverages and is replenished daily at no additional cost. The flat-screen televisions are often hidden inside furniture so you can unplug if you desire and the electrical outlets, while there are plenty, are also hidden by design. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

The décor is mostly of stone and wood and all placed by hand. Outdoor concrete floors on the terrace are imprinted with a variety of leafs to create natural texture. There is a private pool in nearly every suite as well, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Casas

The three-bedroom Casas or villas, which can sleep six people, feature two master bedrooms with a king bed that are connected by a swimming pool. The third bedroom is smaller and can feature either one king or two double beds and is recommended for children. In a separate palapa connected to the Casa is an open-air living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen. This area overlooks the pool down below that connects the two master bedrooms. The Casas are ideal for families visiting Imanta. A personal chef can also be included in your Casa for an additional charge.

Tree House

The Tree House is an architectural marvel situated high in the mountainside somewhat removed from the rest of the resort. The three-story home can accommodate a family of four and is almost entirely open to the mountain and ocean views. Don't worry, though -- even though the Tree House looks like an actual resort-sized tree house, it does feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi and television. The Tree House also features its own private beach area and a natural waterfall that flows into ponds and creates a private pool. Families seeking a unique hotel experience will want to request the Tree House when visiting Imanta.

Pools and Observatory

Nearly every suite features its own private pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. The Observatory, the centerpiece which stands high above the resort, is accessible near the lobby. Guests can climb the stone stairs to the top, where you are welcomed by breathtaking, 360-degree views of the entire property, from mountains to jungle to beach. Sunset is the best time to visit the Observatory, of course! There is a small bar situated at the Observatory, as well as a small infinity pool and lounge chairs.

Beach

The beaches are large and essentially private at Imnata. All Mexico beaches are public; however, Imanta is perfectly situated between mountains and rocky cliffs making it nearly impossible to have anyone but Imanta guests found on the beach. The white sand is wide and the Pacific Ocean waters are calm (again because much of the surf is blocked by the rocky cliffs).

There is a restaurant on the beach and restrooms and showers can be found here as well. There are daybeds and lounge chairs and plenty of umbrellas for shade. The spa is also situated not far from the beach. If your suite happens to be situated a bit far from the sand, hotel golf carts are available to transport guests to the beach.

Turtle Releases

During the summer months, the resort releases the baby sea turtles that have nested on its beaches back into the water. The turtle releases happen almost daily in season.

Hike

A complimentary hike occurs daily at 11 a.m. and takes families through the expansive jungle reserve. The hour-long, guided hike will have guests marveling at the flora and fauna of the jungle, along with the many species of birds. Hiking shoes or sneakers are recommended.

Adventure Tours

The resort offers several onsite and offsite adventures and tours for an additional cost. Some of the tours include kayaking, snorkeling, yoga, fishing, surfing, whale watching, mountain biking, horseback riding and canopy ziplining tours.

Tzamaika Ocean Grill

This beach restaurant under a palapa is situated directly in the sand and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Walk only a few steps from your beach lounge chair in the sun to enjoy a delicious lunch of freshly caught seafood, ceviche and authentic Mexican dishes. The casual beach restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with an impeccable ocean view only steps away from your table.

Tukipa

Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating this dinner-only restaurant features amazing ocean views from high in the jungle. The seasonal menu changes to reflect the freshest and most local of ingredients, and seafood is the highlight. Dress is resort casual.

All About the Extras

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Boutique
An onsite boutique is situated near the entrance of the resort and features clothing and sundries you may have forgotten at home.

Fitness Center
A large fitness center, which overlooks the ocean, features cardio and weight machines.

The Best Time to Visit

This resort is at its busiest from November through the Easter holiday in March or April. April and May tend to be wedding season at Imanta when the entire resort is booked out for the wedding party and guests. Summer months are slower with, guests as well as hot and humid. Rainy season runs from about July through September.

Getting There

The Puerto Vallarta International Airport is located less than an hour away from the resort. Taxi services and rental cars are easily accessible at the airport.

Getting Around

The resort is situated within the jungle and nature has not been disturbed here wherever possible. Outdoor walkways and stairs feature natural, misshapen and uneven stone. Toddlers or young children would find the resort difficult to navigate and strollers would not fare well here.

Guests can call for a golf cart to take them to the beach or anywhere in the property, but the beach and restaurants are not far from most of the suites. There are no elevators at the resort.

For Mom and Dad

Spa
The adults will marvel at this amazing outdoor spa, situated just steps away from the beach area. A variety of treatments are available, including massages and facials, but what makes this spa better than all the rest is that it's entirely within nature. You are in the jungle, in the trees and with nature during your spa experience. There is no need for ambient music during your spa treatments because the sounds of the ocean and breeze through the trees brings instant relaxation to anyone who enters.