Imanta Resort

This was our third time to Imanta, a fabulous secluded resort that lives on a mountain surrounded by jungle. It is one-of-a-kind and would be rated 5-star if only they updated the resort since it opened in 2010. We stayed at the Aye suite (there are only ten suites and two villas) which I think is their best suite right off the ocean. So close in fact, you can hear the thunderous waves 24/7 which makes for the best sleeping. The suite is sparse with hardly any amenities (only hand lotion provided in the bathroom) and mini fridge has a few bottles of water, soda and one Snickers bar. However, it is spacious and the shower features a view of the ocean with a window that opens. This suite also features an outdoor shower. The beach is on the small side with crashing waves in the morning and where breakfast and lunch are served. Food is very good here along with service that can't be beat. Steps away is the outdoor spa (literally, no roof here) and you can enjoy outdoor massages and facials. The major disappointment is the gym which I have asked senior management on my both previous visits to update. No treadmill, no spinning bike, no yoga mats and free weights that only go to 35#. It's terrible to say the least. There are two small pools, neither one is used during the day as they are far from the beach. Miguel is the new chef who oversees the beach and main restaurant. As mentioned earlier, both breakfast and lunch are excellent. Dinner menu is a work in progress and needs refinement. We ordered from the lunch menu prior and service and food quality was mediocre. There is a lot of potential here. Most amazing about Imanta is their prices. Suites are half the price of name brand nearby resorts and food prices are less than half. Most likely the original owner, Juan Sahagun, created Imanta for his family and "extended" family so he kept prices more than affordable. Alas, it was with very sad news that we learned Juan passed away two weeks prior and Imanta is now run by his wife, Christine. I think Christine will eventually sell the resort and a high-end name will buy it, update it and double the rates. In the meantime, if you can skip the gym, book now while the season is hot and enjoy all the splendor of Imanta in it's original charm.

My wife and I just came back from a 4 day stay at Imanta. This is the best getaway we have ever experienced, and we travel a lot. We were introduced through a 20 minute drive through thick jungle, and were met by two friendly employees at a covered cabana with fresh fruit drinks and wet washcloths. We were driven around the property in a golf cart and shown the amenities. It is off the grid where we were surrounded by pristine beaches and lush jungle. We were given amazing attention, and received customer service with a complete band of excellence. The facilities, natural beauty and friendly nature of the staff set a bar that no other place will ever beat. Christian Flores, Paulina, Joey, Marisol, Oswal, Alan, Luis, and the other staff were beyond amazing. The villas were our own oasis that could not have been better. We checked out as different people than we arrived as- due to complete stress reduction. And each meal was fresh, tasty and gourmet. We are already looking at our calendars for the next visit.

Imanta is one of the few places we have returned to for multiple trips. It is a wonderfully relaxing couples escape. The grounds are nicely maintained but hang on to some natural feel. The beach is beautiful with ample privacy given the rocks at both ends. The ocean was refreshing and ideal for a quick dip. Everyone who works there was helpful and friendly. We find it very easy to escape reality while we are here. My only complaint is that getting into Punta Mita or Sayulita is easy but more expensive than you would think.

Girlfriend and I stayed for four nights at Imanta, in room Wadeka. The rooms are close to the beach where at night you are lulled to sleep to the sounds of gentle waves. The landscape was maintained to feel as if you were actually navigating through a jungle, which we loved. The staff were rockstars and attentive to each of our requests, and went above and beyond to make sure our anniversary dinner was perfect (even after we finished the meal). Its also worth noting that the chef is top notch, and made one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever had. Please do not miss out on eating at the restaurant! I highly recommend taking the hike to monkey mountain, enjoying a Suero Imanta (non-alcoholic), and requesting a massage at the spa. The resort had no issues coordinating a ride for us into town when we wanted to explore the surrounding area (Bucerias, Puerto Vallarta, etc.). If all you did was lay out by the beach, enjoy the continental breakfast, and stare at the ocean this would easily be a top notch experience. I didn’t mention how amazing the rooms are but I hope you get a chance to see for yourself.

Immanta was a very unique experience. The place is magical in the middle of the jungle. The room was beyond fantastic, we stayed in the deluxe jungle villa with a private pool. The staff was very friendly and they accommodated my vegan dietary needs. It was a fantastic experience, highly recommend for a special quiet getaway.