Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita

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.

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.