Whether you’re looking for a majestic wedding set on a sun-kissed coast or a secluded and sensual honeymoon spot that boasts the luxury of a five-star resort nestled in the beauty of undisturbed hilltops—these resort options, along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, offer all you need and more. Fully equipped to cater to the most elegant and adventurous visitors, all offer accommodations large enough to keep a host of guests and a wedding party and small enough to allow honeymooners a private paradise all their own. Here, you’ll find the villa, casa or bungalow best suited to your ideal wedding experience. You’ll be sure to discover a truly distinctive marriage of the exotic and comfortable, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
Imanta Resorts
Imanta, set on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit in Punta de Mita, is the ideal in sustainable luxury living. Opened in March, the resort is defined by its roots in the beauty of the natural landscape. The five one-bedroom casas, each with private deck and pool, and two two-bedroom casonas, fully equipped with living area, kitchen, private pool, dining area, outdoor deck and private terrace, are all crafted from boulders native to the hillsides. Each free-standing, ocean-view accommodation melds with the topography of the nature preserve so well that one can hardly be seen from the next, affording honeymooners premier privacy.
But don’t be fooled by the tranquil atmosphere, the resort, a short 45 minutes to one hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, is easily accessible to travelers and offers a wealth of activities and fine dining options on site. Guided kayak and hiking tours, led by expert biologists and tour guides well-versed in the jungle and marine life, offer the chance to explore the wilder side of the coast.
For a distinct and rejuvenating adventure of a different sort, Imanta offers yoga in unparalleled settings throughout the jungle, casonas and flora reserve. Even the resort’s full spa facility, specializing in pre-Hispanic treatments, can be enjoyed in-room or in private pavilions beachside, to spice up the ultimate in relaxation with a little local flavor.
Like the architecture and adventure, the cuisine at Imanta aims to accentuate and preserve the beautiful natural setting that makes this resort an experience all its own. Both the casual dining option, Catch of the Day, and the more formal dining alternative, Tukipa, highlight the natural setting with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood, locally grown organic produce and exotic fruits from local orchards. Surrounded by so many fresh farm-to-table treats, diners can’t leave without tasting such staple local delicacies as Chiles en Nogada, Agua Chile (shrimp ceviche) and Pescado Sarandeado (fish fillet with a special barbecue sauce). To whet appetites and quench curiosity, guests can look first to Observatorio, the resort’s rooftop terrace, serving up cocktails at sunset set-off by a sweeping 360-degree view of jungle and ocean. For a more intimate meal, private dinners are available by the beach, in the jungle, or in the comfort of a casa or casona.
Whether a serene beachside massage, an exotic jungle tour or dinner for two on an oceanfront terrace, Imanta offers the ultimate personalized escape.
imantaresorts.com
Costa Careyes
Founded in 1968 by Italian artist and architect Gian Franco Brignone, Costa Careyes boasts natural and architectural eye candy that is a blend of Italian sensuality and the untarnished color and life of the local coast. The romantic mix of Mexican and Mediterranean aesthetics makes Careyes a paradise unlike any other. But the enchanting, secluded coast is more than a visually stunning backdrop for newfound marital bliss. Careyes offers castles, villas, casitas and bungalows—providing the perfect range of accommodations to play host to the most intimate honeymoon or a full-scale bridal bash complete with onsite wedding ceremony and reception.
The three castles are fully staffed with butler, chef, maids and turn down service sure to guarantee the epitome in stress-free escape. The castles sprawl over three prime oceanfront properties, providing—depending on your castle of choice—personal infinity pools, private beaches, six-eight bedrooms and helipad. Suffice to say, with everything but a moat at your disposal, the castles ensure the peak of privacy and a luxurious experience worlds away from ordinary.
The villas are similarly well-staffed and designed for escape at a price a little more down to earth. Each of the five secluded villas offers a panoramic hilltop view, nestled neatly in the landscape of the coast. With three to five bedrooms, each villa has personal beach access and pool. For a less secluded stay, or for those looking to accommodate a full wedding party and guests, the Casitas de las Flores is a small village of casitas, brought to life by gardens of flowering tropical plants and vibrant color characteristic of local architecture. Many of the casitas have pools or jacuzzis located on ocean view terraces and all have access to the beach and private beach club below. Finally, the three bungalows offer a more low maintenance chic, the crème of barefoot beach luxury.
The resort offers an array of activities, on land and sea, including a world-renowned golf course and spa. For those inclined to take a more intimate tour of the jungle and beach, the resort offers horseback riding through both exotic locales. The same mixtures of beach and jungle, land and sea, are reflected in the eclectic cuisine. From the Playa Rosa Restaurant, known for its carpaccio and the undeniably intriguing lobster quesadilla, to the more traditional Polo Grill at the Polo Club, serving up such heart-healthy standbys as steak and tequila. In addition, there are a number of local seafood restaurants that can be found a short distance from the resort.
In all, the grounds can accommodate a total of 300 guests. With only 15-25 days of rain a year and bright sunlight tempered by mild ocean breezes, Careyes plays host to a number of weddings and special events. Somewhere between the sloped green hilltops and the blushing private beaches, Careyes offers a setting both wedding and honeymoon appropriate that’s never short on options, whether you’re searching for a perfectly private castle or a little more color in a casita.
careyes.com
El Careyes Beach Resort
Located in Costa Careyes, El Cayeres is designed to recall the coast of Portofino, Italy. The Resort presents a mixture of Mediterranean-style rooftops and bright colors against the backdrop of local jungle, natural local hardwood and vividly painted textiles native to Mexico. El Careyes Beach Resort is an intimate boutique hotel comprised of 48 rooms and suites.
Beyond the 19 basic resort view rooms, El Careyes offers 10 junior suites, complete with jacuzzi or pool and ocean view. For those seeking further privacy, the garden suites open onto personal courtyard gardens and outdoor pool and patio. The larger suits come complete with living and kitchen areas, terrace, garden, and pool overlooking the ocean. For a longer stay, the resort offers three casitas with two to three bedrooms, dining area, terrace, and kitchen.
Not quite so secluded, El Careyes still promises all of the luxuries of its Costa Careyes neighbors. Not short on standard beach and water activities, El Cayeres also boasts an impressive fishing roster abundant in tuna, dorado, sierra and sailfish. Another popular pastime is whale watching, from December to May.
The bronzed terra cotta roofs of rooms look out over spa, tennis courts, private beach and the meandering infinity pool that’s the centerpiece of the resort. La Lantana, the resort’s feature fine dining location, strives to showcase the many flavors of local cuisine. Set by the pool for elegant outdoor or patio candlelit dining, La Lantana’s menu changes daily to reflect the freshest in local ingredients and serves up an array of Mexican and international cuisine.
Four uniquely crafted menus are available for an intimate dinner for two, by the pool, beach or in the room or suite. Complete with personal waiter and chef, these menus promise such traditional local delicacies as tres leches cakes (cake of three milks) with a touch of cognac alongside seafood favorites such as lobster, fresh fish and jumbo prawns. The bar at La Lantana, facing the Pacific, serves the best in exotic cocktails and a full wine list. So, a twist on the traditional cocktail, uniquely crafted dinner for two or fresh local fare, all can be enjoyed from the comfort of one of many oversized Careyes beds that line the bar and look out over the ocean coastline.
elcareyeshotel.com
