Amor Boutique Hotel

Set about 10-minutes from downtown Sayulita, Amor Boutique Hotel offers a tranquil, intimate atmosphere with gorgeous ocean views. The property feels more upscale than the majority of Sayulita’s lodging options, and it has a "romantic getaway" setting that appeals to couples by in large. The lobby is a tiny reception room with beautiful brick ceilings and stone accents. Amor Boutique’s “love” theme is immediately apparent, with heart-shaped artwork on the walls and red-and-white Otomi-print pillows on the lobby's loveseat and desk chairs, though the effect remains tasteful versus tacky. From here, the property spirals out following pathways and stone steps. (Stairways throughout the grounds makes this a tricky property for anyone with mobility issues). One annoying feature that breaks the mood a bit is the main road that runs through the middle of the property. It isn’t a busy street, but plenty of cars, motorcycles, and delivery trucks pass through during the day. 

Amor Boutique Hotel is located in a quiet area, about a 10-minute walk from the beach and downtown Sayulita. The location will appeal to travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but it might be a hassle for those who want to be in the center of the action. Sayulita is a small, charming beach town about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. Considered one of Mexico’s “pueblos magicos” (magic towns), Sayulita enchants travelers with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and storybook town squares. The town is also known for its abundant “papel picado,” colorful paper flags that are often strung between buildings. Sayulita attracts a young, bohemian surfer crowd, and it has a more rustic feel than Puerto Vallarta. The road conditions around town are horrendous, and driving is often comically inconvenient. Travelers with cars are better off parking their vehicles at their hotels, and walking to restaurants, shops, bars, and the beach. Because of Sayulita’s increasing popularity, many travelers lament that the town has become overrun with tourists. Those looking for a subdued setting might prefer the less crowded San Pancho (San Francisco), about a 10-minute drive north. The town of Sayulita, and Amor Boutique Hotel, are about 50-minutes from the airport in Puerto Vallarta.  

Each of Amor's 24 rooms is individually decorated with upscale Mexican-inspired decor that also has a bit of bohemian flair. Guests can expect exposed thatch work or boveda ceilings, canopied beds, colorful Otomi pillows, wall mounted tapestries, and hand-painted sink basins. Decor is eclectic, and every room feels uniquely curated. The property has several room types, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. The hotel’s one-bedroom villas are more like studios or standard hotel rooms, with one queen or king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom. Larger villas have separate bedrooms and living spaces, along with full kitchens and multiple bathrooms. In the larger villas, living rooms and kitchens are located outside beneath palapa-style coverings, so they’re not air-conditioned. Outdoor kitchens are a neat concept, but they’re not always practical for those trying to cook full meals (especially if it’s windy out). Larger villas are also equipped with stunning outdoor plunge pools. Guests should note that most bathrooms are open to the bedroom areas. Some have curtains, but their sheer fabric doesn’t provide much privacy. 

Those looking for a beach getaway may be disappointed by Amor Boutique Hotel. While the property is oceanfront, it doesn’t have direct beach access. There’s a tiny manmade plot of sand and a few lounge chairs, but the shoreline is too rocky for swimming. However, guests can take the hotel’s free surfboards and boogie boards into the water, as there’s a decent wave break not far from shore. The properties pools, however, are far more inviting. There's two at the center of its property, and they're both freeform and attractive. Located on a hill, the upper pool has an infinity edge that cascades into the smaller, lower pool. Both are surrounded by a few cushioned lounge chairs, and the atmosphere is generally quiet throughout the day. Next to the pool, there’s an open-air yoga pavilion where yoga classes are regularly hosted (for a fee). In terms of dining, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, O, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a gorgeous oceanfront setting. Wrought-iron table-and-chair sets are located alongside the water’s edge, beneath a canopy of leafy manzanilla trees. O serves a wide variety of cuisines, so guests can expect Mexican, American, and Italian specialities — including pizzas from a wood-burning pizza oven. The restaurant is most popular at breakfast time, but is rarely crowded for lunch or dinner. Though Amor Boutique doesn’t have a full-service spa, guests can book massages and facials at one of the property’s open-air palapas. Other perks include free parking and Wi-Fi.