From the street, you’d never guess what’s behind Amari’s gates. Step through those curved, shell-like metal doors and the noise of Sayulita fades into the sound of water: four waterfalls, koi ponds and a tropical garden that feels miles from town, even though the beach is about a three-minute walk away.

We asked the team behind Amari Boutique Hotel how it came to be, what makes it different and which suite is right for which kind of traveler.

From Hawaiʻi’s North Shore to Sayulita

Amari’s story starts long before Sayulita. One of its founders, known to friends as “Sunshine,” grew up barefoot on Oʻahu’s North Shore, surrounded by jungle, flowers and butterflies, in a quieter, greener Hawaiʻi deeply connected to the land.

That early belief that people are part of nature, not separate from it, followed her to San Diego and the California–Mexico border, then through years of travel in rural Mexico and the countryside of Oaxaca.

Along the way, the founders also saw what happens when beautiful places get overdeveloped and lose what made them special. Amari grew from a wish to protect some of that spirit: a place where architecture and nature work together.

The name blends two Spanish words: mar (the sea) and amar (to love).

The Feeling of “Expansive Protection”

Ask the team what sets Amari apart and they’ll describe a feeling: expansive protection.

“We hope Amari offers something like a reset for the nervous system, especially amid the lively, sometimes chaotic energy of Sayulita,” they told us.

Guests feel sheltered and secure, but never closed in. The design leans into soft curves, natural materials and handmade pieces from artisans across Mexico. At its center is a preserved 1970s Mexican home, opened up to the gardens around it.

Their short version: “a lush, distinctly Mexican sanctuary of barefoot luxury, natural beauty and expansive calm.”

Made by Hand, On Site

Finding the right furniture proved difficult, so Amari’s builder suggested setting up a carpentry workshop right on the property. Beds, cabinets and doors were all built there, reinterpreting traditional Mexican designs with a sculptural touch. Some pieces were made from storm-felled wood.

The team’s favorite example is the Palapa Room: traditional palapa architecture, stone floors from Durango, sweeping views and furniture crafted either in the on-site workshop or by artisans in Guadalajara.

Wellness at Your Own Pace

There’s no fixed schedule here. A wellness day might mean a sauna and cold plunge after a morning at the beach, a slow walk through the gardens, birdwatching from your suite and golden hour by the pool.

For more structure, private yoga, Pilates and massage sessions with local practitioners can be arranged on request.

Not staying at Amari? Visitors can book private sessions or use the wellness facilities when space allows. These are arranged individually rather than offered as daily access.

Built to Be Self-Sufficient

Amari runs on its own 450-foot well, a priority for reliable, clean water during Sayulita’s dry season. The property also:

• Reuses greywater from sinks and showers to water the gardens
• Uses solar energy and LED lighting
• Relies on shade, cross-ventilation and tinted windows to stay cool with less air conditioning
• Offers refillable water stations, composting and biodegradable cleaning products

The gardens double as habitat for birds and pollinators.

The Gardens

Arriving at Amari is a gradual journey. Curved stairs lead from reception into the original 1970s home, where guests often stop on the patio to take in the gardens below. From there, the path winds past the saltwater pool, sauna and cold plunge to the heart of the property: the koi ponds and waterfalls.

“Sometimes, true luxury is having the freedom to do very little and enjoy it completely,” the team says.

Which Suite Is Right for You?

Each suite at Amari has its own personality. Here’s a quick guide:

Families Welcome

Amari isn’t adults-only. Kids love exploring the gardens, fountains, waterfalls and pool, and connecting suites and sleeper sofas make it easy for families to stay together. The team also hosts plenty of couples, solo travelers and groups of women drawn to the property’s softness and calm.

It’s also a nice balance to town. Enjoy Sayulita’s restaurants, beaches and nightlife, then come back to somewhere quiet.

Warm, Unpretentious Hospitality

Guests often mention manager Oswaldo by name. For the team, great hospitality comes down to small, genuine details: a beautifully prepared room, fresh towels and water, and a warm welcome from someone who loves what he does. The owners are often on property too.

“Warm, attentive, unpretentious and distinctly Mexican” is how they describe it.

Local Secrets (Some of Them)

At check-in, guests get Amari’s digital guide and interactive map of the team’s favorite spots, from a coffee shop just steps from the gate to hidden beaches reached by a short hike. The best ones, they say, you’ll have to stay to find out.

Their one must-do before you leave Sayulita: watch a sunset from start to finish. Stay past the moment the sun disappears, when the sky and water often turn violet and purple.

Plan Your Stay

Amari Boutique Hotel: https://www.sayulitalife.com/rentals/amari-hotel