Our first impression on entering Amuleto was one of being suspended in air, two hundred feet above Zihuatanejo Bay. There are only six guest suites in this charming boutique hotel, each oriented for a spectacular view and also total privacy. It is built into the side of the hill in an organic way, so the outdoor shower under the eaves of a palapa roof has a Garden of Eden feel to go with the view. The large overhead showerhead, by the way, is pure luxury.
Our room offered the option of air conditioning or a ceiling fan, which when we were there was sufficient. A set of screen doors open onto the patio complete with a decorative string hammock and a pair of lounge chairs and parasol. Other rooms have private plunge pools as well. The gourmet restaurant has sophisticated and imaginative interpretations of continental cuisine which shows the results of co-owner Neglia’s recent studies at the Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles.. Try as an appetizer Tuna Tartar with Orange-Beet Caviar and Arugula Salad or as a main course the Porcini Crusted Lamb Chops with Grilled Polenta, Morel Mushrooms and Goat Cheese Sauce. There is seating for more than thirty on the dining patio, but the placement of the tables around the flagstone garden produces a sense of space.
Don’t miss Neglia’s shop, which is stocked with LA fashion designers’ wares as well as her own designs under the name of Ticci Tonneto and Ticci Cabana. This exquisite boutique offers costume jewelry, straw hats, cotton tops and dresses, sandals, bags and organic skin products.
We have been going to Zihuatanejo since the ‘70s when it was a fishing town of about 4,000. Today the whole area has a population of something like 80,000 and architectural gems like Amuleto make the growth seem to be an improvement. Attention to detail and a helpful and friendly staff made Amuleto a real highlight of our time in Mexico.
Stayed January 2012,
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC