Tokipa at Punta Sayulita

It's been several weeks since my weekend stay at Tokipa, and I am still dreaming about it. Nestled on a quiet cliff just north of Sayulita is a private residential neighborhood called Punta Sayulita. Tokipa is located within Punta Sayulita, so when giving directions to Uber or speaking to a taxi driver in Sayulita, always mention Punta Sayulita. Once you reach the security gate, you can ask the security personnel to direct your driver to Tokipa. The drive up is VERY hilly and bumpy, which may be intimidating on your first ride up or down. There are no signs directing you to Tokipa, but staff are available along the way to assist your driver. A taxi ride to and from town costs around $250 pesos or less, taking approximately 10 minutes each way. Keep in mind that it takes the taxi around 15-20 minutes to reach Tokipa, so plan accordingly.

As described, Tokipa is truly one of a kind, offering breathtaking views of the jungle, beach, and ocean. During our stay, we occupied room 1C, one of the closest rooms to the ocean but furthest down the cliff, resulting in the longest trek to and from the top. Although this didn't bother us, please consider this when booking, as the stairs down are steep. I would not recommend this place for those with a fear of heights, bad knees, or a distaste for occasional bugs. There are rooms closer to the top of the hill that require less walking. Wear comfortable shoes when walking around the property, it is mostly cobblestone.
Admittedly, I had anticipated a more grand entrance upon arrival at Tokipa. However, there is no traditional "lobby" at Tokipa, and we did not receive a welcome drink or any personalization for my birthday. Considering the price we paid, I had expected a bit more in terms of amenities and special touches, but I understand.

The room itself was spacious, though we encountered some issues with our door and shower drain, which didn't bother us much. Another review mentioned a musty smell in the rooms, which I also noticed initially but either became accustomed to or dissipated over time. During the day, the rooms cannot be seen into, but at night, they are visible from outside, so remember to close your window blinds for privacy.

The highlight of this property is undoubtedly the beach club (10 min walk from Tokipa) and its staff. Rafael, Nata, Jorge, the manager from MXC, and the chef provide top-notch service and are eager to assist with any needs. The beach club exudes a serene and luxurious ambiance, reminiscent of other 5-star resorts I have visited around the world. The food at XOTU surpassed that of most places in town, though it may not be the cheapest option. We even indulged in a massage while listening to the ocean waves.

Many of the guests we encountered mentioned that they have been visiting this property for years, while others admitted initial hesitation due to the limited reviews. However, upon arrival, they were delighted and hoped that this hidden gem wouldn't become too well-known. Similarly, I hope the word doesn't spread too far, but I also believe that the staff deserves recognition for their exceptional service and hospitality.

Book Tokipa if you desire an exclusive, eco-chic, tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of town. Be sure to set aside some time to indulge at XOTU and acquaint yourself with the exceptional staff who truly make the experience memorable. They are truly amazing individuals. We are eagerly looking forward to our next visit and plan to bring along a group of friends to share in the experience.

I am not usually one to write a lengthy review...but I have to share this experience...our honeymoon at Topika in Sayulita was far from the romantic getaway we envisioned. Despite a seemingly pleasant welcome from the manager, Rafael, our excitement turned to horror when the kitchenette silverware drawer revealed an infestation of ANTS and MAGGOTS! Rafael apologized and promised a quick fix, but the subsequent "cleaning" with tons of RAID was a nightmare, leaving a nauseating odor and a disturbing scene of dead insects all over our room.

Attempting to salvage our honeymoon, we unpacked, only to encounter a MASSIVE BLACK LIZARD on the WALL of our BEDROOM within minutes!! Despite Rafael's promise of a refund, the owners are now refusing it. Our 5-night stay, lasting only 15 minutes, has become a financial burden. Topika's disregard for guests' well-being has us questioning the integrity of the establishment. We strongly caution against choosing Topika, as our honeymoon turned into a nightmare we wouldn't wish on anyone.