Contemporary Style and Sustainable Design and Architecture

One&Only Mandarina, situated atop lush, coastal cliffs within Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit coastline, is a modern architectural masterpiece, blending low-density contemporary style and sustainable design and architecture with unrivalled seclusion and adventurous atmosphere. Positioned under the emerald canopy of the awe-inspiring coastal rainforest lapping against the warm Pacific Ocean, One&Only Mandarina is an ultra-luxury beachfront sanctuary stretched across a 33-hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, just 45 minutes from Punta Mita.

With each arrival, guests are welcomed by the ring of a suspended cast bronze gong, subtly echoing across the pavilion to notify the resort team of new arrivals. One&Only Mandarina commissioned Mexico-based Grez family group of artisans, who have been manufacturing bells and religious articles for cathedrals throughout the Mexican Republic for more than 60 years, to custom-make this piece. Upon entering the resort, guests are greeted by a majestic ancient Higuera tree, the ‘guardian’ of the resort, and the breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. The arrival experience is designed as an open-air, outdoor living space centred around a glistening black pool, mirroring the reflection of Higuera’s leafy canopy and bright sky beyond, while creating a moment of heightened immersion with Mandarina and its rich and unique history. Reminiscent of the open porches of traditional Mexican haciendas, the outdoor living area features cosy woven settees and cradling rocking chairs made of Mexican tropical woods, such as Parota and Teak, welcoming guests to lounge while gazing into the lush and vibrant natural surroundings. To complete the arrival experience, celebrated Mexican workshop Fervor created a grand three-piece artwork display, utilising the ancient technique of gold leaf foil, while fusing geometry and abstract contemporary art.   

Nestled amidst rich biodiversity with tropical rainforest, twin-mountain peaks, and calm, swimmable beaches, One&Only Mandarina was thoughtfully planned, utilising intelligent and resource-efficient architecture as well as sustainable practices to blend with the nature and honour the resort’s commitment to local communities. Botany experts were consulted throughout the design and construction process to preserve the land as well respect the historic and ecological significance of the natural habitat. As resort guests become immersed in the surrounding nature, from the ocean to volcanic mountains, these unspoilt vistas are framed against contemporary architecture designed to embrace the dramatic setting, rather than reshape it. Open structures capture natural light, filtered through the towering trees, while traditional Mexican design elements are reimagined, including pitched roofs with large overhangs, a nod to local palapas featuring modern, luxury design. Earthen walls emerge from the ground with low visual impact, inspired by the historic buildings once constructed on the site by the Cora, an indigenous settlement in the Western Central Mexico, who covered their buildings in earthen plaster.

Hidden between the verdant rainforest and untouched coastline, One&Only Mandarina is an all-villa resort with 105 luxurious standalone Treehouses and ocean-facing Villas perched cliffside amongst the trees, all designed by Studio Rick Joy. Accommodations boast holistic interior and exterior elements intended for indoor and outdoor living with spectacular views of the Pacific Coast, featuring private plunge pools and terraces, floor to ceiling windows, glass walls and expansive bathrooms – all framing the natural surroundings and welcoming in the light and shadows filtered through the trees and reflected by the water.

Constructed with clay, wood, precious metal and stone, all indigenous to the region, the villa accommodations are private sanctuaries, grounded in the earthen spirit of the local Cora and Huichol cultures. The floors, walls, and ceilings in the Treehouses are all radically consistent in the local Cumaru wood to heighten the impression of living lightly in the canopy, disconnected and one with nature. In contrast, the Cliff Villas, built on the volcanic land set upon the mountain top, feature concrete floors and high, sky-lit ceilings above the heavy stone walls and wooden built-ins in Cumaru with a raw finish. Terraces and courtyards are made from volcanic rocks directly sourced from the location while the tropical rainforest provides woods including Cumaru, Rosa Morada, and Tornillo. Locally crafted custom woodwork, stone accents and earthy tones add rich, textural warmth throughout the interiors, complemented by intricate artefacts curated specifically for the space by local artisans. Fervor was also commissioned to create entry pieces for each Treehouse and Villa, utilising decorative copper leaf to bring harmony and light into each accommodation.

Villas are adorned with custom handmade textiles by local artisanal company Colorindio, which seeks to weave stories of ancient Mexican cultures through its fabrics. Mexico-based Nouvel, a pioneer in the design and production of blown glass for over 25 years, was commissioned to design floral vases for desk areas. Guests will also find custom contemporary brass and copper décor by Mexico City’s Detaller throughout the space, while a nod to history is celebrated with intricate tea sets made of clay, a primary material used by indigenous people which archaeologists found in the region. A selection of Villas will also feature a large coffee table made from locally sourced clay.

A special touchpoint in the villa design is evident throughout the bathrooms, which include either an outdoor shower in an immersive jungle setting, some with ocean views (Cliff Villas), or an outdoor soaking tub with jungle or ocean views (Treehouses). In the Cliff Villas, bathrooms open to their own rainforest courts with lush vegetation and ample sunlight piercing through the tree canopies. In the Treehouses, bathrooms are fully glazed and immersed in their surroundings, allowing for natural light to enter the room from different angles, directly through a skylight, in the morning filtered by the vegetation, and open to the setting sun in the evenings.

One&Only is renowned for its collection of expansive villas offering the ultimate in space and privacy within each resort. One&Only Mandarina will be home to Villa One, the pinnacle of resort living, stretching over 18,800 square feet and boasting three bedrooms, infinity pool, private spa and gym, full screen cinema, wine cellar and generous outdoor dining terrace. The resort’s signature villas have all been thoughtfully designed to hero local craftsmanship, such as Villa Pacifico – a 3,681-square-foot elegant sanctuary boasting astonishingly beautiful scenery of the surrounding tropical flora and fauna and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Ideal for family gatherings and celebrations, Villa Pacifico sleeps up to eight guests and features two bedrooms with a King suite and a Double Queen suite, two private swimming pools, plenty of entertaining and living space including a full-screen cinema, office space, walk-in closets, outdoor rain showers, and outdoor covered dining terrace with barbeque grill. Unique design elements adorning this expansive Villa are the custom made outdoor firepit and side tables created by Guadalajara-based independent design studio Peca, recognised for their ability to work with natural materials while exploring texture and form, and bringing nature indoors in innovative ways.

The natural architecture seamlessly blends within the environment revealing the idyllic beauty throughout the entire development including the stellar dining options. One&Only Mandarina embraces the cultural traditions and signature warmth of Mexican cuisine and hospitality, from casual beachside selections to globally acclaimed cuisine. Taking centre stage is Carao, One&Only Mandarina’s signature contemporary Mexican restaurant by renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. Located at southernmost peak of the resort, the restaurant and adjacent infinity-edged pool and deck extending out over the mountainside, is positioned atop a dramatic cliff with unobstructed views of Mandarina and the ocean beyond. With heavy wooden structures constructed from locally sourced Tornillo wood, Carao will feature an open kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a cosy bar and lounge, with interiors adorned by Xavi Bou’s project ‘Ornitographies,’ a collection of photography prints inspired by the Barcelona-based photographer’s curiosity for the invisible patterns traced by birds in flight.

Positioned as the heart of the resort, Alma is designed to both capture the morning sun above the rainforest and the cascading sunset on the horizon. The strong presence of two large, wood-fired hornos creates an open kitchen concept in the centre of the restaurant, where guests can indulge throughout the day. Alma was carefully designed to preserve three iconic trees, and the plateaued area steps down to a series of sun terraces and lounges beside two long pools, both extending over a cliff – one shaded under lush greenery, the other toward the glistening ocean. Alma’s accompanying open-air bar, The Treetop, is perched atop the hillside, showcasing refined twists on classic cocktails served with edible flowers, indigenous herbs, and tropical fruits.     

Nestled along a secluded cove with plush daybeds, chaise lounges and terraces, the ultra-stylish Jetty Beach Club is the resort’s trendy destination for casual beachside dining overlooking two cascading infinity-edged pools adjacent to the deep blue waters of the Pacific Coast. Resort guests will head to the Jetty Beach Club for a lively ambience, far-reaching vistas and an open charcoal grill. Beyond the beach club is The Jetty, extending out over the sea over 600 feet, where guests can moor their yachts or watercrafts, experience sea excursions, and swim and paddle board in the blue-water cove, unique to the region. Resort guests are met by a gentle buzz in the atmosphere, with an overwater sunset lounge area set around a large fireplace at the centre of a long extinct volcano site, which can be seen from almost all villas at the resort, creating an iconic hearth for all to gather round.

One&Only Spa, situated in a natural volcanic rock garden, features a collection of six secluded treatment rooms, all cocooned beneath the jungle canopy observed through skylights, bringing to life the wild nature surrounding One&Only Mandarina. A large, iconic Higuera tree frames the spa relaxation garden, with treatment rooms and a mud therapy facility positioned conscientiously around its roots. The spa journey is framed by expressions of sacred geometry created by Huicholes, one of the few indigenous communities that have managed to remain untouched by Spanish influence and are prominent to the region of Riviera Nayarit. With a layout based on an eight-point star, guests are immersed in the Huichol cosmo vision representing rebirth, renewal and spiritual regeneration. The design overlaps two squares, creating duality which combines four elements – fire, pointing to the Temazcal; water, pointing to wet areas; air, pointing to the treatment rooms; and earth, pointing to the spa entrance. The corners of the second square represent human existence, with spirit, pointing to the ocean; mind, pointing to the equilibrium pavilion; soul, pointing to the vitality area; and body, pointing to the treatment rooms. In balance, the two squares overlapping in design represent connection, which is the heart of the spa.

The wonders of the Riviera Nayarit are brought to life for young visitors at the 42,000-square-foot KidsOnly club designed by Brigitte Broch, the imaginative mind behind the stunning film sets from ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and ‘Moulin Rouge,’ for which she won an Academy Award for ‘Best Art Direction’. Children are immersed into a natural habitat, encouraged to discover a series of treehouses connected by suspended bridges, slides, climbing walls, and paved trails. Broch was inspired to create a world of fantasy in an ancient tropical forest where adventure and exploration is infinite. Within the KidsOnly masterfully thought-out space, a nature hut welcomes young guests to learn about local animals, birds, insects, and ancient archaeological artefacts from the indigenous Cora civilization. Additional activities and adventures await in the outdoor amphitheatre, cinema, butterfly sanctuary, nursery, fame room, and indoor activity spaces.

Surrounded by vistas of lush rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, a collection of 55 custom-built Private Homes are also available for purchase and rental for larger parties. Featuring innovative architecture and contemporary design, the expansive residences—ranging from four-, five-, six- and eight-bedroom floor plans— seamlessly integrate with nature by blending indoor and outdoor living. Each home is designed specifically for its location, working around the trees and topography of the land to offer panoramic views of the unspoiled nature surrounds, while maintaining ultimate privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls boasting ocean views are paired with custom woodwork, warm metals and red clays to embrace the beach locale. Residents can choose from a selection of two furniture and finishing packages, working with the One&Only design team to customise every aspect of their residence. With one- and two-story design options, all residences will be centred around gracious outdoor spaces and infinity-edged pools with expansive decks, serving as the perfect setting for private gatherings and entertaining.

Woven seamlessly into Mexico’s most awe-inspiring coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina balances unparalleled seclusion with the signature One&Only atmosphere. Resort guests experience a unifying environment amidst the palm-fringed sands and emerald cliffside, punctuated with lagoons and estuaries, that encourage guests to reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and the natural world around them. Discover the sanctuary of unspoiled nature, open space and cultural heritage in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

For more information or reservations, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com.