One&Only Mandarina Resort Overview

One&Only Mandarina is nestled within an intimate, chic coastal community set upon a rare undeveloped stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico. Located on a spectacular cliff-side overlooking the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and a lush rainforest setting, the ultra-luxury beach resort boasts 105 architecturally stunning villas and treehouses designed by Studio Rick Joy and Studio Caban, each with a private plunge pool and views overlooking the ocean or jungle, offering unparalleled privacy and seclusion.

Woven seamlessly into the dramatic vistas of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina stretches across a 33-hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, just 45 minutes from Punta Mita. In this volcanic and fertile region, three different microclimates are steeped in natural beauty with some of the richest biodiversity in North America. Over 50 species of ancient trees dot the jungle, alongside exotic wildlife, a rare and treasured part of the ecosystem. Most notable are the revered Higuera Blanca trees with their huge, powerful roots found throughout the resort, the crowning jewel of which is La Abuela – “The Grandmother Tree” – believed to be 500 years old. One&Only Mandarina was built around the unique topography of the land, allowing nature to take centre stage and preserving the precious environment. The resort was sensitively designed to embrace the dramatic setting, rather than reshape it, and careful low-density planning in consultation with botany experts has preserved the land and the historic and ecological importance of the destination.

Operated by One&Only Resorts and developed by RLH Properties as part of the multi-billion-dollar Mandarina development, the resort opened doors on November 1, 2020, offering both thrilling activities and secluded tranquility, with unparalleled family offerings, mindful experiences in nature, spiritual wellness journeys and hands-on culinary workshops, all designed to take guests to the heart of the destination in an environment crafted for reconnection. A collection of infinity pools suspended over the cliffside, relaxing cabanas, lush pathways, and dining & entertainment spaces are hidden within the emerald landscape, ready to be explored and enjoyed.

Accommodations

The resort showcases low-impact contemporary style and sustainable design, coupled with unrivalled seclusion in an adventurous beachfront setting. Amid the jungle surrounds are 105 chic standalone treehouses and villas either elevated amongst the canopy or perched cliffside, all designed for indoor and outdoor living with breath-taking views of the Pacific Coast, Sierra del Vallejo mountains or rainforest. Accommodations boast private plunge pools and terraces, floor to ceiling windows, glass walls and expansive bathrooms – all framing the natural surroundings – as well as interiors complemented by custom woodwork and artefacts by local designers. Constructed with clay, wood, precious metal and stone, and the finest raw materials indigenous to the region, the villas are private sanctuaries, grounded in the earthen spirit of the local Cora and Huichol cultures.

One&Only is renowned for its collection of expansive villas offering the ultimate in space and privacy within each resort. One&Only Mandarina is 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 grand villas have all been thoughtfully designed to hero local craftsmanship, such as Villa Pacifico – a 3,681-square-foot sanctuary sleeping up to eight guests with two private swimming pools, plenty of entertaining and living space including a full-screen cinema and outdoor covered dining terrace with barbeque grill.

The resort also offers an intimate community of One&Only Private Homes available to own or rent. Each home is designed specifically for its location, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding environment and boasting rich and varied vistas of the jungle canopy or the sun setting behind the ocean. Featuring two distinct residence styles to choose from, owners can work with the One&Only design team to customise every aspect of their residence. The designs range from four to eight-bedroom villas and include infinity-edged pools and gracious outdoor spaces for gathering and entertaining. Residents enjoy the exceptional amenities of One&Only Mandarina, as well as those of the Mandarina community. A host of residential services is designed for turnkey, effortless ownership, as well as to provide unforgettable experiences, from private chef dinners to outdoor adventures. Owners can choose to take advantage of the Private Homes Rental Programme.

Cuisine

One&Only Mandarina embraces the cultural traditions and signature warmth of Mexican cuisine and hospitality, from casual beachside dining to award-winning cuisine. The elegant culinary masterpiece Carao from world-renowned Mexican Chef Enrique Olvera showcases Mexican specialties reinvented through a combination of modern approaches and revered ancient technique. Located at southernmost peak of the resort, the newest concept from the famed chef is an extraordinary dining destination reflective of his globally recognised skill and passion for contemporary Mexican fare. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients in an ambiance inspired by the soul of the Riviera Nayarit and Mandarina, with reinvented dishes such as Horse Mackerel Ceviche with soybean germ and cucumber, Aged Whole Fish Zarandeado-style, a regional cooking method using a marinade of dried chile paste, slow roasted over hot coals and Catch of the Day fillet with sweet chard and plantain puree. An infinity-edged adult-only pool extends out over the mountainside, as if extended high above the ocean, where guests can also enjoy a curated poolside menu featuring light bites from Carao throughout the day.

The relaxed Jetty Beach Club located on the resort’s private beach serves fresh seafood grilled to perfection over charcoal, as well as snacks, quick bites and inventive cocktails overlooking the ocean. The family-friendly, all-day dining destination Alma provides a variety of garden-to-plate menus featuring seasonal specialties mixed amongst Pan-American dishes designed with remarkable attention to flavour. The open kitchen concept features two striking, wood-fired hornos, or ovens, and an intimate dining room and citrus-tree lined patio for al-fresco gatherings. The adjacent botanical bar, The Treetop, showcases refined yet playful versions of classic cocktails paired with sweeping views of the coast.

Wellness

Situated in a natural volcanic rock garden, One&Only Spa features a collection of six isolated, enclosed treatment rooms, offering experiences cocooned beneath a canopy of large Higuera trees, where guests can find privacy and serenity amidst the pristine, tropical rainforest. A world of ancient healing, the Spa blends indigenous traditions with potent organic products. Enlisting global natural skincare brand Tata Harper, One&Only Spa is the first and only spa in the world to introduce Tata Harper’s Sensorial Reset, a holistic wellness immersion that goes beyond traditional spa experiences to elevate the senses and radically transform the skin. Additional treatments include Tata Harper’s Mystique Herbal Codex, inspired by the Badianus Manuscript, the earliest text on Mexican medicinal plants and ancestral remedies, and Nature’s Sanctuary Treatment, created exclusively for the resort and designed to calm and relax the mind and body.

Complete with a mud grotto, relaxing vitality pool, cold plunge pools, steam room, sauna, outdoor yoga deck and a traditional Temazcal, the One&Only Spa consciously crafts multi-sensorial wellness journeys combining ancient healing practices with advanced modern therapies to create a personalised and transformational spa experience. In addition, the resort features a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness studio and a specialised outdoor gym carved from the surrounding landscape.

Experiences

At One&Only Mandarina, guests are immersed within Mexico’s magnificent natural wonders. To help guide each stay, a comprehensive, bespoke menu of activities showcases a collection of excursions to discover during sun-filled days on the Riviera Nayarit coastline. From family explorations of the fascinating rainforest to captivating outings into local communities, or a solo journey towards wellness, each experience is tailored to every guests’ preferences through One&Only signature warm service.

Ocean adventures begin at the resort’s private 656-foot-long Jetty, where residents and guests can moor their yachts and watercrafts, setting off directly from the calm-water bay at Mandarina for sailing, fishing and whale watching excursions along the coast and through the Bay of Banderas. Below the calm waters surrounding The Jetty are stunning volcanic rock reefs whose nooks are teeming with tropical sea life perfect for a snorkelling excursion, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding, while the wave breaks along the shore are tailor made for body boarding and surfing. World-class Tropicsurf pros are on site to design an exhilarating surf session – from learning core concepts in the calm waters of the Jetty Beach Club, catching a ride on beach breaks at Canalan Beach Club, or heading out on a surf excursion to explore Nayarit’s stunning coastline in search of secluded breaks. Surf sessions run from 1 hour to a half-day.

Younger guests are immersed in a world of wonder and education at the 42,000-square-foot KidsOnly, where the wonders of the Riviera Nayarit are brought to life. Designed by Brigitte Broch, the Academy Award-winning art director and production designer from Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet, KidsOnly introduces children to the magnificent jungle via uninhibited exploration amidst the flora and fauna. Encouraged to discover, a series of treehouses connected by suspended bridges, slides, climbing walls, and wildlife trails offer a friendly landscape for imaginations to flourish. Within the masterfully thought-out space, children can learn about local animals, birds, insects, and ancient archaeological artefacts from the indigenous Cora civilization at the Nature Hut. Additional activities and adventures await in the outdoor amphitheatre, cinema, butterfly sanctuary, nursery, fame room, and indoor activity spaces.

Mandarina Experiences

In addition to immersive resort amenities, nature and ocean adventures, and curated One&Only experiences, guests and residents of One&Only Mandarina have access to the adjacent Mandarina community and Flatlands, a sprawling green landscape stretching from the Riviera Nayarit rainforest to the water’s edge, where Canalan Beach Club awaits. Set just a short buggy ride alongside sparkling lagoons and wandering estuaries, Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club brings world-class equestrian activities to Mexico’s western coast, where guests can experience the highly specialized equestrian lifestyle with horseback riding lessons and tours, miles of equestrian trails, children’s activities and weekly polo events. A variety of hiking, running and biking nature trails venture out from the Flatlands, while an adjacent Jungle Course features a zipline, climbing wall, rappel course and obstacle trail and nearby archery range and sports fields and courts offer soccer, tennis, basketball, and pickle ball.

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