GLAMOUR AND SECLUSION ON RIVIERA NAYARIT
One of five infinity pools, each with drop-dead gorgeous views and excellent service
One&Only Mandarina is an awe-inspiring eco haven tucked into the lush coastal rainforest along the emerald cliffs of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. It stands out from other luxury resorts by blending into the natural environment. The designers of One&Only Mandarina followed the natural curve of the coast and preserved the tropical forest so that the stunning architecture of each stand-alone accommodation is perfectly enveloped in the jungle foliage to ensure ultimate privacy. We went for a week and never wanted to leave.
The high-design accommodations are tucked about the coastal rainforest
Sleeping arrangements
The stylish accommodations range from adults-only tree houses perched above the steep slopes to 1 and 2 bedroom villas for families. The final development phase will also include 4-8 bedroom homes to accommodate larger gatherings. For our anniversary celebration, we opted for a beautiful Oceanview Treehouse nestled high in the jungle canopy to perfectly frame our expansive view of the Pacific Ocean.
One&Only Mandarina treehouses are incredibly spacious with sky high ceilings, an open living area, and a dreamy king bed. They are constructed in glass and wood; the walls, floors, and ceilings giving a rich, warm tone that enhances the tropical setting. There is a generous bathroom with a long double vanity, a vast glass/stone double shower, and a deep soaker tub tucked into a private deck off the shower.
The western wall is floor-to-ceiling glass, its large sliders fully opening onto the deck with double lounger, dining table, and plunge pool. The views of the Pacific and the sunset are jaw dropping and the birdsong from the surrounding jungle is the perfect soundtrack.
First rate riding facilities offer lessons, trail rides, and polo for enthusiasts and beginners
Activities
We enjoyed treatments at the peaceful jungle spa, yoga classes in an open air pavilion, four exceptional restaurants (one with celebrity chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City fame), two swimmable beaches, five infinity pools, a polo match at the equestrian center, and court time at the tennis and pickleball facility. On demand electric carts whisked us around the extensive property, an indulgence we came to appreciate given the size of Mandarina, the steep terrain, and the tropical heat. In spite of all we enjoyed, there is more to try when we return: water sports, hiking, biking, ziplining, horseback riding, and mud baths, to name a few. One might suspect that this was all part of my plan to visit One&Only Mandarina again. I will leave it to you to decide!
The kitchen team at Carao gets it done night after perfect night
How to get there
The resort is 35 miles north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. We arranged private ground transportation through One&Only and were so glad for it: after a soldout flight from Seattle and long queues at Immigration and Customs, we happily steered around the cacophony of porters and taxi drivers to find our luxurious, climate-controlled van with drinks on ice, a tray of snacks, and a professional at the wheel. This set the stage for a week of top shelf service at One&Only Mandarina where every staff member we met was friendly, helpful, and striving to anticipate our needs before we knew them ourselves.