Welcome to One&Only Mandarina, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Riviera Nayarit’s lush tropical rainforest. Such a spellbinding natural setting creates a sense of wonder from the moment of arrival, instantly immersing you in postcard paradise. This is the place to unplug, reset and sink into a dazzling landscape. A stay at this luxurious resort is a journey into the heart of nature’s bounty. In this blog, we’re exploring the guest experience at Mandarina through the senses.
Feast Your Eyes
Imagine stepping into a world where stunning cliffside vistas, treetop panoramas, and coastal views unfold in every direction. The hotel’s breathtaking natural surroundings boast three distinct microclimates, so you can feel the gentle coastal breeze as you gaze at cerulean waters from Jetty Beach Club, relax in cooler temperatures at your villa shaded by majestic cliffs, and get immersed in verdant jungle, where tropical greenery thrives under the warm, humid embrace of the forest.
The resort’s layout harmoniously blends with the land’s topography. Picture dining at Allora, an open-air restaurant along a pristine stretch of white sand, offering unobstructed ocean views. Swim in the high-altitude pool, seemingly floating above the jungle canopy and ocean. Savor the sunset at the Treetop restaurant and bar, with vistas so enchanting they feel surreal. The serene spa, nestled in a volcanic rock garden under tall Higuera trees, provides a tranquil retreat.
We love how the resort’s sensitive design preserves this dramatic setting, ensuring a low-density, eco-friendly paradise that respects the land’s historic and ecological significance. Accommodations here are a masterclass in minimalist luxury, built with native materials and Mexican craftsmanship. Whether you’re in a Grand Villa, secluded Cliff Villa, or a two-storey Treehouse, each space offers spectacular perspectives, seamlessly blending with nature.
For families, the KidsOnly club is a magical 42,000 square foot playground. Designed by award-winning art director Brigitte Broch, it’s a haven of adventure with 50 species of trees, colorful butterflies, and activities like butterfly farming and Huichol-inspired art creation, making little ones feel like mini-explorers!
Breathe In Deep
At One&Only Mandarina, alluring aromas go hand in hand with breathtaking views. Wander through the jungle paths and let the earthy, hydrating humidity wrap around you, bringing the vibrant, green fragrance of tropical leaves and vines to life. Down at the beach, revitalizing sea-salt spray mingles with ocean air, creating a refreshing, invigorating scent that ignites the senses. As you approach Jetty Beach Club, the smoky aroma of locally caught fish grilling Zarandeado-style over an open flame tempts the appetite.
In the serene sanctuary of the spa, you’re enveloped by organic essential oils and indigenous botanicals like aloe, lime, and rosemary. Cleansing rituals channel ancient wisdom with fragrant swirls of burning copal, while aromatherapy scalp massages, herbal body compresses, and clay body masks infused with fennel, ginger, clove, and turmeric create a sensory journey unlike any other.
Awaken in your villa to the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee, perfectly complementing the first rays of sun. As the day draws to a close, enjoy the tangy hit of citrus from your mezcalita or margarita at sunset, each sip a fragrant reminder of paradise.
Tap into Tactile Treasures
The sense of touch is woven into the very fabric of Mandarina’s guest experience. Imagine the exhilaration of jumping into the pool with your kids, the cool water splashing you in pure joy. Feel the invigorating sea spray as you glide across the water on a paddleboard, or float effortlessly in your private pool, surrounded by tranquility. Hug your loved ones close as you gaze up at the starlit sky, sharing moments of connection and wonder. Indulge with a private cooking class at your villa, using your hands to shape tamales, feeling the soft dough transform under your fingers.
The experienced hands of the spa’s therapists work wonders, kneading away stress with healing precision. Under the shade of the lush canopy, a cool breeze offers sweet relief from the sun’s warmth, while the touch of a chilled drink in your hand refreshes you in the afterglow of a sun-soaked afternoon. On a jungle hike, droplets of sweat trace your journey as you approach La Abuela, an ancient 500-year-old tree. Run your fingers over her gnarled bark, tracing the history etched into every crevice. In a temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony, thick herbal steam embraces your skin, purifying mind, body, and spirit in a ritual that has cleansed souls for over a thousand years.
Tempt the Tastebuds
Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey at One&Only Mandarina. This lavish resort’s five restaurants and bars are set in stunning locations, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Start your day at Alma, where breakfast takes fresh, local ingredients and transforms them into a beautiful buffet. Sip on vibrant, colorful juices, indulge in flaky pastries, savor ripe tropical fruits, and delight in Mexican favorites like enchiladas and chilaquiles made from organic corn grown with local expertise. In the evening, Carao awaits with a menu curated by the renowned Chef Enrique Olvera. The open kitchen lets you witness the chefs’ dedication firsthand. Each dish is a celebration of Mandarina’s essence, with flavors that tell the story of the region. Enjoy inventive plates like roasted palm hearts, aged fish, and smoky octopus, each bite leaving a lasting impression.
The Treehouse offers a mixology experience that will keep your taste buds guessing. Innovative cocktails feature ingredients like bergamot, ancho chili, lavender, and habanero bitters. Enjoy drinks spiked with mezcal, tequila, sake, raicilla, and sotol, paired with exquisite bites that showcase Mexican surf and turf. At Jetty Beach Club, casual dining meets seaside splendor. Relax on oversized beds and cabanas while savoring mouthwateringly fresh seafood. Delve into generous plates of oysters, the catch of the day from snapper to amberjack, and signature tacos bursting with soft-shell crab.
Soak up the Sounds of Paradise
At Mandarina, a symphony of sounds has the power to soothe, comfort, and rejuvenate the spirit. On your private terrace, the gentle whispers of the breeze rush through the trees like a natural lullaby. As evening falls, the crackling of a bonfire on the beach becomes the backdrop to your laughter and dance parties on the sand with friends and family. The buzz of conversation and the melodic clinking of wine glasses at dinner provide a harmonious soundtrack to your culinary adventures.
Mornings at Mandarina are greeted by melodious birdsong and the gentle hum of jungle critters, a serenade from nature. As day transitions to night, the rhythmic chorus of crickets fills the air, signaling the time for reflection and reconnection. In the privacy of your villa, let the Bluetooth speakers play your personalized rainforest soundtrack, each note and tone enhancing the gorgeous view before you. With access to profound silence, you can also find space to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
HOW DO I BOOK ONE&ONLY MANDARINA WITH JOURNEY MEXICO?
Get in touch with our dedicated travel planners! They’ll help you find the best room at Mandarinas for your Mexico vacation on the Pacific Coast, plus, they’re experts in enhancing itineraries with Journey Mexico’s authentic, seamlessly operated travel experiences. Get a taste of what you can expect with this sample itinerary and let our team know how we can personalize your dream trip. Our bespoke journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations.
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Author: Sally Wells
The British-born writer first fell for Mexico’s magic while studying Spanish in Guadalajara. A decade later, she’s taken her time getting to know the country’s multifaceted personality, and now calls Puerto Vallarta home. Sally has always had a soft spot for the written word and finds inspiration in life’s subtleties as much as the big moments. She loves stepping into someone’s world, listening to their experiences, and making connections. A firm advocate for candid communication, Sally believes storytelling has the ability to empower, enlighten, and spark empathy. |
