Why One&Only Mandarina is Mexico’s Most Exclusive Hideaway
Nestled along a wild stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast, where the emerald mountains tumble into deep blue water, One&Only Mandarina isn’t just a resort—it’s a world apart. Set in the lush jungle of Riviera Nayarit, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, this ultra-luxury sanctuary feels more like a dream someone whispered into a forest, and somehow it listened.
This is not your typical beach escape. There are no crowded pools or loud lobbies. Instead, imagine waking up in a treetop villa, coffee in hand, your private plunge pool shimmering as toucans call in the distance and the ocean glimmers far below. This is One&Only Mandarina—and here’s everything you need to know about staying there.
VILLAS & PRICING: WHAT LUXURY LOOKS LIKE AT EVERY LEVEL
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a full entourage, the villas here are private sanctuaries tucked into the jungle canopy or perched cliffside with Pacific views. There are no “standard rooms” at Mandarina—every accommodation is its own villa, each with a private pool, outdoor living space, and complete seclusion.
Treehouse Villas (starting around $1,500/night): Elevated in the jungle, these villas feel like luxury treehouses. Expect soaring ceilings, outdoor soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line between inside and out. Ideal for romantic getaways.
Cliff Villas (from $2,300/night): Positioned for maximum Pacific views, these villas offer dramatic vistas, larger pools, and sun-drenched decks. They’re perfect for watching sunsets with a bottle of wine and no plans.
Grand Villas (from $4,000/night): Multi-bedroom villas with sprawling layouts, indoor-outdoor showers, full kitchens, and curated furnishings. Designed for families or groups who want space, service, and style.
Villa One (Price upon request, but expect $10,000+/night): The crown jewel. A cinematic cliffside estate with a cinema room, butler, chef, infinity pool, and jaw-dropping everything. If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty, this is it.
THE VIBE: WHERE EARTHY MEETS EXQUISITE
This is barefoot luxury at its finest. The architecture is organic and modern—curved walls, raw wood, woven textures, and seamless transitions between nature and design. The entire resort feels like it grew out of the jungle rather than being built into it.
Expect to see a well-traveled crowd: couples celebrating milestones, creative entrepreneurs taking a breather, and families who prefer their bonding moments with a side of butler service. It’s quiet. It’s elevated. And it’s deeply restorative.
DINING: FROM SUNRISE ESPRESSO TO MOONLIT CEVICHE
There are several dining options across the property, and every bite is curated, seasonal, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Carao: A sexy, cliffside restaurant by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera (of Pujol fame). Mexican cuisine reimagined—think kampachi crudo, wood-fired sweet potato, and mezcal cocktails that taste like they were designed by the ocean.
Alma: Open-air and all-day, this is where you’ll start your morning with passion fruit chia pudding and espresso and return for grilled fish and tamarind margaritas. Breezy, chic, delicious.
Jetty Beach Club: Down at the private beach, it’s fresh oysters, lobster tacos, and icy palomas under swaying palms. This is where the resort goes full coastal.
In-villa dining is next level. Your breakfast could be served by your plunge pool—avocado toast, local fruit, and fresh juices as the sun filters through the trees.
WHAT TO DO (OR NOT DO): CURATED EXPERIENCES
If your idea of vacation is doing nothing, One&Only is perfect. But if you’re craving experience, there’s plenty to indulge in:
Horseback riding at Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club (yes, there’s an equestrian club on site)
Guided jungle hikes with naturalists who know every orchid and howler monkey
Private surfing lessons in Sayulita or snorkeling excursions to the Marietas Islands
Holistic spa treatments in open-air cabanas overlooking the canopy
Sound healing, sunrise yoga, and cacao ceremonies curated for soul-deep reset
For families, the KidsOnly program is one of the best in the world: immersive, educational, and actually cool (think treehouse villages, archeological digs, and nature walks—not just cartoons and crayons).
WHAT A STAY FEELS LIKE
It’s morning. You’ve just woken up to the hum of the jungle, sunlight dappling your villa’s terrace. You slip into your plunge pool before a breakfast of fresh papaya and espresso. The day stretches out—maybe a facial, maybe a private boat ride. Maybe just that novel you haven’t had time to open in months.
By sunset, you’re sipping tequila in a stone bathtub, wrapped in silence and the scent of salt and jasmine. No shoes. No noise. No urgency.
And when you leave? You’ll crave the quiet. The wild. The way it reminded you what slow, intentional living can feel like.
FINAL NOTES: WHY IT’S WORTH IT
Yes, it’s a splurge. But One&Only Mandarina is the kind of place you go when you want to be reminded that nature is the ultimate luxury—and that you, too, deserve to be swaddled in it.
It’s a place where you feel held. Where service is intuitive and invisible. Where every corner whispers, you can let go now.
For honeymoons, milestone birthdays, or just a much-needed pause from the chaos—this is where you go to remember who you are.
Have questions about booking One&Only Mandarina or want help planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip?
I'm a luxury travel advisor partnered with Virtuoso and Fora Travel—reach out to me for exclusive perks, upgrades, and VIP amenities you won’t find online.
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