Tucked along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina is more than just a resort—it’s a sanctuary where lush rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs and cradled in the heart of tropical jungle, the property offers travelers an otherworldly escape where modern luxury harmonizes with wild landscapes. From treehouse villas suspended among canopies to clifftop dining overlooking the sea, every corner feels like a hidden world discovered for the first time. For those seeking both seclusion and sophistication, Mandarina is a destination that redefines what a getaway can be.
The Setting
The first thing that strikes you about Mandarina is its extraordinary setting. Surrounded by dense jungle and framed by the blue expanse of the Pacific, the resort feels both intimate and expansive at once. It’s a place where rugged coastline and wild greenery create a natural backdrop that instantly calms and inspires.
- Location: Set north of Puerto Vallarta, along the untamed coastline of Riviera Nayarit.
- Surroundings: Dense tropical rainforest, volcanic rock cliffs, and pristine beaches.
- Vibe: Exclusive, serene, and deeply connected to nature.
Architecture & Design
Every detail at One&Only Mandarina is designed to blend seamlessly with its environment. The architecture takes inspiration from the landscape, with villas tucked carefully into the jungle and cliffside so that nature remains the star. Guests feel both sheltered and connected, wrapped in luxury while immersed in wilderness.
- Treehouse & Cliff Villas: Choose between jungle-immersed treehouses or cliffside villas with private plunge pools.
- Sustainable Aesthetic: Natural materials—wood, stone, palm, and glass—integrated seamlessly into the terrain.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces blur the lines between villa and wilderness.
Dining Experiences
Food at Mandarina is as much about the setting as it is about flavor. Every meal celebrates the bounty of the region, served in spaces that elevate the experience with sweeping ocean views or toes-in-the-sand charm. Whether it’s haute cuisine or simple fresh seafood, dining here feels like a journey of its own.
- Carao by Enrique Olvera: Elevated Mexican cuisine with breathtaking cliffside views.
- Jetty Beach Club: Fresh seafood and cocktails just steps from the sand.
- Treetop Bar: Sample curated cocktails and spirits made purely from sustainable ingredients.
- Alma: Farm-to-table Mediterranean-influenced flavours in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Experiences & Activities
Adventure and relaxation coexist perfectly at Mandarina. Guests can tailor their days around wellness rituals, outdoor exploration, or simply unwinding with the sound of the ocean as company. It’s a place where every activity feels connected to the land and sea.
- Wellness: A world-class spa in the rainforest, offering treatments inspired by local traditions and healing plants.
- Adventure: Horseback riding through Mandarina’s polo fields, surfing on nearby breaks, jungle hikes, kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Nature Exploration: Guided treks through the Mandarina jungle, bird-watching, and seasonal whale-watching along the coast.
- Family Focus: A dedicated kids’ club with treehouse play zones and activities connected to nature.
Hidden Gems
Beyond the resort’s headline attractions, there are hidden treasures that make a stay here truly unique. From polo fields nestled in the jungle to serene trails that wind through untouched forest, these moments often become the most memorable parts of the trip.
- The Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club: Rare for a coastal resort, offering lessons and high-profile tournaments.
- Sunset Spots: The clifftop terraces are some of the best on the Riviera Nayarit for panoramic Pacific sunsets.
- Wellness Trails: Winding jungle paths where you can jog, cycle, or meditate in complete solitude.
Day Trips & Excursions
One&Only Mandarina is a destination in itself, but its location also makes it the perfect base for exploring Riviera Nayarit’s vibrant towns and natural wonders. A short drive or boat ride reveals surf towns, art villages, and hidden islands, each offering its own rhythm and charm.
- Sayulita: A bohemian surf town just a short drive away.
- San Pancho (San Francisco): Known for its art scene, beach cafés, and cultural charm.
- Puerto Vallarta: For nightlife, galleries, and a taste of vibrant Mexican city energy.
- Marietas Islands: UNESCO-protected natural wonder with snorkeling and the famous hidden beach.
Spotlight: The Treehouses of Mandarina
Perhaps the most iconic experience at Mandarina is staying in one of its treehouses. Elevated high in the jungle canopy, these villas are designed to bring you closer to nature without sacrificing any luxury. They offer a rare blend of solitude, beauty, and sophistication that leaves a lasting impression.
One of the defining experiences of One&Only Mandarina is staying in its treehouse accommodations. Suspended high above the ground, these villas offer the feeling of living in the canopy—surrounded by birdsong, filtered sunlight, and sweeping views of the jungle or ocean. Each treehouse is designed with privacy in mind, featuring its own plunge pool, terrace, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that let nature spill into the room. At night, you’ll hear the hum of the rainforest, a soundtrack of crickets and waves that makes you feel far from the ordinary world. The balance of raw wilderness with refined design is what elevates these treehouses into something unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
One&Only Mandarina is more than a luxury hotel—it’s an immersion in nature with all the comforts of world-class hospitality. Whether you’re savoring chef-driven cuisine, unwinding in a clifftop spa, or simply gazing out from your private terrace, the experience is designed to slow you down and reconnect you with the landscape. For travelers seeking a balance of adventure, wellness, and indulgence, Mandarina is a destination that lingers in memory long after you’ve left.
