One&Only Mandarina

One&Only Mandarina, located in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, a stunning 200-mile stretch of coastline, is located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. Known for its diverse ecosystem, you quickly find yourself nestled between beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and the nearby Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

We flew into Puerto Vallarta (PVR), and found the airport small and easy to navigate upon arrival and departure. We quickly spotted our airport transfer, which we arranged through the property, and jetted off in our luxury vehicle. They made a fantastic first impression, stocking the car with local beers and NA beverages, snacks, wifi, and fresh scented towels to freshen up after our flight. 

As we arrived, we were met with personalized greetings and promptly escorted to the reception area, which felt more like a stylish lounge complete with welcome drinks to enjoy as we checked in. Our reservation was a Virtuoso rate (learn how yours  can be too) complete with $100 resort credit and a complimentary upgrade, if available upon arrival—which luckily for us it was—allowing us to go from a Treehouse to an Ocean Treehouse. 

Scenic, Secluded, & Sensational

Due to the upgrade, our room wasn’t quite ready, so a staff member drove us to the Jetty Beach Club for lunch. Another perk is that guests are assigned a dedicated host who arranges transportation for you around the property, and assists with other needs you may have while there. As we rode along, I noticed the expansive size of the resort. Surrounded by diverse flora and fauna of a rainforest, you can’t help but awaken a new sense of calm, a sense of peace that may only be found here.

During my stay, one of their sales team members guided me on a site tour. I was able to view several different types of accommodation, including a Cliff Villa and a few Signature Villas, both great options for families. I also got to see the kids club, a magical space to climb and play, which also features crafting stations. There are dedicated areas for both younger and older kids. My favorite touch was the butterfly garden, a mesh dome offering an enchanting mini ecosystem with pathways, a pond, bridge, and flowering plants. I was told they also have a babysitting service and “experience options” specifically for kids. There are so many activities for children at this resort, the possibilities are endless.

Slumber Party in the Treehouse

After our light lunch, on the first day, we were picked up by our host, Pablo, and driven to our Ocean Treehouse, a stunning nearly 900 square foot independent accommodation perched on stilts high up amongst the trees. We entered a fairy tale, finding natural light spilling from the floor to ceiling windows and doors, beckoning us in, showing us the breathtaking land and ocean scapes that surrounded us. I was surprised to see they even included a mini birthday cake, a lovely, personalized touch. 

If you are looking for amazing views and complete privacy, this is the room category for you. It’s complete with a king size bed, large living area with a day bed and chairs, a desk, and a table. The bathroom is indulgent with large vanities, plenty of storage, and a double shower. Plus, off the shower, in its own private nook, you’ll find a romantic outdoor bathtub. My favorite part of the room was the large outside deck, featuring a private plunge pool, a great spot to relax in the morning or catch the sunset. 

An Inspiring Taste of Mexico

During our 4-night stay we were able to try every restaurant on the property, but they can also arrange reservations at the neighboring Rosewood property for a longer stay. Each one of their restaurants, from casual to fine dining, was a distinct and enjoyable experience. Fresh and inspiring ingredients, combined with bold vistas, took us on an incredible journey of the senses. 

On our first night we had dinner at Alma, which is the resort’s restaurant that is open all day. They completed our meal with a birthday dessert and our server sang to me (solo!), making me feel very welcomed and special right off the bat.

Since we had food in the afternoon on our second day, we decided not to do a formal dinner, opting for drinks and light bites at the Treetop. It was the perfect amount of food—mini tacos and super delicious cocktails—mixed with the perfect atmosphere.

We opted for Italian fare at their open-air restaurant Allora, on our third night. We dined on delicious food as we took in the changing colors of the setting sky. Part way through the evening, a very intense thunderstorm rolled in, so everyone in the restaurant bonded over being pulled inside to wait out the storm before we could be driven back to the main part of the property. It was a memorable experience, complete with another delicious birthday dessert.

In full relaxation mode, our final night was spent enjoying pre-dinner drinks back at Treetop Bar before dining at Carao. We had more live entertainment in the form of another thunderstorm. We were visiting on the cusp of the rainy season, resulting in brief nightly thunderstorms, but luckily our days were always sunny. Carao’s menu was a really unique take on Mexican food and we especially loved the starters we tried—olive cream ceviche and fish chorizo & cheese.

Historic Adventures & Thoughtful Amenities

The resort features a wide-variety of activities and experience options for couples and families, from sea to land, they range from culinary to romantic to outdoor adventure. Some of these activities include a spa, classes, golf, surfing, a variety of water sports, a polo & equestrian club, and much more. 

On our second day, after a quick breakfast at Alma (also included with our Virtuoso amenities) we ventured out on a guided morning hike to the sacred La Abuela tree, also known as the grandma tree. We walked uphill, through paths once taken by the indigenous nomadic tribes of the region. On the way, we took in the historic stones, marked long ago as a guide to signify key information along a path, such as which direction someone could find water, or beware of scorpions! Each level we ascended we were met with stunning views that made the uphill portion worth it.

The true reward at the end of the journey was to be in the presence of the grandma tree. At over 500 years old, she doesn’t have much height to her anymore, however, she is still a living tree with new roots growing in the middle. We were also treated to fruit and water upon arrival. Laying under the trees, we were guided in a peaceful meditation that centered and reminded us of where we were and the beauty that can be found when we are in tune with ourselves and nature. It was a perfect way to balance the effort of the hike. 

After a quick freshen up, we had an afternoon “Taco & Maiz” culinary class at Carao, their modern Mexican restaurant. We enjoyed a cocktail as we learned how to make our own tortillas and guacamole, and then using them to make different types of delicious treats. It was such a fun experience, even if I was terrible at making tortillas! Afterwards, we lounged at the Carao bar, and  found a quiet solitude by the adults-only pool, which is tucked peacefully into the hillside, and hanging out over the cliff overlooking the ocean.

Day three was our spa day, which we booked before we arrived at the resort. First up, I was driven down to the beach for my “Waves Massage,” which was in a private cabana on the beach. It was a perfect combination of soothing and healing. My masseuse left me with a fancy non-alcohol cocktail for my travels up to the main spa. After my driver dropped me off, I was welcomed with a Nayarit-inspired welcome fruit drink. I was mesmerized by how tranquil the spa was, a harmonious indoor/outdoor nature immersion. My next treatment was the “Native Clay Remedy,” part body scrub, part massage, followed by a short break to enjoy some tea and healthy cookies, and then I finished up with a “Bastien’s Foot Refoundation.”

My husband enjoyed a “Men’s Escape Facial” and “Bastien's Duo”, which was not your typical mani-pedi. The Bastien’s nail and footcare program was started by Bastien Gonzalez, a French podiatrist. My husband’s services were done by Mohammed, who is a leading pedologist, brought to Mandarina from the One&Only property in Mauritius to start the service here.

On our last day at the resort we decided to go without any plans. We just wanted a chance to relax completely and enjoy our private pool, which we did with our books in hand. 

Adios, for now

It was hard to say goodbye to One&Only Mandarina, especially the staff. Every single staff member we interacted with was delightful, kind, and helpful, even helping my husband practice his Spanish. Our two hosts, Pablo and Ernesto, were amazing, as well as our experienced guides and spa team. We couldn’t have asked for a better vacation—it hit the mark on everything I wanted for my birthday celebration.

I would highly recommend this resort for couples, small friend groups, or families—big or small. From foodies to adventure seekers to people needing pure relaxation, your possibilities are endless here.