Mexico’s newest ultra-luxury resort isn’t in Los Cabos. That may be a surprise since the Baja California destination has emerged as the epicenter of luxury in North America.
Luckily for us, SmartFlyer travel advisors Katie Jacobson and Amanda Poses recently made it to One&Only Mandarina in Punta Mita. In this issue, we bring you their on-site report and have added more detail about some of the unique accommodations.
- Overview
- Rooms and Suites
- Restaurants and Bars
- Pools, Spa, and Fitness
- Polo and Equestrian Club
- Activities
1. Overview
From Katie and Amanda:
Just north of Punta Mita, One&Only Mandarina nestles within an intimate new community set upon a rare undeveloped coastline along the Riviera Nayarit. The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Your journey to the resort is just around an hour.
Woven seamlessly into Mexico’s most awe-inspiring coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina provides the perfect balance between seclusion in our treehouses and clifftop villas and a signature vibrant atmosphere. Whether exploring the Pacific shores from The Jetty, enjoying panoramic views from our world-renowned celebrity chef restaurant, or exploring the adventures at the heart of the living breathing community of Mandarina.
For the vibe, there is a perfect balance of seclusion in the chic treehouses and clifftop villas and the buzz of the living breathing community of Mandarina.
The property is ideal for couples and multi-generational families. Due to the uniqueness of the resort being all individual standalone villas offering space and privacy, it’s perfectly suited for those who are eager to get back out there but wary of the traditional hotel experience.
And for those looking for things to do, keep in mind there’s a swimmable beach and activities ranging from paddle boarding to tennis and even an equestrian club. Ultimately, while this newcomer is fairly unknown to many, we are certain it will soon be considered one of Mexico’s best vacation spots.
2. Rooms and Suites
One&Only Mandarina is an all-villa resort, with 105 striking standalone havens, made up of treehouses and cliff-top villas, set far apart for maximum peace and privacy.
Every treehouse and villa is designed to frame incredible views over the Pacific Ocean, jungle, and mountains, with expansive indoor and outdoor living space that blends with nature. All accommodations come with their own pool or plunge pools. Natural materials and color palettes weave throughout, echoing the vistas beyond.
Typically, new hotels have really sparse landscaping when they first open, but that couldn’t be further from the truth at One&Only Mandarina. This lush greenery allows every villa to feel extremely private; we could barely see other rooms from ours.
Villa One
Occupancy: Up to 8 guests including children
Bed type: 2 King Beds and 1 Queen Double Double Bed
View: Rainforest and Ocean
Features: Infinity pool, outdoor terrace, full-screen cinema, Jacuzzi, wine cellar, spa, gym, living room, and dining room
The resort’s largest villa is this two-story, three-bedroom expansive hideaway with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and beyond. Villa One boasts an incredible 18,805 sq. ft. of stylish living featuring abundant amounts of living, dining and entertainment areas throughout the multiple level villa. Each master suite features walk-in closets and a terrace with a private hot tub.
Positioned on a hilltop at the center of the resort and tucked away amongst lush greenery, Villa One offers the ultimate in privacy for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones.
Villa Pacifico
Occupancy: Up to 8 guests including children
Bed type: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Double Beds
View: Ocean
Features: private swimming pool, walk-in closets, office, butler room, Jacuzzi, fully stocked wine fridge, full-screen cinema, outdoor rain shower, and an outdoor covered dining terrace with barbeque grill.
The largest of clifftop villas, Villa Pacifico offers two bedrooms, a private swimming pool, plenty of entertaining and living spaces in this 3,682 sq.ft. villa.
Villa Jaguar
Occupancy: Up to 7 guests including children
Bed type: 2 King Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
View: Ocean
Features: Private pool, expansive terraces, Jacuzzi, pantry and outdoor barbecue area
Explore the extraordinary mountains, flatlands, and the Pacific Ocean, from your private 2,894 sq. ft. hideaway at Villa Jaguar. It features two bedrooms, a living and dining room, a kitchenette, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
Villa Tortuga
Occupancy: Up to 8 guests including children
Bed type: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Double Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
View: Ocean
Features: Private pool, stunning location, kitchenette, pantry, indoor & outdoor rain showers, prime location
Villa Tortuga offers 2,842 sq. ft. of stylish living. Sitting atop the cliff, this two-bedroom villa offers expansive views over the Pacific Ocean. Relax in your own private pool or dine on your large terrace soaking in the magnificent surroundings.
Villa Cumaru
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests including children
Bed type: 1 King Bed
View: Ocean
Features: Private pool, Jacuzzi, expansive terraces, living room, and dining room
Veiled by swaying palms with unspoiled views of the Pacific Ocean, Villa Cumaru creates an intimate environment of privacy and seclusion. Completely immersed in the emerald canopy, this 2,341 sq. ft. one-bedroom villa blends the indoors with the outdoors with a sparkling private pool, inviting jacuzzi, large terrace, and dining pod that creates a special sense of occasion.
Panoramic Ocean Treehouse
The 854-sq. ft. Treehouses feature a deck with your own private plunge pool 30 to 50 feet above the jungle hillside. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and the services of your own private butler. Guests must be over 18 years old.
3. Restaurants and Bars
There’s lots of variety on the One&Only menus, which is especially well-suited for longer stays.
Jetty Beach Club
At the Jetty Beach Club, guests are invited to enjoy deliciously casual beachside dining, savored right by the water’s edge.
Carao
Breakfasts here are unbelievable! Dine in the warm open air, overlooking the sparkling ocean, and from the striking bar, floating amid the treetops. Carao by Chef Enrique Olvera is definitely the highlight in terms of culinary experiences–we had such an incredible meal here! This spot offers such unique flavors and the restaurant was constructed in a gorgeous setting.
Alma
At Alma, savor seasonal delicacies, Pan-American and Mediterranean specialties, and garden-to-plate menus designed with exceptional nutritional value. We also loved breakfasts at Alma and casual lunches on the beach.
The Treetop Bar
The Treetop bar is the signature bar located high above the emerald canopy. It’s the perfect place to view the magnificent Pacific Coast sunsets.
4. Pools, Spa, and Fitness
In addition to every villa having its own private pool, there are an additional six resort pools available for guest use located around the resort.
In terms of getting active, there are daily activities including fitness and yoga classes. For those who want to take it up a notch, bring your hiking shoes for a trek to La Abuela, a 500-year-old tree! This is an experience that allows you to partner with a guide and get your heart rate up.
On the hike, you’ll stop to discuss the trees and gain further context on the region. During the experience, your guide will build in time for a few ‘water stops,’ but in One&Only fashion, these present a truly elevated experience including fruits, ice-cold towels, and special electrolyte water. Once you reach La Abuela, there are yoga mats waiting. Guests can expect a little mediation and an opportunity to give thanks to the Earth.
Set against lush tropical flora within a natural volcanic rock garden, the One&Only Spa is a peaceful sanctuary where you can retreat, reset, and totally transform. Inspired by the principle of ‘oneness’, it exists to nurture a harmonious, and resonant relationship with the natural world, your inner-self, and others.
For holistic wellness, the spa features a Beauty Lounge, a Fitness Centre, private treatment rooms, and a host of indulgent facilities including a mud grotto, a healing vitality pool, and an energizing hydrotherapy circuit with cold plunge pools, steam, and a sauna overlooking the jungle. Consider this the perfect backdrop for your personal journey into oneness.
5. Polo & Equestrian Club
Whether you’re a novice, champion, or spectator, this world-class facility will draw you in, with dazzling international events, horseback lessons for the whole family, trail riding, polo lessons, and weekly Charro nights that make you feel rooted in Mexico
With experts on hand, children of all ages can enjoy these calm majestic animals safely. Trail riding around the club, they become accustomed to their movements and grow in confidence, making them feel like mini Charros riding freely.
6. Activities
Wander out of the emerald forest onto white-washed sands – where a Jetty curves into the ocean creating one of the most breathtaking swimmable beaches in Mexico. From diving over volcanic rocks, setting off on a sunset cruise, swimming with whale sharks to unique fishing experiences, this is your personal portal to adventure.
Carve your perfect day in paradise – kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, or taking advantage of our fleet of yachts and catamarans – exploring some of Mexico’s best surf spots like San Pancho and Sayulita. After a day of the ocean, adventures return to a cooling beverage and the welcoming embrace of Jetty Beach Club.
