The Insider’s Guide to Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

 
One&Only Mandarina Riviera Nayarit Mexico
 

Set along a secluded stretch of coastline just 60 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit has quickly become one of the most sought-after ultra-luxury destinations in Mexico. Unlike a single resort, Mandarina is a master-planned luxury enclave, a 3,000-acre private development blending jungle, mountains, and swimmable beaches with world-class hospitality.

For travelers deciding between One&Only Mandarina vs Rosewood Mandarina, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect, so you can confidently book the right stay.

I visited One&Only Mandarina when the development first opened and it, along with Rosewood Mandarina, is one of Perspectives Travel’s most requested destinations in Mexico.

Here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of this remarkable destination.

 
Infinity Pool and Beach Club at Rosewood Mandarina
 

1. Getting There

You’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which offers nonstop service from major U.S. cities. From there, it’s about a 60-minute private transfer on the newly opened highway up the coast to Mandarina. We recommend booking a private transfer or resort-arranged pickup for a seamless start to your journey.

Our VIP arrival experience included being met plane side by our arrival greeter, we were escorted through customs, and our bags were secured for us. Then our driver greeted us with a large, comfortable vehicle stocked with cold drinks on ice and local snacks, and Wi-Fi, making the 60-minute ride to the resort completely carefree.The transition from airport to resort felt easy and relaxed. The scenic drive along the Pacific coastline transitions into lush jungle terrain, setting the tone for a seamless, high-end arrival experience.

 
Private Luxury Transfer from PVR to Rosewood and One&Only Mandarina
 

2. Why Visit Mandarina

The area’s allure lies in its combination of luxury resorts, gourmet dining, oceanfront golf, outdoor activities, and pristine beaches. Mandarina is designed to feel immersive but effortless. Once you arrive, everything is connected: the lush jungle landscapes, swimmable beaches, elevated dining, and curated experiences, all accessible via golf cart.

  • Ecosystems: 3,000-acre nature reserve comprising three distinct ecosystems—mountain, beach, and flatland. Within these ecosystems you’ll see a variety of wildlife, have access to beach and mountain based activities, and can explore miles of jungle trails.

  • Golf: A new oceanfront Greg Norman–designed golf course is carved into the landscape. The 9-hole short course is set on the sprawling green Flatlands near the polo field. Backdropped by mountain peaks, the course features a 10th challenge hole known as “The Kraken.”

  • Activities: One of the best parts of being on vacation is that you can do as much or as little as you desire. At Mandarina a full-scale equestrian center with riding and polo competes with jungle adventures like zip-lining and guided hikes. Explore the area on water, land, in the air, or on horseback. There is no bad view in sight.

  • Beach: Curving out into the ocean, The Jetty creates calm, swimmable water, something not guaranteed on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The beach is home to a beach club, infinity pool, and cabanas where you can enjoy an oceanfront massage.

  • Service: Shared access to restaurants and amenities across properties plus signing privileges means that no matter which property you choose, the highly personalized service, including dedicated butlers will ensure a seamless stay.

 
Views of The Treetop Bar at One&Only Mandarina
 

3. Where to Stay: One&only mandarina vs rosewood mandarina

Which should you book?

One&Only Mandarina

The vibe: Dramatic, design-forward, immersed in nature
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, privacy seekers, milestone trips

One&Only Mandarina is all about space and setting. Think treehouses (take a tour of the Panoramic Ocean Treehouse we stayed in) and standalone villas built into the cliffs and jungle, many with private plunge pools. It feels private and experiential, more like staying in your own secluded retreat than a traditional resort.

Here are 5 things to know about the property.

1. Treehouse and cliffside villas, many with private pools, make One&Only Mandarina perfect for couple’s looking for a romantic getaway, solo travelers who want rest and relaxation, and multi-generational families who need space to spread out.

2. Golf carts will be your preferred mode of transportation, which adds to the private estate feel. One&Only Mandarina sits on a sprawling property that includes multiple restaurants, an equestrian center, a spa and lots more to discover. While you can easily walk parts of it the best way to get around is by messaging your host. Which leads us to…

3. Your dedicate host! At check in you’ll be assigned a villa host who will escort you to your villa. They’ll give you a grand tour and will also set up a WhatsApp group for you to reach them. Anything you need, from ice, to dinner reservations, to the best place to watch the sunset, your host has you covered.

4. One&Only Mandarina is perfect for when you want to chill out or get active. This is not a party resort, but it’s also not boring. There’s live music, a DJ in the treetop lounge, and a Bose sound bar for you to get your own party started in your villa. If you like to stay active on vacation you can golf (with a robot caddy!), hike, mountain bike, play pickleball or learn the fundamentals of polo.

5. If you’re traveling with kids, do not miss the 42,000 square foot kids’ club! It’s truly unique, and you can even ask for a tour to just see the butterfly garden.

Pro Tip: Book your stay with Perspectives Travel by June 30th and travel between now and October 31st to receive a complimentary private round-trip airport transfer to and from PVR airport for 5 guest (value of over $500USD) plus all Preferred Partner amenties.

 
 

Rosewood Mandarina

The vibe: Contemporary, polished, slightly more traditional luxury
Best for: Families, couples wanting ease, groups, beach lovers

Rosewood Mandarina offers a more intuitive layout with spacious suites and residences, while still embracing the natural surroundings. It feels a bit more “classic luxury resort” compared to One&Only’s more dramatic design.

Here are 5 things to know about the property.

1. Larger suite-style accommodations and a more centralized layout gives Rosewood Mandarina more of a traditional luxury beach resort feel. There are still Villas that can sleep larger groups, but the Premier Beachfront Suite that sits directly on the beach is our personal favorite (and quite spacious at 1,460 square feet).

2. If a beach vacation is what you’re seeking, Rosewood Mandarina is more central to the beach than One&Only Mandarina and has a beach club and restaurant. There’s beachside service, four infinity pools at the pool club, and the ocean is swimmable (one of the most asked questions about Mexico beach resorts!), plus there’s a lifeguard.

3. Biking or walking will be your preferred mode of transportation as the resort’s grounds are less hilly than One&Only Mandarina. However, you can still call a golf cart if you’d like to get to your destination faster, or if you want to dine at One&Only Mandarina since you’ll have signing privileges at both properties.

4. With its beachfront location, Rosewood Mandarina offers every water based activity that you need. From surfing, paddle boarding, and fishing to yachting and a day trip to the Marietas Islands. For food lovers, don’t miss the beachfront Tortilla Class, where you’ll learn the art of tortilla making with native maíz and locally sourced ingredients from the resort’s culinary team.

5. If you’re traveling with kids, the Rosewood Explorers Children’s Program offers hands on experiences with local flair like making your own Piñata, and learning Huichol Beadwork. With daily cultural and outdoor activities (plus, babysitting), there is something for even the youngest guests.

 
Sunset at Rosewood Mandarina Beach Club
 

INSIDER BOOKING TIPS

Book early: High demand, especially winter and holidays

Request specific villa/suite locations

Reach out to Perspectives Travel to start planning your Mexico getaway now. Ready to book? Click here to book One&Only Mandarina and here to request rates for Rosewood Mandarina. You’ll get the same rate you see on the hotel’s website with complimentary VIP amenities like:

  • Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

 
 

Is Mandarina Worth It & which property is best for you?

Choose One&Only if you want maximum privacy, dramatic design, and a villa-style experience.

Choose Rosewood if you want easy beach access, walkability, and a more traditional luxury resort feel.

For travelers comparing top luxury resorts in Mexico, Mandarina stands out for combining:

  • Swimmable beaches (rare on the Pacific coast)

  • Ultra-private accommodations

  • Nature-driven design

  • Two distinct luxury experiences in one destination

Whether you choose One&Only Mandarina or Rosewood Mandarina, you’re booking into one of the most exclusive, high-end resort developments in North America. This is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. I know I do!

Amina Dearmon