by Holly Crawford
One & Only recently opened the ultra-luxury Mandarina Resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Tucked within the rainforest canopy, the resort’s treetop suites offer a hidden sanctuary with sweeping views.
Set on an undiscovered stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit overlooking the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and an awe-inspiring beachfront rainforest setting, the resort is a hidden retreat complete with secluded eco-designed treehouses and clifftop villas, swimmable shores, destination dining from Chef Enrique Olvera, active and mindful experiences, and an environment crafted for reconnection.
An ultra-luxury beach sanctuary, One&Only Mandarina stretches across a 33-hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, just 45 minutes from Punta Mita. The resort was sensitively designed to embrace the dramatic setting, rather than reshape it, and careful low-density planning in consultation with botany experts has preserved the land and the historic and ecological importance of the destination. Local Mexican craftsmanship and cutting-edge design coexist with ancient trees and volcanic rocks in these secluded suites.
The resort showcases low-impact contemporary style and sustainable design, coupled with unrivalled seclusion in an adventurous beachfront setting. Amid the jungle surrounds are 105 chic standalone treehouses and villas either elevated amongst the canopy or perched cliffside, all designed for indoor and outdoor living with breath-taking views of the Pacific Coast, Sierra del Vallejo mountains or rainforest. Accommodations boast private plunge pools and terraces, floor to ceiling windows, glass walls and expansive bathrooms—all framing the natural surroundings— as well as interiors complemented by custom woodwork and artefacts by local designers. Constructed with clay, wood, precious metal and stone, and the finest raw materials indigenous to the region, the villas are private sanctuaries, grounded in the earthen spirit of the local Cora and Huichol cultures.
