Tucked between the jungle and the Pacific, the Mandarina development in Riviera Nayarit is home to two of Mexico’s most luxurious coastal resorts: Rosewood Mandarina and One&Only Mandarina. Though they share a lush, beachfront jungle setting just north of Punta Mita, each offers a distinct style of luxury, one soulful and nature-immersive, the other sleek and secluded with celebrity appeal.
This side-by-side comparison is your insider guide to choosing the best Mandarina luxury resort for your next Mexico getaway.
First things first. How to get there
Both resorts are easily accessible.
Nearest Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco the closest international hub for both resorts.
Drive Time: 45–60 minutes via a newly upgraded coastal highway with ocean views and lush jungle backdrops
VIP Transfers: Both resorts offer private luxury SUV service; One&Only Mandarina adds the option for helicopter arrivals—just 15 minutes from airport to treetop
Rosewood Mandarina
Set on 565 acres, Rosewood Mandarina is built around three ecosystems: beachfront, jungle flatlands, and cliffside, each forming its own intimate enclave of suites and villas. The accommodations blend Mexican craftsmanship and modern comfort, with native materials, private plunge pools, and open-air designs that bring the outdoors in.
On her recent stay, Kate experienced a beachfront suite with its own plunge pool falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves and waking to views of the ocean right outside her door.
With 134 suites and villas, highlights include the Canalan Beachfront Villa and Cora Mountaintop Villa, both designed for families or small groups looking for maximum space and privacy.
Getting around is part of the fun walk, bike, or take a golf cart through the resort’s winding jungle paths.
Dining at Rosewood Mandarina
La Cocina: All-day Mexican–Spanish dining in an open-air gallery setting
Buena Onda: Casual beachfront spot for grilled seafood, jamón ibérico, and wood-fired flatbreads
Coming Fall 2025: Toppu, a Nikkei fusion restaurant, and Barra Peñasco, a cliffside cocktail lounge perfect for sunset
Wellness & Adventure
The Asaya Spa, nestled beneath a 500-year-old fig tree, offers treatments infused with eucalyptus, lemongrass, and local herbs. Hydrotherapy circuits, yoga with ocean views, and hikes to the ancient Abuela tree are all part of the restorative experience.
Families are well cared for through the Kids for All Seasons program, offering nature-based play, Mexican cooking classes, and art activities.
Outdoor activities include:
Ziplining through the jungle (Kate’s kids had a great time doing this!)
Horseback riding from the equestrian center
Surfing, hiking, paddleboarding
Pickleball, tennis, and archery
Access to the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club
Signature touches
Cliffside suites with lap pools and panoramic jungle or ocean views
Personalized wellness programs at Asaya Spa
Sustainability focus: no single-use plastics, support for biodiversity
Private airport transfers and Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits
One and Only Mandarina
If Rosewood is soulfully grounded, One&Only Mandarina is visually striking. Designed by Rick Joy, this architectural gem is set into the jungle cliffs with 105 standalone villas and treetop suites, each offering private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and stunning rainforest or ocean views.
For the ultimate splurge, Signature Villas span up to 24,000 sq. ft. and include infinity pools, media rooms, private chefs, and butler service. Even entry-level villas offer blackout shades, smart lighting, and total privacy.
World-Class Dining at One&Only Mandarina
Carao by Enrique Olvera (of Pujol): Seafood-forward tasting menu with cliffside views
Alma by Olivier Deboise: Farm-to-table Mediterranean-Pan-American cuisine
Allora: Elevated Italian classics
Jetty Beach Club: Laid-back oysters, catch of the day, and cocktails by the sea
Spa & Activities
The One&Only Spa partners with Tata Harper to offer jungle-integrated treatments, temazcal rituals, cold plunges, and steam baths. Add a private yoga session or guided hike to the Abuela tree for a deeper connection to place.
Families will love the 42,000 sq. ft. KidsOnly jungle playground—complete with butterfly gardens, obstacle courses, and nature-led programming far beyond the average “kids club.”
Additional recreation includes:
Mountain biking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking
Polo matches, horseback riding
Tennis, beach volleyball, and a 10-hole jungle golf course
Signature touches
Fully detached villas and treehouses with unrivaled seclusion
Dedicated 24/7 butler service via WhatsApp
Indoor gardens, soaking tubs, and chef-curated menus in select villas
Harmonious integration of design and nature
Which Mandarina Resort Matches Your Travel Style?
There’s no wrong choice here, just two unforgettable interpretations of luxury in one of Mexico’s most exclusive destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful, nature-rich elegance of Rosewood or the secluded, design-forward escape of One&Only, Mandarina offers something special: deep personalization wrapped in world-class hospitality.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a multi-gen getaway, a festive escape or simply craving the best of luxury travel in Riviera Nayarit, KJ Travel will match you to the stay that fits your mood and style perfectly.
Let us help plan your next escape to Mandarina, Mexico. Click here to fill out our trip planning form
