Riviera Nayarit: A Wild Paradise of Pacific Luxury
Forget the crystal-clear waters and white-sandy beaches of the Caribbean. On Mexico's western coast, a new luxury destination is quietly redefining what high-end travel means. Welcome to Riviera Nayarit, a stretch of coastline that winds north from Puerto Vallarta into a wilder, more mysterious Mexico, where lush jungle cliffs plunge into the infinite blue of the Pacific Ocean, and the air hums with the energy of ancient traditions and sacred rituals.
Unlike the bustling Riviera Maya, this part of Mexico remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. It is magical, spiritual, untamed. Here, bohemian surf towns like Sayulita and San Pancho draw modern-day mystics, artists, and shamans. Locals speak of ceremonies, plant medicine, and rituals passed down through generations. This isn't just a vacation spot: it's a place of transformation.
And at the heart of it all lies one of the world’s most extraordinary resorts: One&Only Mandarina
A Sanctuary Suspended Between Jungle and Sea
Perched dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific, One&Only Mandarina is the first luxury resort to grace this part of Nayarit. Open for over five years, the resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature, offering a level of refinement that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the earth.
The property features 105 private villas, each with its own plunge pool and breathtaking views of either the jungle canopy or the ocean horizon. The architecture is minimal yet warm, with organic materials and a sense of fluidity that blurs the line between indoors and out. For families or groups, there are 16 private homes available, offering up to 10 bedrooms, expansive living areas, and the same iconic design.
Mornings at One&Only begin with the symphony of the jungle. Wake up early, step onto your terrace, sip coffee by your pool, and take in the silence, broken only by birdsong and the rustle of palm fronds. It feels like the world has paused.
Wellness Rooted in Ancestral Tradition
The One&Only Spa is a destination in itself: a serene jungle haven with treatment rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, steam room, and a traditional temazcal. Here, you can experience spiritual rituals guided by a local shaman or even have your cards read. The spa is more than indulgence, it’s renewal.
An Elevated Culinary Journey
The resort's culinary program is as exceptional as its setting. At Alma, chef Jonathan Felix offers an inspired fusion of Mexican flavors with Mediterranean influences. Whether it's breakfast with a jungle view, a poolside lunch in a shaded cabana, or a romantic dinner under the stars, the experience is always flawless.
The resort's fine dining gem is Carao, perched on the highest point of the property and helmed by Chef Enrique Olvera, the Michelin-starred mastermind behind Pujol in Mexico City. Don't miss the Taco Bar tasting menu: nine courses of reinvented Mexican street food, served at the chef’s counter with exceptional service and a breathtaking view of the lush jungle.
For something lighter, Jetty Beach Club offers relaxed toes-in-the-sand dining during the day and transitions into Dokku by night: a Mexican-Asian fusion concept with a vibrant, coastal spirit.
Experiences Beyond the Resort
While the resort offers everything you need for a perfect stay, the surrounding Mandarina community enhances the experience. Ride horseback along the beach at Canalan, play a quick 9 holes at the Mandarina golf course (all Par 3s), or explore Canalan Beach, home to yet another beach club with Mexican, Italian, and Argentinian flavors.
When to Go & What to Expect
The best time to visit is from December to April, when the jungle is lush and vibrant following the rainy season, and you might even catch glimpses of whales dancing in the ocean between January and March. Locals have seen them right in front of the resort: a magical sight, especially with a cocktail in hand from Carao’s terrace.
An Invitation to Disconnect
One&Only Mandarina isn’t just a luxury resort. It’s a portal into another world: a hidden corner of Mexico where silence, spirit, and style converge. Come for the architecture, the cuisine, the jungle, and the ocean. But stay for the way it makes you feel: grounded, present, and completely at peace.
This is Pacific luxury, reimagined.
