Hotel: One & Only Mandarina (3 nights) / Program: Virtuoso
You’d wonder why we would take a 12hr flight from London across the Atlantic to Mexico to experience the One&Only Mandarina when we could easily take a much shorter 2hr flight anywhere to South of Europe to a warm destination. Well such was the pull of the One&Only Mandarina that we couldn’t resist booking this as soon as the dates aligned for us. We’ve heard such great feedback about this property, both from online reviewers and personal feedback, that we were itching to experience it for ourselves. Added to that our fabulous stay at the One&Only Portonovi meant we wanted to experience more of this brand. OK, one more reason is was the allure of the Mexican food, but keeping that aside for now.
Having said that, it does get some mixed reviews due to service lapses. How did the stay go for us? Spolier alert: it was nothing short of spectacular. It was so good that it turned out to be one of our highlight stays of the year. Read on to find out more.
One&Only Mandarina, located on the breathtaking Pacific coast of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, offers cliffside treehouses and villas in a lush jungle setting amidst the Sierra Madre mountains, while offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean below.
Virtuoso
Before we review the property, a quick note that the hotel can be booked under our exclusive Virtuoso programme. Booking under the rate, you can receive the following benefits:
- Welcome note from the GM and welcome amenity
- Daily Complimentary breakfast for two
- $100 equivalent food & beverage credit
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary upgrade, subject to availability
Quite often, the hotel has offers such as third or fourth night free our discounted stays. Typically all offers will combine with our Virtuoso benefits.
Arrival
We landed at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) after a quick flight from Mexico City Airport (MEX). The flight was short and uneventful, which is how every flight on a low-cost carrier should be!
After navigating the chaos of the airport, we met our driver at Arrivals and made our way to One&Only Mandarina, arriving just in time for sunset. We had pre-booked our transfers, which made the journey smooth and easy. It’s a quick 45min-1hr drive thanks to the new highway connecting PVR airport and the Mandarina complex. We did hit traffic as we exited the airport due to the construction of the new terminal building, but it wasn’t too bad.
True to the impeccable One&Only style, the moment we arrived, the staff rang the bell to announce our arrival. Such a lovely, welcoming touch that set the tone for the entire stay. Little touches such as these really help to kick-start the stay on the right note.
The team greeted us warmly and even took a moment to show us around the water feature at the entrance, inviting us to ‘make a wish’ with the stones. This was a beautiful ritual that felt both personal and serene. The Manager explained to us the importance of water to the local community and highlighted once again how the brand intend to blend in local elements into a guest’s experience.
Check-in
The team invited us to the main reception to complete the check-in formalities and presented us with a welcome drink. The staff was lovely and provided an overview of the resort. The team also asked us to manually adjust our mobile phones to Puerto Vallarta time, as the resort sits on the edge of two time zones, which can trigger automatic shifts of +/- one hour. Well that’s a first for us!
Our butlers came over to introduce themselves and escort us to our room by buggy. The first order of the day was setting up a WhatsApp group chat to ensure all requests were handled swiftly and to record any special requirements.
Along the way to our treehouse, our butler gave us a glimpse of the resort’s stunning layout. It was the perfect start to what would become an unforgettable stay.
One&Only Mandarina: Ocean Treehouse
We received a one category upgrade from a Cliffside Treehouse to an Ocean Treehouse. These two categories have the same layout with the main difference being the views with the former providing jungle views and the latter partial ocean views.
Our Ocean Treehouse perched high above the jungle canopy with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, was an absolute dream. The spacious interior was beautifully crafted with dark wood finishes that blended perfectly with the surrounding natural elements, giving the room an earthy feel. True to the resort’s theme, the lighting was a bit dim, but it only added to the cozy vibe.
Here’s a photo of our neighbouring Treehouse to provide a better perspective:
Ocean Treehouse Floor Plan
Below is a floor plan of a typical Treehouse, although the floorplan below is for a right-side entry room whilst ours was a left-side entry.
As you enter the room, the thoughtful design divides it into two distinct sections. To the right, you’ll find a very spacious bathroom and ample storage cabinets. To the left, the room opens up to the coffee station, equipped with everything you need to enjoy your coffee. Just beyond that, the room flows into the plush king-sized bed. The bed is positioned to overlook the plunge pool, inviting you to step into the balcony and take in the lush jungle surroundings.
Upon entering, the team warmly welcomed us with a thoughtful amenity featuring a dessert, olive tapenade, olives, and crackers to enjoy alongside it. The dessert was a Mandarin cake as we were in ‘Mandrin’a after all! It was fantastic and very much like one of those desserts you’d see on a Masterchef episode. It was delightful.
Ocean Treehouse: Bedroom
Our room was super spacious, with wood panelling and wood flooring, keeping in with the treehouse theme. The bed was King size and super comfortable. There were two sets of comfortable sofa chairs facing the ocean, with a desk and a large TV on either corners of the bedroom.
The coffee cabinet included an extensive set of ingredients for cocktails as well as the usual tea and coffee making facilities. The team stocked the minibar well, including, most importantly, fresh milk. It’s a shame though that at this price-point the non-alcoholic drinks in the mini bar are not complimentary. I don’t understand why top tier hotels want to charge guests $$$ for a can of diet coke when they’re already paying so much for the stay. Rant over.
In the center of the bathroom was a sun bed, which became a favourite spot for us to unwind. Above it was a sunroof, and, after a bit of curiosity, we realised it could be opened on day two! Once we figured that out, it was the perfect way to lay back, and watch the skies.
The sun bed was integrated into the cupboards, creating a separation between the bedroom and bathroom and providing much-needed privacy in the room.
Ocean Treehouse: Bathroom
The bathroom was incredibly spacious, with plenty of room to store our luggage in the cup boards. The double vanity offered ample counter space for both of us. It overlooked lush green tress, keeping in with the jungle theme of the treehouse. The bathroom was stocked with the usual amenities you’d expect to find in a hotel of this calibre. Housekeeping staff was also great, neatly arranging all our toiletries in a tray and constantly reminding us how messy we were ;).
Along the vanity units in one corner of the room was the massive shower, featuring his and hers showers laid in lack granite stone. Shower pressure was perfect!
Glass double doors led to a small wooden deck with an outdoor tub, perfectly positioned to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and ocean, with the added bonus of being the ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Slightly concerning here was the lack of privacy but luckily for us the neighbouring Treehouse was empty. maybe it’s just me but I did find the wooden partitioning oddly structured.
Ocean Treehouse: Deck and Plunge Pool
The standout feature of the room was undoubtedly the wooden deck with a lounger on one end and a round table on the other with a plunge pool in the centre, offering incredible views over the lush jungle to the Pacific Ocean. It was the perfect place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty surrounding us. Nestled among the towering trees, it felt like a private sanctuary, where you could truly disconnect and relax. The soothing sounds of the ocean added to the peaceful atmosphere, making it a serene spot to enjoy the moment.
Each morning, once our butlers delivered our bucket of ice, we made ourselves an iced latte and relaxed on the deck. A perfect way to start the mornings.
Given that the Treehouse is located in a jungle, the occasional seeds from the trees above would land next to us with a thud. The second day I did contemplate wearing a helmet on the deck, but decided against it.
Ocean Treehouse: Video Room Tour
For those of you avid readers who’d prefer to see a video tour of the room, a full video tour of the room is provided below:
Food and Drinks at One&Only Mandarina
Breakfast at Alma
Breakfast was included in our Virtuoso rate, served daily at Alma Restaurant. It was truly a delightful experience, offering the perfect balance of Continental and local Mexican dishes.
There the small buffet, which included fresh fruits, a variety of pastries and also included fresh juices and a station which served different local drinks daily. Everything here was of high quality and sourced locally.
Of course, a One&Only breakfast spread is not completed without the famous spread of One&Only jams, sourced from all over the world where One&Only have their properties. Once again a clever and effective way to connect guests with the brand.
However, one small drawback was the presence of quite a few flies, which made it a bit tricky to enjoy the buffet as we’d hoped. Fortunately, the breakfast wasn’t particularly busy during our visit, so we opted to sit outside facing the lovely infinity pool. The indoor seating was just as lovely, with the same great food and a peaceful atmosphere.
A La Carte Menu
The a la carte menu was quite extensive and included a mix of Continental options and local Mexican varieties. There was also an extensive smoothie menu.
On our first day we chose the Tiramisu Toast. Oh boy, I never knew Tiramisu flavours on toast would do such wonders. The mix of coffee, cocoa and mascarpone was just perfect! Hats off to whomever thought of mixing these flavours on toast!
For those with a more savoury toast, the local Mexican specialities were equally mouthwatering. During our stay we tried the green chilaquiles, red chilaquiles, divorciados chilaquiles and everything in between. The staff noted our vegetarian diet and modified the dishes accordingly to perfection. I’m a sucker for Mexican food and the breakfast at One&Only lived up to all my expectations. Extra points for the superb presentation of all the dishes.
Dinner at Carao
During our stay, we had the pleasure of dining at both of the hotel’s main restaurants: Carao and Alma, and each offered a distinct dining experience.
Carao was more of a Mexican fine-dining experience, showcasing the rich, bold flavours of the country with a contemporary twist. The menu here is curated by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera, whom we didn’t know much about but certainly learnt more during our dining experience.
The chefs crafted the dishes beautifully, and the elegant ambiance made it a perfect spot for a special evening. They even had a taco tasting experience which was not for us, but definitely those without dietary restrictions should try it.
The staff was amazing and really did their best to cater to our vegetarian diet. They recommended Mexican dishes and tweaked favours according to our preferences. We tried the black beans tamales, moles and some sides. For dessert we had cinnamon buenelos.
Overall, we had a great meal. Was it the best Mexican food we’ve had? Certainly not. But we tried new dishes and enjoyed the overall dining experience and general vibe of the restaurant.
Dinner at Alma
On the other hand, Alma offered a more relaxed and international menu, making it a great choice for a more laid-back dining experience. The food here was incredibly diverse, with a range of international options, including pastas. It was the perfect break from the rich Mexican flavours. The atmosphere at Alma was more casual, making it a great spot for a more relaxed evening out.
We had a light meal, with a cauliflower baked dishes and a plate of pasta.
Both restaurants were good in their own right, with Carao offering an elevated local experience and Alma providing a more versatile and global menu, which kept things fresh and exciting throughout our stay. Not the best we’ve ever had, but certainly enjoyable.
Infinity Pool at Carao
The hotel has four beautiful outdoor pools in different parts of the resort, each offering a different vibe. One was adults-only, providing a more serene atmosphere without any distractions. The pool opposite Alma was perfect for both adults and kids, making it a more family-friendly space. The third pool was located near the Jetty Beach Club, offering the perfect spot to take a dip while enjoying the beachside atmosphere. Finally, the last pool was inside the spa.
During our stay, we spent some time at the adults-only pool at Carao. It was pretty quiet when we visited, perfect for us. We selected a set of loungers facing the ocean and relaxed by the pool, occasionally dipping inside for that coveted Instagrammable photo of us at the edge of the infinty pool looking into the horrizon. You gotta do it for the gram!
Service was attentive and we ordered a glass of horchata. The menu offered a limited food selection and came with a rather high price tag.
Jetty Beach Club
Our preferred relaxation spot though was the Jetty Beach Club. A short buggy ride down to the white-sand beach brought us to the hotel’s Jetty Beach Club, a laid-back spot that was the perfect place to spend the day by the ocean. The beach club featured rows of comfortable sunbeds lining the shore, perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun. There was also a small pool for those who wanted to cool off without venturing into the ocean. We visited the beach club over two days and it was indeed very relaxing to just listen and enjoy the sound of the waves.
For those looking to get a little more active, there was a charming little shack at the beach club where you could hire kayaks and surfboards, at no additional cost. Interestingly, we learned about it from our gym instructor, who mentioned that after his morning classes, he spent the rest of his day at the shack. Had we known about this at the beginning of our stay, we would certainly have tried more of the non-motorised water sport activities. A miss from our butlers, I’d say.
One&Only Mandarina Spa
The spa at One&Only Mandarina was definitely one of the most memorable experience during our stay, which we remember to this day. One of the highlights was the guided hydrotherapy session, which was unlike anything I had experienced before. It started with the steam room, followed by the sauna, and then a cold plunge that was as invigorating as it was refreshing. A staff member expertly guided the whole process, adding a personal touch that made the experience both relaxing and revitalising.
The session culminated with a dip in the pool in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sounds of nature. It was a truly magical moment, floating in the warm water amidst the jungle, feeling completely at peace and recharged.
We finished our spa session with a ritual for purification and gratitude. A perfect way to finish a truly relaxing experience.
No amount of photos can desribe our experience, and nor did I try to take a perfect shot as I was enjoying this moment for myself. The spa offers a lot more, which is best described on their website.
One&Only Mandarina Gym
The resort featured a full-sized gym, located next to the spa, equipped with everything you’d need for a full workout. In addition to the gym, there was also an open-air deck specifically designed for yoga and more functional workouts. The atmosphere felt relaxed, perfectly allowing us to connect with the surroundings while getting in a good sweat.
One thing to note is that the resort offered complimentary fitness classes daily but they didn’t advertise them very well. We only found out after scanning a QR code in the gym, which led us to the class schedule. It would’ve been nice if the schedule had been more visible or mentioned during check-in. We did not get a chance to do yoga but really enjoyed the functional classes!
The fitness facilities get a bonus point rom us for the delightful cocoa protein balls in the gym. I may have had one, or two..OK, maybe three.
Experiences / Activities
One&Only Mandarina is part of the larger Mandarina complex, which also includes the newly-opened Rosewood Mandarina, offering guests access to a wide range of activities within the resort. While One&Only didn’t have its own specific activities, the complex as a whole provided a variety of exciting options. Guests could enjoy everything from horseback riding and tennis to zip-lining and basketball, making it an ideal spot for those looking to stay active or try something adventurous.
Although we didn’t personally take part in many of these activities, which are ideal for families, we did do a tour of the Mandarina complex, and it was a lot of fun! Exploring the area gave us a a chance to see parts of the property we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. We even met Mandarina the horse!
Service
At a high-end luxury hotel in an ultra competitive market, apart from the quality of the hardware, the service makes or breaks the hotel. One&Only Mandarina is a bit inconsistent with this regard and a cursory glance at online reviews will shed more light on this. But let’s take an objective look at how service was during our stay?
I don’t know if we lucked out or what, but our butler team was absolutely amazing. We set up a WhatsApp group immediately at check-in, and the team responded promptly to each message. We also requested fruits and ice bucket daily. This was delivered bang on time everyday, without fail.
Given the topography of the hotel, the only way to get around the property, unless you want to do incline walks and break a sweat, is to use a buggy service. Guests often complain how long they have to wait for one. Apart from 1-2 occasions when we had a bit of a wait, all our buggy requests were services within five minutes or less. A quick message on Whatsapp and everything was sorted. I hesitate to say it, but it was as close to perfect as it could get.
Most of the staff were warm and were eager to have conversations with us, especially once they learned that we travelled all the way from London and were not the typical American guests. Each time a staff member saw us, they greeted us with a broad smile and a hand on their heart; a simple yet very warm gesture.
Turn Down Service
Each evening, the turndown service added a truly thoughtful and personal touch to our stay. A bottle of water was placed by our bedside, along with the softest pillow mats and our bathroom slippers. What really stood out was that the team left a unique and meaningful gift each night. One of the most memorable was a beautifully handcrafted tic-tac-toe set made by the local blind community. It was not only a lovely gesture but also a meaningful way to support the local artisans.
What could be improved in terms of service though? The butler team learnt from conversations that we were interested in fitness activities, yet they didn’t inform us of the daily wellness classes. Similarly, we weren’t informed of the water sport activities. Now, it’s not a really big deal as we found out about this anyway. It left us with a feeling that staff were keen to push paid activities and weren’t trained enough to inform us of the complimentary services.
Having said that, if I were to rate the service, I would give it a 8.5/10. Maybe 9/10. No major complaints and very appreciate of all the staff we interacted with.
Overall Thoughts
One&Only Mandarina will definitely be one of those places I’d love to visit again. The overall ambiance, concept, and service exceeded all of my expectations. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail had been carefully considered to make our stay exceptional. Only thing was that we ended up taking buggy’s everywhere as the resort is a bit hilly, so one needs to bear that in mind. All the facilities including gym, restaurants and Beach Club are quite spread out. Hence, a buggy is the preferred mode of transport though you could walk if you wanted a bit of a workout.
Our butlers were absolutely wonderful, going above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of throughout our stay. They always responded promptly when we wanted to head somewhere, made sure our restaurant reservations were handled seamlessly and took care of every little detail so we could fully relax. I would love to return to One&Only Mandarina for another unforgettable stay.
The resort is well suited for couples as well as for families given the variety of experiences available in the Mandarina complex. It is less ideal for those with mobility issues due to the topography of the resort. It’s also quite remote and the nearest town is at least 30min away, so you are confined to what’s available within the Mandarina complex.
Looking to book One&Only Mandarina?
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