Over the course of 10 years, Riviera Nayarit has positioned itself as one of the most important and exclusive luxury destinations in Mexico. However, a new phase has just begun for the entire coastal region. This era will be marked by the opening of an impressive residential and vacation complex geared to a segment with high purchasing power, bringing two resorts that set the standard in privacy, exoticism, comfort and unique experiences worldwide: One&Only and Rosewood.
These brands chose this region for its unspoiled natural beauty. Located north of Banderas Bay, in the municipality of Compostela, the dramatic landscape, created hundreds of years ago by a volcano, includes such diverse environments as beach, plain, lagoon, lush vegetation and cliffs. Its features, therefore, guarantee spectacular views, exciting activities and a peaceful and privileged stay by the sea. In keeping with its tropical nature, it is called Mandarina.
It is the most ambitious real estate project presented in recent years and hopes to attract travelers from all over the world. Once completed, it will encompass the One&Only Mandarina and Rosewood Mandarina hotels, the One&Only Private Homes and Rosewood Residences residential communities, as well as a world-class equestrian complex, Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club.
Ricardo Santa Cruz, CEO of RSC Development (company in charge of the commercial direction of the development), describes the land’s attributes: “In Mandarina we found everything we were looking for. It is a completely pristine area where we could create a low-density development from scratch, because it has very attractive topography and an ideal size. In the southern and northern parts, it has jungle and mountainous characteristics, perfect for unique resorts due to the excellent views and harmony with nature. In addition, the property has two swimming beaches. One will be the site of the One&Only hotel’s beach club. The other, a mile long, will host two additional beach clubs (including the one for the Rosewood hotel). And the flat, plain area will allow us to implement all the components of the equestrian center. It might be expected that finding such a place—with this type of vegetation and topography—would require travel to very remote places, such as Thailand or Indonesia. But Mandarina is very close to a destination with great connectivity, very mature, and less than three hours from the major cities of the western United States.” —Ricardo Santa Cruz.
RLH Properties, the development company in charge of Mandarina, is the second largest hotel company in the country, listed on the stock exchange and specializing in the acquisition and development of high-end tourist real estate in vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. The design of the One&Only hotel and its residences is the responsibility of Rick Joy Architects, a firm based in Tucson, Arizona, with extensive experience in lifestyle projects and acclaimed for its sensitivity to and integration with the environment. Unquestionably, they guarantee both the quality and harmony of every corner and outdoor area of this new Riviera Nayarit micro-destination.
ONE&ONLY
The opening of One&Only Mandarina is scheduled for the fall of 2019. In total, it will have 108 rooms, including impressive cliff-top suites and tree-house suites, plus first-class amenities.
For the first time, the brand will develop a collection of its own villas within Mandarina, which are already being sold. This worldwide milestone will allow the international market to own a property in one of the most luxurious and exceptional places on the Pacific coast. One&Only Private Homes will consist of 55 residences of four, five and eight bedrooms, each designed independently according to its position, to prioritize privacy and views of the ocean. The villas will be immersed in the lush jungle and will have infinity pools, terraces and landscaped areas. Thanks to the great air connectivity that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have with cities in the United States and Canada, Mandarina is sure to be the next exclusive weekend destination for those countries.
ROSEWOOD
Rosewood Mandarina will open its doors in the middle of 2021. It will be located on the top of a mountain in the northern part of Mandarina, next to an estuary and a lagoon. The hotel will be inspired by the Huichol and Cora cultures that inhabited this region, combining luxury and modern comfort with the riches of its extraordinary scenery. It will also have an impressive collection of residences for sale.
“At Rosewood, we are excited to expand our brand in Mexico, which is now a leading luxury destination worldwide. With all the natural beauty and adventure that Riviera Nayarit offers, Mandarina will masterfully incorporate the philosophy of sense of place that characterizes our resort,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group.
Allen Sanginés-Krause, president of the RLH Properties council, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the firm: “We are delighted to partner with Rosewood in this exciting project that will become one of the best in Mexico.”
AMENITIES
Within Mandarina, guests and residents will be able to use both One&Only and Rosewood amenities. That is, they can enjoy the Mandarina experience in all its splendor. This means that once they enter the development they will find no more security filters and will be able to move about freely to enjoy each area.
MANDARINA POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB
With first-class facilities, this complex will be located in a flat area and will have a clubhouse, dressage track, arenas, two regulation-size polo fields, lounge, veterinary clinic and specialty store. Riders of all ages will enjoy a unique experience here, due to its proximity to the sea.
“For horse lovers, being able to ride to the sea or on the mountain is a dream come true. In addition, we will have a couple of polo tournaments a year, with well-known sponsors, that will bring people from Europe, Asia, the United States and other countries,” says Ricardo Santa Cruz.
THE JETTY
Mandarina will also be accessible by sea. The Jetty will be located on the coast in front of the One&Only complex, creating a port from which you can go out to practice water activities such as snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, fishing and surfing. Those guests who have yachts will be able to use a mooring area. At the end of this jetty, there will be a bonfire area symbolizing the volcano that was once on the site, a perfect spot to appreciate the beautiful Nayarit sunsets.
GASTRONOMY
“The kitchen of One&Only is known worldwide for the quality of its food. We will have very traditional dishes, both from Nayarit and other parts of Mexico, taking advantage of regional ingredients,” notes Santa Cruz.
There will be various experiences available within the resort. On the stretch of beach in front of the jetty, One&Only Majahua Beach Club will offer infinity pools, terraces and cabañas, among other amenities. And its gastronomic offerings will match the high-quality ingredients that characterize the hotel.
The Point will be another restaurant, operated by renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera (listed in various rankings as one of the best in Latin America). Located at the southern end of Mandarina, it not only promises spectacular views, but also the best of contemporary signature cuisine.
Finally, The Plateau will have breakfast, lunch and dinner options. It will be a place where you can relax, swim in the pool, enjoy a cocktail or purchase exclusive products in the boutique.
In the northern part of Mandarina, Canalán Beach Club will provide access to the beautiful beach that extends into that area and provide casual culinary options, ideal to complement a day of exciting water activities. And The Farm Restaurant will consist of a garden and restaurant, located very close to the equestrian center, where the farm to table concept will reign, that is, you can enjoy the harvest. And there will be educational programs for children, where they can interact with the farm animals.
HARMONY WITH NATURE
One of the most important hallmarks of Mandarina is its integration and respect for the environment, part of the experience for residents and guests. Several ecosystems coexist in the site, and there is a wealth of both flora and fauna.
“We are going to take advantage of and optimize the natural resources Mandarina offers us. For example, the kids club will have a butterfly house, an insect house, tree houses and hanging bridges. We will also have an extreme area for the more adventurous, where there will be zip lines, mountains to climb, rappel towers and an obstacle course. For those who enjoy hiking, we will have a system of trails to walk, bike or horseback. Finally, in the lagoon, you can practice activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding,” notes Santa Cruz.
In this way, Mandarina is responding to the wishes of travelers and residents increasingly aware of the environment. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most complete projects in Western Mexico.
Other benefits available to owners of the villas within Mandarina are property maintenance and administration, spa and food services within your residence, physical training sessions, laundry, medical attention, mooring of boats with access to The Jetty and special privileges in all the One&Only hotels in the world.
*Originally printed in Vallarta Lifestyles
