The List

8

One&Only Mandarina

Riviera Nayarit

50 Best Accolades
  • The Best Hotel in North America 2023

Out-and-out luxury on wild Pacific shores

The elevator pitch: Sandwiched between the tropical rainforests of Sierra de Vallejo reserve and the Pacific Ocean, this 88-acre stay was one of the first to arrive in the luxurious Mandarina development along Mexico’s Pacific shoreline. Camouflaged against its steamy jungle setting, it has set new standards for luxury Mexican hotels, now receiving the trophy for The Best Hotel in North America 2023.

Give me the tour: There are no ‘rooms’ – instead, the property provides 105 villas tucked into treetops or perched on the rocky coastal cliffs. Each has its own private plunge pool and intimate open-air living space. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, indoor and al fresco seating and dining areas, as well outdoor bathing facilities make this one of the One&Only group’s most luxurious properties – helped by a dedicated, around-the-clock butler service.

Why should I come? For the spa alone. Wellness rituals inspired by ancient rites are offered, with Curanderas (traditional healers) on hand to use indigenous plants, herbs and practices to guide guests through immersive spiritual ceremonies. Six treatment rooms are built within a volcanic rock garden. All treatments are inspired by Indigenous and pre-Hispanic culture.

Any other talking points? Besides the open-to-guests polo fields, the food offering has turned heads. Suspended over a cliff in a cloud of lush foliage, Carao is the resort’s premium table. The kitchen, helmed by chef Enrique Olvera (of Mexico City’s Pujol, No.9 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), plates up modern coastal cuisine. The more casual Alma is a Mediterranean-inspired eatery. Elsewhere, the Jetty Beach Club is a go-to lunch spot, while Allora, on one of two hotel beaches, serves relaxed Italian fare – think linguine, vongole, bruschetta antipasti and grilled blue shrimp pizzas. Up in the canopy, you’ll find the zero-waste Treetop Bar.

Let’s talk sustainability: One&Only puts sustainable development at the heart of its programme. Dutifully aware of the biodiverse environment of the region, the team behind Mandarina have sought to preserve and protect the hotel’s surrounding landscape. Villas are low-impact and resource-efficient, and staff training ensures continued guardianship of the rainforest and beach ecosystems. Much of the site is solar powered.

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