Hotel Review: One and Only Mandarina

The One and Only Mandarina, an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, had been VERY hyped(World’s 50 Best Hotels named it as the best hotel in North America and the 8th best hotel in the world)prior to our stay, and as such we went with very high expectations. The setting, in a thick jungle above the beautiful beaches of the Pacific, was spectacular, as was the architecture. The kids club was also very impressive (if not partially closed by termites) and raved about by our kids. Overall, however, while the Mandarina had some positives, it definitely failed to live up to the hype. Read below for why we probably won’t be making a return trip.

Beautiful views surround the resort

Overall ****** (6 of 10)

Value *** (3 of 10)

Food ****** (6 of 10)

Design ******** (8 of 10)

Service ****** (6 of 10)

Location ******** (8 of 10)

Kid’s Club ******** (8 of 10)

LOCATION

An hour drive North of the Puerto Vallarta airport will take you to to the Mandarina complex where 105 villas making up the One and Only Mandarina are perched in the jungle overlooking the pacific ocean. There is a Rosewood expected to open next door (and share some facilities) in 2025.

Enjoying the pool at the Jetty Beach Club

FACILITIES

Adult’s only pool at One and Only Mandarina

Nestled along the Riviera Nayarit coast in Mexico, One&Only Mandarina harmonizes the lush jungle and the Pacific Ocean, creating a wild yet tranquil ambiance. Towering trees and vibrant plants frame the expansive beaches. Despite its vastness the resort spans two time zones, necessitating buggies for transportation. The constant use of and waiting around for buggies can feel extremely limiting.

Mandarina offers two shared areas: Canalan Beach Club and the Recreational Area. Canalan Beach is situated adjacent to the under-construction Rosewood. The area, still under development, features an Italian eatery, Allora and two pools. Though technically swimmable, the beach didn't appear inviting during our visit, with very large and rough waves. We briefly visited, experienced a lengthy wait for lunch, and promptly left.

ACTIVITIES

The Recreational Area boasts stables, pickleball, archery, a half-basketball court, a polo field, a jungle course, and mountain biking.

There are also opportunities for hikes, polo matches, horseback riding, jungle adventures, and water sports. While there are lots of activities, we weren’t able to try many of them due to having to make reservations prior to our stay. The water was also too rough one day so they did not allow us to use the water sports equipment for safety reasons.

My husband was eager to try out mountain biking at Mandarina, but was unable to rent a mountain bike by himself. The only option was to make a reservation and go with a guide. The guide was not an avid mountain biker, and he spent most of their hour together waiting for his guide. She even asked him for tips several times. If the hotel is going to require a guided trip, they should at least have a competent mountain biker leading the trek, particularly if they are going to be charging almost $200 for an hour ride.

Overlooking one of the family pools at One and Only Mandarina

At One&Only, the abundance of pools, totaling five, ensures no shortage of aquatic enjoyment. The Jetty Beach Club claims two, while Carao offers an adults-only option, and Alma contributes two more. Carao and Alma, designed with Instagram-worthy aesthetics, perch dramatically on the cliff's edge, each offering a unique setting, view, and atmosphere. Jetty Beach Club, located by the beach, offers mostly swimmable waters.

Kid’s Club/Amenities

Meeting the resident bearded lizard, Macarena, at Only Kids at One and Only Mandarina

The kids' club delights with treehouses, slides, and bridges, complemented by a butterfly sanctuary at the entrance. The world-class facilities, including a vast indoor play area and attentive nannies, ensure children's enjoyment and safety. Our kids loved the kid’s club and the activities, but were dissapointed that the large play structure was closed for termite damage. All the restaurant’s were kids friendly and had kid’s menus.

Some of the kid’s amenities you would usually expect at this level of property, however, were not present. While the kid’s were greeted upon arrival with popsicles, that’s where the treats ended. There were no welcome gifts for kids, no children’s sized bathrobes or nightly sweet-treats delivered to the room—items that are found in most high-end hotels catering to kids.

Treatment room at One and Only Mandarina

SPA/GYM

Despite its relatively small size, the gym features new TechnoGym equipment. The spa, in contrast, impresses with its expansive layout enveloped by the jungle, featuring a vitality pool, mud bath, and Temazcal. The sauna, steam and cold plunge facilities are also availble to all guests, regardless of whether they have a spa appointment.

Overlooking the pacific ocean

Villas

Villas and suites are nestled among the trees, offering privacy and, in some categories, ocean views. Natural materials, open spaces, expansive windows, and abundant natural light ensure that the surrounding landscapes are an integral part of the guest experience, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors.

View from the villa at One and Only Mandarina

Our villa, secluded amidst the trees and elevated for privacy, did not have much of an ocean view, surprising for the price. The spacious living area featured grand glass doors opening onto the pool and ocean views. Although the design varied from minimalist to earthy, the sheer spaciousness and amenities felt luxurious.

The bedroom, while minimalist, exuded comfort, with a standout skylight and glass doors leading to a modest balcony. The bathroom, with glass doors opening to the outdoors, offered both indoor and outdoor shower options.

Alma restaurant at One and Only Mandarina

FOOD

The dining options at One&Only Mandarina offer a variety of experiences: Jetty Beach Club, situated by the water's edge, serves seafood and grill items with expansive ocean views. Alma, nestled within lush landscapes near the family pool, focuses on local and international dishes, emphasizing farm-to-table ingredients sourced from Mandarina's own farm. Carao, boasting a picturesque view near the adult’s only pool, specializes in upscale Mexican cuisine. Additionally, Allora, located at the shared beach area, features wood-fired pizzas and other Italian classics. Jetty Beach Club also serves a rotating menu.

While the food left us underwhelmed, despite the steep price ($50 for a mediocre burger at the beach club), the architecture and views steal the spotlight. Alma provides a dreamy sunset setting with its almost floating design and serene pools, often accompanied by live music. Carao, sharing the prime sunset spot, offers a distinct ambiance.

Breakfast is served at Alma and was included inthe room rate. The service was slow, but the food included both a buffet and made-to-order dishes. Having to sign for breakfast, despite being included in the rate, only served as another chance to highlight the slow service.

Avocado Toast at Alma Restaurant

Pros:

-Beautiful setting along the coast north of Puerto Vallarta

-Architecture and design were stunning, if not slightly on the cold side

-Staff were warm and friendly

-Kid’s club was enormous with lots of activities that kept our kids entertained (despite the main play structure being closed for termites). The butterfly pavilion was a highlight.

Cons:

-Food was very lackluster, especially for the price.

-Waiting on golf carts to go anywhere

-Service was spotty

-Perhaps the worst value of any hotel we’ve reviewed in recent memory

Sunset from Alma restaurant at One and Only Mandarina