The ultra-luxury resort One&Only Mandarina, located on an undiscovered stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, has launched a collection of Signature Villas, designed by Studio Rick Joy. We stepped inside for a sneak peak…
One&Only Mandarina, which we first spoke about back in 2020, overlooks the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and a location in an awe-inspiring beachfront rainforest setting. The ultra-luxury beach sanctuary and collection of expansive Signature Villas stretches across a 33 hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, and lush, tropical landscape. Together with the resort’s majestic Grand Villas, such as the exceptional Villa One, the resort has an array of options for groups of families and friends that are seeking a place to gather, relax and reconnect.
The collection of Signature Villas features sustainable design and ground-breaking architecture by Studio Rick Joy, sensitively built to integrate within nature and embrace the dramatic setting rather than reshape it with careful low-density planning. Each villa is designed specifically to reflect its location, drawing the outdoors in via breath-taking views of rolling, green mountain sides fading into jungle canopies or the unspoilt vistas of the crystal-clear ocean meeting the horizon.
Open structures capture natural light, filtered through the towering trees, while traditional Mexican design elements are reimagined, including pitched roofs with large overhangs, a nod to local palapas. Earth-hued walls emerge from the ground with low visual impact, inspired by the historic buildings once constructed on the site by the Cora, an indigenous settlement in the Western Central Mexico, who covered their buildings in earthen plaster. Terraces and courtyards are made from volcanic rocks directly sourced from the location while the tropical rainforest provides woods including Cumaru, Rosa Morada, and Tornillo.
Locally crafted custom woodwork, stone accents and earthy tones add rich, textural warmth throughout the interiors, complemented by intricate artefacts curated specifically for the space by local artisans. Designed to enhance the interior space, the villas showcase state-of-the-art Delos’ Home Wellness solutions with air and water purification, dehumidification, and circadian lighting systems to ensure a harmonious inner sanctuary and a wellness-focused living experience that is seamlessly in tune with its surroundings.
The Signature Villas introduce four to eight bedroom luxurious residences, with an expansive layout of multiple interconnected buildings surrounding a central indoor/outdoor living area ranging from 758 to 1,725 total square metres that can accommodate from 12 up to 24 guests in different layouts perfectly designed for multi-family travellers, groups of friends, and celebratory gatherings. Each villa is distinct, offering unparalleled bespoke amenities with a dedicated host service and preference planner to tend to guests’ every need, from pre-arrival shopping to booking private chefs, musical entertainment and more. Wine studios can be outfitted with leading wines from the region and the world, while TV rooms, cinemas and casino rooms offer a multitude of entertainment options.
Fully outfitted gyms allow guests to focus on wellness in the privacy of their villa, and offices allow for any work needs to be swiftly and professionally met. Expansive bedrooms with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms enhance a residential feel, allowing guests to linger for longer stays in ultimate comfort. Lush landscaping brings the rainforest into the gracious outdoor living spaces for gathering and entertaining, including spacious terraces, infinity-edged pools and jacuzzies. All Signature Villas feature additional facilities to ensure an easy stay, such as multi-car garages and laundry rooms.
This level of thoughtful design is matched with a warm hospitality and intuitive service. One&Only Mandarina’s 24-hour dedicated butler service and an expert team of butlers, chefs, fitness instructors and spa therapists, create a dedicated team delivering a perfectly personalised level of service tailored to each guest’s individual needs.
The new villas are the first to join the growing Signature Villa collection at One&Only Mandarina, offering ultra-luxury accommodation for groups of friends, multi-generational families, or celebrations. They complement the existing Grand Villa collection – Villa One, Villa Banderas, Villa Tortuga, Villa Jaguar, and Villa Pacifico.
Villa One, the pinnacle of resort living, stretches over 1,747 square metres boasting two king bedroom suites and one double queen suite, each with their own walk-in closet and terrace with a private hot tub. The expansive living and dining areas include a bar and a spacious kitchen with a central island for gathering, as well as wine cellar/humidor. The indoor spa and gym with cold plunge pool and terrace, full screen cinema, family room with games and an entertainment zone complete the rest of the villa, while outside a sweeping infinity pool and outdoor covered dining terrace with barbecue grill overlooking the Pacific Ocean await.
Completing the luxury offering is an additional four Grand Villas. Villa Pacifico is an airy and bright two-bedroom residence complete with a full kitchen, office space, private cinema and outdoor rain showers and pool. The two-bedroom Villa Jaguar’s indoor spaces transition seamlessly into a vast terrace complete with BBQ, hot tub, and expansive pool. Guests will enjoy jungle living in its finest in the two-bedroom Villa Tortuga, nestled into the rainforest’s greenery overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With wraparound views of the ocean, Villa Banderas comes in one or two-bedroom configurations, which both offer expansive living areas and sea-facing terraces perfect for lounging.
Main image credit: One&Only Mandarino