When Rosewood Mandarina officially opened its doors just days before Jonas, our founder, arrived, we had the rare privilege of being among the first guests to experience this stunning new property. Nestled between lush rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, this hotel perfectly balances raw nature with Rosewood’s hallmark refined luxury — and from the moment we stepped in, it was clear this was a very special place.
The palpable opening-week buzz was undeniable — staff beaming, everything immaculate — but this was no rookie adrenaline. The precision and care spoke to the unmistakable Rosewood standard, elevated by a deep respect for the region’s natural and cultural fabric.
Riviera Nayarit, stretching nearly 200 miles along Mexico’s Pacific coast, is still a relatively under-the-radar stretch of coastline that’s quietly building a reputation among travellers in the know. Unlike the more tourist-heavy stretches of Mexico’s Pacific coast, this region offers a rare blend of unspoiled nature, fishing villages, and rugged jungle that climbs right up to the ocean’s edge. It’s a playground for those who crave adventure — think world-class surfing, whale watching, and jungle hikes — but with an emerging luxury scene that’s been carefully curated rather than bulldozed.
The town of Punta Mita, just a short drive north, has become the area’s upscale magnet, but Rosewood Mandarina’s location a little south of that feels like the best of both worlds: remote enough to feel wild and undiscovered, yet close enough to tap into local culture and cuisine. It’s this kind of balance that Rosewood has captured brilliantly.
Set between dense rainforest and sweeping Pacific views, the hotel doesn’t impose on the landscape — it blends into it. Low-slung buildings peek through the trees, and every suite and villa comes with its own private infinity plunge pool that overlooks treetops or ocean. The design is thoughtful without being fussy — materials and textures clearly chosen to reflect the surroundings, from warm woods to tactile stone. Our suite’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls invited the outside in, creating a seamless transition from jungle to luxury. The bed was hands-down the comfiest Jonas has encountered on the road this year, making it nearly impossible to leave the room at all.
What stood out next was the service — the kind of hospitality that feels intuitive rather than scripted. The staff’s energy wasn’t just opening-week enthusiasm; it felt like genuine pride and a deep understanding of what luxury means here.
Dining quickly became one of the standout moments of the stay. At Buena Onda, the beachfront restaurant just steps from the waves, the menu celebrates bold local flavors and coastal Spanish influences. We lingered over smoky mezcal cocktails, grilled seafood, and vibrant paellas, watching the sky slip into a deep indigo. The setting felt casual but deeply curated—a perfect counterpoint to the wildness around us. And yes, it was here we made a friend in a curious white-nosed coati, a charming local character that seems almost emblematic of the region’s rich biodiversity.
For those craving more adrenaline or deeper immersion, Mandarina doesn’t disappoint. The Mandarina development itself offers a playground of adventures: Greg Norman’s new 9-hole golf course nestled in the flatlands, heart-racing ziplining through the jungle canopy, and the chance to connect with Riviera Nayarit’s equestrian culture at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club. Horseback rides tracing trails from rainforest to ocean are especially memorable — a rare way to experience the terrain’s full drama and diversity. If wellness is your calling, the Asaya Spa draws on Indigenous healing traditions, offering signature treatments inspired by local rituals and plants, including tobacco-infused therapies and the Mara’akame Journey, designed to awaken a deep sense of rest and spiritual connection.
Even families find their place here — the Explorers Club invites children to engage with the environment and culture through immersive, hands-on activities that echo a regional teaching tale about stewardship and discovery. It’s luxury that doesn’t just serve comfort but also meaning.
After a week of networking at the conference in Panama, Jonas wasn’t looking for hustle, but Mandarina offered a wonderful balance: the chance to retreat into wilderness and design, or to set off on something new with expert guides. The blend of thoughtful luxury, cultural reverence, and wild beauty makes it a property worth watching.
Get in touch with the RASK Travel team for exclusive access, insider tips, and tailored itineraries that bring Riviera Nayarit’s wild luxury to life.
