Luxury in the Wild: Experiencing Rosewood Mandarina

Set on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just under an hour from Puerto Vallarta airport, Rosewood Mandarina offers a mix of jungle, ocean, and mountain landscapes unlike anywhere else on the coast.

Private villas are carved into the hillside, each with a plunge pool and open-air design that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. From my terrace, I could hear the waves and the jungle at the same time—a signature part of the experience here.

Service is warm and intuitive, with staff appearing at just the right moment—whether to arrange a sunset horseback ride along the beach or to set up a mezcal tasting after dinner. Dining leans heavily into local, farm-to-table flavors, with fresh seafood and tropical produce at the center.

This is a resort that can be as adventurous or as restful as you want. Spend the day on the private beach, head to the jungle spa for treatments in open-air cabanas, or try surfing and hiking. For me, the highlight was riding horseback at sunset with the Pacific as a backdrop—an experience that feels cinematic and uniquely Mandarina.

Rosewood Mandarina works beautifully for couples looking for privacy, families who want equal parts fun and downtime, and travelers who want to be surrounded by nature without compromising on luxury.

• Airport transfers: Book a private SUV pickup from Puerto Vallarta for a seamless arrival.

• Dining: Make a reservation at the clifftop restaurant—sunsets from here are unforgettable.

• Spa: Request the outdoor treatment cabanas for a one-of-a-kind jungle soundtrack.

• Best season: Winter brings calmer surf and whale-watching opportunities right from the shore.

• Families: The kids’ club is creative and thoughtful, keeping little ones entertained in meaningful ways.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico page.