Why book?
On this heavenly slice of Nayarit’s coast, where the jungle meets the sea, this sprawling new Rosewood is a choose-your-own-adventure beach getaway.
Set the scene
Just an hour by car from the Puerto Vallarta airport (north of Sayulita and San Pancho), the Rosewood is the second luxe hotel in the Mandarina development, beside the existing One&Only. There are some shared facilities between the two hotels—a joint beach club and a state-of-the-art equestrian center, plus the ability to charge to your room from restaurants at either property—but the arrival of the Rosewood proves that each will cater to a different type of traveler, making this a one-stop resort destination for many. Whereas the One&Only is more of a hideaway for honeymooners and high-rollers, the Rosewood aims to draw out more of a family-and-friends crowd—with five-star amenities, of course. In the flatlands rooms, within walking distance of the pools, restaurants, and kids’ club, there’s a quintessential beach resort layout that guests in flowing colorful mumus and board shorts amble through leisurely. The more private beachfront rooms, a bike or golf cart ride from the above, will likely be the go-to for romantic getaways; same goes for the perched-on-high mountain suites, which are even more hidden from the herd (if a celeb hides out here, I can only imagine that’s where they’ll be). Because the activities on offer range so widely here (Do you want to play polo or surf? Hike or spend a day at the pool?) it feels only natural that guests may be drawn in by different elements—though the Rosewood loyalty, as at many properties, is likely to run strong.
The backstory
This is the fourth Rosewood hotel in Mexico—there are two other beach properties, in Los Cabos and Quintana Roo, plus a San Miguel de Allende outpost—offering hubs for the brand in key corners of Mexico. The late-spring 2025 opening of Mandarina marked the start of the off-season for this region, meaning the rooms are easier to come by. In November or December, that is likely to change, as temperatures drop up north while the climate remains temperate here, and surf swells get notably more ridable. As Rosewood is known to do, collaboration with local artisans through an interior design firm have allowed the entire property to reflect the destination: Hand-beaded bowls sit on besides table, waiting to catch jewelry that is slid off before nightfall; mirrors are wrapped in natural fibers by artisans from Indigenous communities in the nearby hills; and a bathtub in each room is carved out of a single piece of local stone.
The rooms
I stayed in a beachfront room. Families and those wanting to spend a little less will likely go for the flatlands rooms, and those who love a view will head for the hills (aka the mountain suites), but to me, it’s impossible to stay at a seaside resort and not pick the spot closest to the water. In the beachfront rooms, which have wide doors that can be slid open, terraces with a plunge pool, and a short stretch of sand separating these suites from the Pacific, this is a beach vacation to the fullest. Every morning, the first thing I did was slide open my doors, walk down the beach, and jump into the sea where dozens of pelicans were scooping up their morning breakfast. The room felt like it practically begged me to do so. But all of the rooms have the same barefoot luxury approach, and they’re an easy place to be, with earth tones—tan, terracotta, warm maples—that help connect the indoors and outdoors, as do rugs of natural fibers, wood-covered ceilings, and semi-sheer screens of airy woven linen. Just know that if you are in a beachfront or mountaintop room, you’ll need to allow a few minutes to get wherever else you’re going—either by texting the WhatsApp number for a golf cart ride or, if you’re on the beach, grabbing one of the beach cruisers and riding along the elevated platforms to your destination. My lovely butler also suggested walking along the shoreline to reach the restaurants, but I found that usually took longer than I expected (and heaven forbid, like me, you forget your sunglasses and have to turn back). Maybe travelers who are better at moving slowly will choose the scenic route though.
Food and drink
The food was truly fabulous here, and the menu went well beyond what I’m used to seeing at resorts in Mexico (so often, the casual concepts over cater to an American palette, or focus on the same familiar favorites). I was delighted that La Cocina, the fully open-air casual spot that anchors the resort, had plenty to explore on the menu: On the first night alone, we tried seared tuna, a tangy aguachile, charred esquites, a bright salad, and camarones cucarachas, the signature local dish of seasoned shrimp. I loved that I didn’t have to go off-property to try the meal everyone had told me about, which is often the case at resorts. Lunch and breakfast there were just as satisfying (I’m still thinking about the tuna tostada I savored one day). Buena Onda, the date-night kind of spot, does Spanish seaside dining (think octopus, potatoes, drool-worthy sizzling cuts of steak) with an ocean breeze and unobstructed sunset views—it feels simultaneously more casual (thanks to the setting) and slightly more night-out than the family-focused La Cocina. When the remaining two dining venues open up—Barra Peñasco, a cocktail bar literally carved into the cliffs; and Toppu, a sushi restaurant at the intersection of Japanese and Latin American flavors, with jaw-dropping views over the entire property and an irori grill at its heart—they’ll likely add at least another night or two to the lifespan of a stay for even the flightiest of diners.
The spa
The spa is a tranquil escape (I even spotted an iguana in the courtyard), and the treatments are largely rooted in the surrounding landscape and culture: I did a scrub and massage called the Mara’akame Journey that incorporated tobacco leaves and peyote balm and melted my mind into stress-free mush. The common areas need a little settling in—the relaxation room felt more like a lovely hotel lobby, and small amenities I expect to see in Asaya spas hadn’t arrived yet (there’s still a fresh-out-of-the-box feeling, though that isn’t surprising given it has only been open for two months). And ultimately, it’s hard to imagine being here without fitting in a treatment, it just goes with the flow of things.
The neighborhood/area
You’re here to be here, but you can certainly extend your trip to some of the beach towns nearby for a more laidback and local experience (I doubt many travelers will want to pack-up and relocate after being in these digs though). If you’re staying for more than two to three nights, consider making a reservation at the One&Only’s Carao restaurant—it’s from celebrity chef Enrique Olvera, and easily one of the standouts across the hotels for a splurge meal. Though you can access the beach club shared with the One&Only, I think Rosewood’s main pool area is much nicer; and if you love horses, make sure to visit the Equestrian Center. In polo season (the North American winter), you can watch games, and Argentinean barbecue is always on offer at the polo field-adjacent restaurants. Year-round, lessons are another way to tap in—and they go well beyond nose-to-tail trail rides, if that’s what you’re after. I grew up riding horses, and the team set me up with a riding lesson in which I could pick up right where I left off over a decade ago. I had such a good time, I went back two mornings in a row. I loved the team, and the horses here, plus the huge fields and scenic riding trails don’t hurt.
The service
The team is exceedingly kind here, and always just a WhatsApp away. Even the drivers to and from the airport were part of the trip, sharing music recommendations and welcoming me in to the destination.
For families
The kids’ club is still getting its finishing touches, so stay tuned on those specs—in the meantime, the pools are already a crowd-pleaser (and the flatlands rooms have even bigger plunge pools than the other rooms; I could hear kids giggling from between the trees that shroud them). Activities like tortilla and guacamole-making, which I quite enjoyed as an adult, will also make meal time fun.
Eco effort
I loved that the A/C turns off when you open the big sliding doors to the beach—such a simple design element, and yet too rare at many resorts. Little metal bottles of repellent and sunscreen in the room meant I wasn’t at the gift shop buying big plastic bottles, either. Little details that made me feel better about my footprint. Perhaps this last one is more packing related, but I loved the big beach bag available for us in each room.
Accessibility
Travelers with mobility issues will likely want a room in the flatlands, though I suggest calling in advance to ask about your specific needs and making sure you’ll be able to access the facilities you’re interested in.
Anything left to mention?
There’s a ton of wildlife here, from crocodiles in the estuary, to record numbers of pelicans in the sea, to wandering coatis that will break into your room if left unattended (I sort of wish they would, they’re so cute). When you ride a golf cart back to your room, ask your driver to help you spot some of these animals—they always know where to look.
Tepic, Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit 63724
Mexico
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mandarina
(844) 449-2748