I never thought I’d consider purchasing a home without seeing it first, but after exploring the partially developed Mandarina in Mexico, I’m sold. Many others seem to share the sentiment as this $1 billion luxury residential and hotel resort has already pre-sold several custom villas before finishing a single one.
Located in the coastal jungle of Riviera Nayarit, just under an hour away from Puerto Vallarta and a short 15-minute drive from the charming surfing town of Sayulita, Mandarina spans over two mountains, flatlands, and a one-mile beach. Once completed, the 640-acre property will feature two luxury hotels (the One&Only and the Rosewood) along with private residences. The development will offer a range of amenities such as a polo and equestrian club with an on-site veterinary clinic, a farm supplying ingredients for the property’s restaurants, an adventure outpost by Costa Rican firm Adventure Playground, a beach club, a preserved estuary, and much more.
RLH Properties is behind the development of Mandarina, a project that has been in the works for a considerable time. Acquiring the 640-acre land required negotiating individually with the landowners and their families, a task that extended over nearly a decade. Ricardo Santa Cruz, president and CEO of RSC and one of the founding partners of Mandarina, with a record of managing large-scale projects like the Xala project, played a crucial role in these negotiations.
The Riviera Nayarit coastline is a lush jungle reminiscent of Jurassic Park, cherished by the Mandarina team who aims to preserve its natural beauty. The construction plans are closely monitored by archeologists who ensure cultural and ecological preservation. Despite the vast development, a large portion of the land will remain untouched to maintain the natural environment, including the estuary.
Construction is in progress on the One&Only section at Mandarina, with the Rosewood segment to follow. Out of the 55 villas, 18 have already been sold during the publishing of this article. The architecture, handled by Rick Joy Architects, blends seamlessly with the surroundings, featuring ocean views and unique design elements based on the location of each villa.
The villas, ranging from four to five bedrooms, prioritize outdoor living spaces with features like infinity pools, high ceilings, indoor/outdoor showers, and all-glass walls. The larger Estate Villas offer eight bedrooms across two homesites designed for extended family living and entertainment needs, catering to diverse preferences and topography.
Mandarina boasts offerings for various demographics with plans for an acclaimed restaurant and an elaborate Kids’ Club designed by a Hollywood set designer. The property will include treehouses, water activities, nature trails, and more, promising a magical experience for families. The Jetty, symbolizing the area’s volcanic history, will provide social spaces and stunning views of Mandarina from the water.
The One&Only hotel is set to open in 2020, followed by the Rosewood. The One&Only Mandarina Private Homes are currently available for sale, priced between $4.5 million to $12 million. The completion of the project promises an unparalleled travel destination, combining luxury with environmental sustainability.
