Ricardo Santa Cruz, president and CEO of RSC, has over 12 years of experience in land acquisition and property development in Mexico, having acquired more than 4,000 acres for development on the Pacific Coast.

 

He is a development partner for the One&Only Mandarina project in Punta Mita on Riviera Nayarit. It took Mr. Santa Cruz, 47, nearly a decade to assemble the 640-acre property, with some landowners very reluctant to sell. Mandarina is being developed along a one-mile stretch of swimmable beach.

 

The Puerto Vallarta, Mexico-based Mr. Santa Cruz spoke to us about the surprising resilience of the high-end real estate market, the importance of doing due diligence on a developer and much more.

 

MANSION GLOBAL: Describe your dream property.

 

RICARDO SANTA CRUZ: I’d always ask myself: “What’s the community that I’m buying into and what can I experience there?” Obviously on the one hand I’d like the property to be aesthetically beautiful, but I’d also want different options for topography, elevation and vegetation—a place where I could swim on the beach and also go horse riding. That’s what we try and do with our properties—to make sure you’re embedded in nature and that you have a lot of privacy, too.

 

MG: Do you have a real estate property that got away?

 

RSC: There’s one property that I looked at in the southern part of the bay of Puerto Vallarta, which would have been for commercial use. At the time, I was looking at so many other projects and properties, so it just didn’t happen.

On a personal level, there was a home with a private beach, and I could have built a couple of homes on it, but I didn’t end up closing on that one either.

 

MG: What does luxury mean to you?

 

RSC: To me it’s not about the buildings themselves. I don’t define luxury in terms of materials or finishes used. When you go into the high-end market, those are a given. That’s your entry point. To me, real luxury is privacy. More and more, it’s hard to find projects that do low density. Developers mostly want to maximize the bottom line. Even though they’re luxurious, there’s little privacy, even for beachfront properties.

 

The ability to partake in activities nearby is important, too. If you can combine privacy and the ability to venture out, that’s key.

 

MG: What area do you think is the next hub for luxury properties?

 

RSC: Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, where we’re building out the Mandarina project, is really growing. Up until recently, there were only two hotels catering to that high end market— the Four Seasons and the St. Regis.

 

Now, along this coastal part of Mexico, you’re seeing luxury brands come in. We’re doing the One&Only and Rosewood. Auberge and Six Senses are both going to be under construction soon. A lot of these hotels are also being anchored as part of a master-plan community. You’re going to see an explosion of luxury homes and hotels.

 

MG: What’s the biggest surprise in the luxury real estate market now?

 

RSC: The price points have come back very, very strong since right before the crash in 2008. Developers thought we’d never see prices back up there, but we’ve surpassed ’07 and ’08 price points. There’s been so much wealth creation in the last few years, especially in the U.S., so there are a lot more buyers venturing into the market.

 

Mexico is particularly popular. Because of its closeness to the U.S., these homes get a lot of use from owners. They’re buying property as asset appreciation plays for the long run, but they’re actually getting a lot of use out of them, too. These can be weekend homes—less than a three-hour flight from California and Colorado.

 

MG: Where are the best luxury homes in the world and why?

 

RSC:  Every country has them, but there are some that just stand out more than others. In the U.S., Aspen jumps to mind. In Mexico, if you look at Cabo or where we are; in Punta Mita, you have outstanding high-end luxury homes. But any kind of major resort destinations, like Hawaii, and parts of Europe, have amazing homes.

 

MG: What’s your favorite part of your home?

 

RSC: The way it’s situated, which is totally indoor-outdoor living. That’s what I most love and appreciate about most homes. If you’re in your home, and you’re always looking out at nature, it brings you peace of mind and tranquility, and it invites you to spend more time in your home.

 

MG: What best describes the theme to your home and why?

 

RSC: It’s a modern home with lots of glass sliding doors so you can open all the spaces up, and I use a lot of natural materials—a lot of wood and marble. The windows give you a view of the surrounding nature.

 

MG: What’s the most valuable thing in your home?

 

RSC: It’s an intelligent home, so the systems I put in. It’s all wired, and you can control everything—lighting, sounds, climate, etcetera—from one app. That, and a home theater system. So really, the electronic additions I put on the house.

 

MG: What’s the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?

 

RSC: That depends where it’s situated. For homes in coastal areas, like ours, it’s about swimming pools, terraces and outdoor entertaining areas. And people want to make sure indoor spaces open up to seamlessly connect with those outdoor spaces.

 

Following that, most people want a media room and a wine room, so when they’re not out in the sun, and entertaining, they have a place to rest.

 

MG: What’s your best piece of real estate advice?

 

RSC: If you’re going to invest, really look into who the developer is behind the development you’re investing in, and what the long-term master plan is. Make sure everything is very clearly laid out. People will go into a development and just look at the lot—the view, the location, the unit they’re buying. But you want to make sure bylaws are in place, and that the maximum build-out and the location of the build-out, is spelled out.

 

Certain resorts can become over-densified. And then you lose that privacy and those luxury elements I spoke about.

 

MG: What is the best area now for investing in luxury properties?

 

RSC:  Branded properties are a good bet. When you buy a branded residence, like a Rosewood or a Four Seasons, it has several advantages. Firstly, you can enter it into the rental market, and, secondly, it’s headache-free. That’s particularly important for a second or third home. You’re not dealing with any of the headaches, and it’s appreciating in value. That to me, that’s the best place to park money.

 

MG: If you had a choice of living in a new development or a prime resale property, which would you choose and why?

 

RSC: Generally, a new development. If you’re someone who’s buying early, you’ll get a better deal and your investment will appreciate much more.

 

*Originally posted on Mansion Global

About an hour north of Puerto Vallarta lies land shaped by a long-dormant volcano, creating a stunning landscape boasting cliffs, a tropical beachfront jungle, sandy beaches, natural estuary and flatlands. Taking up residence amid this natural beauty is the new One&Only Mandarina resort and residential development. “Mandarina’s positioning along the mountainous coast of Riviera Nayarit is a location unlike any other in Mexico,” says Ricardo Santa Cruz, partner at Mandarina, which is being developed by RLH Properties. At the center of it all is one of the world’s first collections of One&Only Private Homes—55 contemporary-designed villas offering four-, five- and eight-bedroom floor plans ranging from 7,500 square feet to 13,500 square feet, with prices from $4.65 million to $10.5 million. Set to debut in early 2020, owners will also have exclusive access to the One&Only Mandarina Resort, which features a collection of 108 luxury suites, world-class cuisine, beach clubs, wellness, and a Polo & Equestrian Club.

 

*Originally posted on DIGS

Nestled along a one-mile stretch of pristine beach, Mandarina is the most significant new resort and residential community to grace the shores of Mexico in decades and will draw the most discerning buyers and travelers from around the world to Riviera Nayarit. Just under one hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Mandarina will feature one of the world’s first collections of One&Only branded residences, designed by the renowned Rick Joy Architects. One&Only Private Homes will debut alongside One&Only Mandarina, Rosewood Residences and Rosewood Mandarina, as well as the world-class Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club replete with state-of-the-art polo grounds, dressage and jumping arenas, stables and more.

 

The long and storied history of the land, which encompasses soaring mountain peaks, sandy shores, rolling green flatlands and a lush, tropical jungle, is ever present and preserved at Mandarina. Each evening as the sun sets, a fire will light at the end of The Jetty, which stretches out across the blue ocean, symbolizing the center of a long-dormant volcano that created this dramatic landscape many years ago. Amidst the enduring natural wonder, an extraordinary destination awaits, offering world-class cuisine, blissful wellness, tailored adventures, endless exploration and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.

 

LOCATION

 

Mandarina is situated along the pristine Riviera Nayarit, a nearly 200-mile stretch of coastline in the Western Mexican State of Nayarit, between the forested mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Pacific Ocean. Offering absolute privacy, Mandarina is a less than one-hour drive from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which welcomes thousands of passengers daily from U.S., Canadian and Mexican cities as well as a host of other global destinations.

 

Just a short 15-minute drive south of Mandarina is the quaint seaside town of Sayulita. Known for its premier surfing, Sayulita’s streets bustle with activity where scores of visitors enjoy casual to fine dining. Local craftsmen offer artisanal, handmade gifts and goods and unique fashion boutiques line the winding cobbled streets.

 

ONE&ONLY PRIVATE HOMES

 

Among the first collection of One&Only villas to own in the world, One&Only Private Homes at Mandarina features 55 villas offering innovative, contemporary architecture that harmonizes eloquently with the landscape. Designed by Rick Joy Architects, each villa is architecturally unique and envisioned specifically for its location along the southern peak to capture the most favorable ocean views. Four, five and eight-bedroom floor plans range in size from approximately 7,500 to 13,500 square feet, providing a genuine sense of indoor/outdoor living with interior spaces connecting seamlessly to terrace, pool and garden areas. Featuring an infinity-edged pool overlooking the jungle, coastline and ocean, each villa is nestled into the lush, tropical surroundings and masterfully positioned for privacy and peace. The 108-room One&Only Mandarina will debut in Winter 2019/2020.

 

DEVELOPER

 

Publicly listed RLH Properties has enlisted developer partner RSC Development for Mandarina and One&Only Private Homes at Mandarina. Focused on the acquisition and development of high-end hotel assets in the main urban centers and tourist destinations of Mexico and the Caribbean, RLH Properties is overseeing the development of One&Only Mandarina and Rosewood Mandarina. As the second largest publicly listed hotel owner and developer in Mexico, RLH Properties has an impressive portfolio including Four Seasons Mexico City and Mayakoba in Cancun.

 

Developer partner RSC Development is at the forefront of real estate development innovation in Mexico. RSC Development consults and oversees strategic projects, beginning with the initial land acquisition through the entire cycle of development and sales. Over the past 12 years, RSC Development President and CEO, Ricardo Santa Cruz, has negotiated 4,000 acres of strategic land acquisitions throughout Mexico for development purposes and secured more than $90 million of investment capital. RSC Development brings a thoughtful, global vision to how properties are conceptualized, constructed and presented to the world.

 

ARCHITECT

Rick Joy Architects, based in Tucson, Arizona, is Mandarina’s architect. His award-winning practice has extensive experience with lifestyle-based projects, including the acclaimed Amangiri resort in Utah. He is renowned for climate responsive and landscape sensitive work, making buildings that belong in their place. At Mandarina, the design stems from a detailed site analysis, investigating the geology, climate, views, availability of local materials and ‘the building culture of place.’ To understand how the site influenced previous lifestyles, the team looked at how people have lived in this area over time. The result is architecture that is at one with the site and its heritage.

 

AMENITIES

 

MANDARINA POLO AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB
One of the most unique and exceptional offerings within Mandarina is the world- class Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club, featuring outstanding facilities, where riders of all ages will gather, learn, practice and compete. The club will host several international sporting events each year and will feature a clubhouse, arenas, two tournament size polo fields, polo lounge, pro shop, horse boarding and veterinary clinic onsite.

 

THE JETTY
Extending over the sea in front of the One&Only Majahua Beach Club, The Jetty creates a harbor and haven for swimmers and for residents and guests to set forth on their sea-faring adventures.

 

ONE&ONLY SPA
The One&Only Spa will comprise individual, open-air treatment rooms beneath the trees, providing an authentically holistic, nature-driven wellness experience.

 

ONE&ONLY MAJAHUA BEACH CLUB
Along the tranquil waters of the Pacific adjacent to The Jetty, the One&Only Majahua Beach Club features pools, beachside terraces, dining and massage spaces.

 

THE PLATEAU
Overlooking The Jetty and beyond from a tropical setting, The Plateau is the place for all-day dining, taking a dip in the pools with family and friends or browsing the boutique.

 

THE POINT
From the southernmost location of Mandarina, The Point, an adult-only destination, is situated along the mountainside, capturing some of the community’s most spectacular sunset views from its dramatic pool terrace and the exquisitely designed indoor/outdoor restaurant.

 

CANALAN BEACH CLUB
Situated along Mandarina’s one-mile stretch of soft-sand beach, Canalan Beach Club will feature a beachside swimming pool, casual dining and water activities for adventurists of all ages.

 

THE FARM & RESTAURANT
Situated in the lush, flatlands of Mandarina, The Farm will feature locally-grown produce, an authentic, farm-to-table restaurant and educational programming for children to interact with the animals who will thrive here.

 

TRAIL SYSTEM
Miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails wind through Mandarina, from easy walking trails to mountain running trails that connect the mountainsides of One&Only Mandarina with the tropical rainforests, Flatlands and the beaches.

 

ESTUARY
Winding through the Flatlands at Mandarina, the estuary is home to numerous ecosystems, nourishing a diverse coastal plant and animal life. Residents and guests may explore its waters by kayak or stand-up paddle board, watching and listening for the hundreds of species of birds that inhabit the area.

 

SERVICES

Residents at One&Only Private Homes enjoy a host of residential services designed to make ownership within Mandarina effortless. Among the custom-tailored services are property management, charging privileges at all hotel amenities, in- residence private dining and spa services, personal training sessions, travel arrangements, personal shopping, laundry and dry cleaning, medical services and boat moorage at The Jetty.

 

ROSEWOOD MANDARINA

Situated on a mountain peak, beside Mandarina’s ethereal estuary and lagoon, the Rosewood Mandarina offers residents and guests an immersive experience individualized for the Mandarina lifestyle. Rosewood Mandarina will feature a distinct, residential-style resort, a collection of private residences, an array of culinary offerings, a beach club, and a signature Sense, A Rosewood Spa. Residents and guests will be treated to the Rosewood brand of award-winning “relationship hospitality,” which delivers warm and genuine service with passion and dedication.

 

*Originally posted on Luxe Getaways

It’s no secret that One&Only Resorts is among the upper-echelon of luxury hospitality, which is why its first ever collection of One&Only villas has been a major crowd-pleaser among the world’s elite.

 

Located less than one hour north of Puerto Vallarta (soon to be 30 minutes with the completion of a new highway), the villas are located in the new Mandarina community which will be home to multiple resorts and residences. The new abodes have recently caught the attention of Forbes, Travel + Leisure and more — and for good reason. Surrounded by the federally protected acres in the Sierra del Vallejo Mountains, in one of Mexico’s last remaining beachfront jungles, this community promises one-of-a-kind seclusion and top-tier living.

 

“One&Only is making history at Mandarina with the debut of one of its first collections of private villas to own,” says Andy Ardila, Managing Director of The Agency Development Group, which represents sales at One&Only Mandarina Private Homes. “Residents will enjoy all of the amenities of the One&Only Mandarina resort and the master-planned Mandarina community, as well as private residential services, including the option to enter the Villa Rental Program, in which rentals of their villa will be reserved and managed by One&Only Resorts.”

 

THE VILLAS

 

Neighboring the new One&Only Mandarina resort, the 55 ultra-private villas are nestled into a picturesque tropical landscape. Surrounded by jungle foliage, towering mountain peaks, lush flatlands and the sandy shores of the Pacific Coast, the new villas offer a completely unique option for the high-end buyer looking to truly escape.

 

All villas in the initial release of the Founders’ Collection have sold while Phase One of One&Only Mandarina Private Homes has recently surpassed the halfway sold milestone. The final chance to snag preferred, intro pricing is currently underway with the recent release of the Legacy Collection. These ocean-view villas are located hillside with four-, five- and eight-bedroom floor plans and decked out with contemporary architecture, private infinity-edge pools and holistic interior design.

 

THE AMENITIES

 

Some of the perks of being a homeowner in this jungle paradise include access to the open-air One&Only Spa, the private One&Only Majahua Beach Club, a diverse offering of fine dining and casual restaurants, an 85,000-square-foot Kid’s Club complete with treehouses, a butterfly sanctuary, water activities, a nature trail, cinema and nursery.

 

Outside the One&Only enclave, Mandarina community amenities include the world-class Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club. The club, which will host international competitions, was recently named the sister club of the Aspen Valley Polo Club. Members will be able to enjoy exclusive benefits at both locations like complimentary access to all facilities, member pricing on activities and members-only access to all tournaments and events. The Mandarina location will feature two tournament-sized polo fields, a polo lounge, dressage and jumping arenas, horseback riding lessons and more.

 

Not only will members be able to enjoy a day at the polo field, other amenities include The Farm, home to farm-to-table dining and a kid’s farm; a second beach club; and The Outpost, the ultimate destination for an adrenaline-fueled day. Explore the Jungle Course, with a zipline, rappel course and obstacle trail; a sports field; miles of hiking and biking trails; and a movie theatre and an open-air arcade for indoor fun.

 

*Originally posted on InMexico

This villa is nestled along one mile of pristine beach with access to the Pacific Ocean and is adjacent to the forested mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. As part of One&Only’s first ever Private Home collection, the One&Only Mandarina Villa 4, located in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico exudes serene grandeur.

 

Villa 4 offers over 8,000 square feet of luxury comfort and amenities including an infinity-edged pool overlooking the jungle, coastline and ocean. The combination of privacy and peace in a location like this is unparalleled. This villa is architecturally unique compared to the other 55 in the collection and was envisioned specifically for its location, capturing the best of both worlds: jungle and ocean. This home provides indoor and outdoor living with interior spaces connecting seamlessly to the terrace, pool, man-made jetty and garden areas. There’s over 2,626 square feet of exteriors to play with at Villa 4.

 

When you’re not gazing out at the soaring mountain peaks, sandy shores and rolling green flatlands, One&Only can offer you world-class cuisine, blissful wellness, tailored adventures and access to a world-class equestrian center replete with state of the art polo grounds, stables and more on location. Click through the gallery to view One&Only Villa 4, priced at $4.75 million, with all villas ranging up to $10.5 million.

 

*Originally posted on Dujour

Mandarina is thrilled to announce its partnership with one of the most acclaimed polo clubs in North America.  Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club is now the sister club of Aspen Valley Polo Club, offering members exclusive benefits at both clubs. Members will enjoy access to reserve VIP areas, complimentary access to all facilities and member pricing on equestrian activities, including boarding opportunities, priority reservations and more. They will also enjoy members-only access to all tournaments and events. As part of the partnership, the clubs will host jointly sponsored tournaments twice a year, with a summer event in Aspen and a winter event at Mandarina.

 

The two clubs celebrated their first joint event over the weekend, with Mandarina sponsoring the Mount Sopris Cup at Aspen Valley Polo Club. It was the first time the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club players took the field as teams in a tournament, with the Mandarina Black team advancing to the finals to play Tonkawa, another team making its summer polo debut in Sunday’s championship game, covered by Condé Nast. Tonkawa defeated Mandarina 13-11 to capture the Mount Sopris Cup. The tournament awards were presented by Ricardo Santa Cruz, Partner of Mandarina and his sister, Cindy Santa Cruz, Equestrian Director at Mandarina.

 

The Mount Sopris Cup is a two-day tournament featuring six teams and named after the impressive peaks of the Elk Mountains, which serve as the picturesque backdrop of the Aspen Valley Club. After tournament play on Saturday, members of the Aspen club were invited to a private VIP dinner with the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club players. Mandarina sponsored the VIP Tent for Sunday’s Mount Sopris Championship Day, featuring open bar, gourmet Mexican fare and a Veuve Clicquot divot stomp.

 

“Mandarina was proud to sponsor and play in the Mount Sopris Cup. Not only was this the first event since announcing our partnership with Aspen Valley Polo Club, but also the debut of the Mandarina polo team,” said Ricardo. “We look forward to many more events, sharing the benefits of this partnership with our members and welcoming members of the Aspen Valley Polo Club to our world-class facilities in Mexico.”

 

Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club is one of many private amenities enjoyed by residents and guests of One&Only Mandarina, One&Only Mandarina Private Homes and Rosewood Mandarina. The club will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a 30,000-square-foot jumping arena, a 13,000-square-foot dressage arena, two tournament-sized polo fields, a polo lounge, 60 stalls with attached runs and an equine veterinary hospital with a surgical site. Situated within the Flatlands of Mandarina, the club is surrounded by miles of soft, sandy beach, soaring mountain peaks, lush agricultural land and leafy, tropical jungle, located less than one hour north of Puerto Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit.