Month: October 2022

As the beauty of Riviera Nayarit takes center stage with the changing season, Mandarina has curated an array of events and experiences designed to enhance your time with us along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. From special holiday events to an exciting new residential launch, Mandarina’s Sales Director, Catherine Martin, shares details on what to expect at Mandarina in the coming months.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FALL?
I am thrilled to debut the highly anticipated Rosewood Residences Mandarina. We have a growing list of clients eager to learn more, and I know they will be absolutely blown away by the residential offering. Having visited a few Rosewoods in the past year, I feel so fortunate to have one here at Mandarina. Representing residences at the caliber of One&Only and Rosewood in a place as magical as Mandarina? I don’t think there is a better job in the world!

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES MANDARINA?
Rosewood will really bring to life an area of Mandarina that is currently undiscovered, situated between the polo field and Canalan Beach in a location I absolutely love. Beautiful walkways will wind through the estuary, connecting the two so owners can explore the Flatlands like never before. It’s a setting filled with so much beautiful, tropical flora and fauna, and of course the ocean is within close reach. Residences will reflect this spectacular setting with designs that fluently merge a Pacific coastal flair with the renowned, global influence of Rosewood. It will perfectly complement the existing villas we are selling at One&Only Mandarina Private Homes.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT AUTUMN DAY AT MANDARINA.
My perfect day starts with an early yoga class at Aura, nestled in the jungle of One&Only, followed by a walk around the polo field and neighboring organic gardens. I’d then head to breakfast at Alma, stopping at the fabulous NEO boutique next door for a quick look. The rest of the morning would be spent with my family around the pool at Canalan Beach Club before we’d eventually gather for a casual lunch on the sand at Allora (highly recommend the beetroot salad and veggie pizza, both featuring ingredients from our organic farm). After a quick siesta, I’d head to the fabulous One&Only Spa for a Temazcal that would conclude with a cool down in the jungle pools. The day would end with sunset cocktails at The Treetop Bar before dinner in the Flatlands at Chukker. And yes, I think two days might be needed to fit in everything I love at Mandarina!

WHAT MANDARINA EXPERIENCES ACTIVITY DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS TIME OF YEAR?
A boat trip during whale watching season, which starts in November and concludes in March. In my twenty years of sailing trips on the Pacific Ocean, it never fails to thrill seeing breaching whales, turtles and dolphins. I love to spend the day with my family out on the water.

WHICH ONE&ONLY MANDARINA PRIVATE HOME HAS CAUGHT YOUR EYE?
I love the newest treehouse-style villa designs in Phase Two, which seemingly float amidst the jungle canopy and have incredible views over the hotel and down the coastline. I have never seen houses designed like this and, since they feel similar to the treehouse hotel suites at One&Only Mandarina that float above the lush landscape, they will surely be very popular with hotel guests that decide to purchase a Private Home. I would also welcome the chance to own an oceanfront Estate Villa, for obvious reasons of course. 🙂

WHAT EVENT IS FIRST ON YOUR LIST THIS SEASON?
I can’t wait for the first polo match of the season this November. Polo is played in my home country of England, but it wasn’t until I came to Mexico that I started watching matches regularly. And the setting—where else can you enjoy polo surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains? Every time I’m at Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, I’m struck by the immense beauty. The polo season will run until early May, when the horses earn a well-deserved summer holiday. The matches are 4-a-side and played by our in-house pros, visiting teams, and sometimes even lucky hotel guests! Guests and residents alike enjoy the matches under the Mexican sun, and often stay after to enjoy dinner at Chukker, an Argentine-style grill under the stars. On a full moon, the open-air dining experience is illuminated by the moon’s glow—quite magical!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY AT MANDARINA?
My absolute favorite time of day is early morning, as the sun rises from behind the mountains to shine a pristine, golden light on our landscape that is still sprinkled in the night’s mist. This moment of calm and peace just before the sun fully rises is enchanting.

YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE OVER THE SUMMER AT MANDARINA?
Seeing the newest foal ‘Last Dance’ on the very day he was born in July, and watching him grow (quickly!) over the summer. It was a special summer season here at Mandarina.

For more information on Mandarina, including residential collections at One&Only Mandarina Private Homes and Rosewood Residences Mandarina, reach out to Catherine by emailing cmartin@discovermandarina.com.