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property development ceo prizes mexico’s culture and natural beauty

luxury living room furnishings with jungle view

 

Original article appeared in Mansion Global.

 

Luxury beachfront lodging and residences should put local culture and nature front and center, says Borja Escalada of RLH Properties

 

Mexico is riding the wave of branded residences, or turnkey units with all the amenities and marketing of a famed hotel chain. As the CEO of RLH Properties, Mexico City-based Borja Escalada, 42, oversees the city’s Four Seasons along with lodging and residential properties on both of Mexico’s coasts and in Madrid.

Mr. Escalada is putting his spin on branded residences in an ultra-luxury development called One&Only Mandarina Private Homes, located in a rainforest landscape overlooking the Pacific Ocean about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, or a three-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Studio Rick Joy architects, the team behind the exclusive Amangiri Resort and Spa getaway in Utah, designed Mandarina with a similar ethos: One of seclusion and the utmost in luxury design. The 55 low-density villas blend into the surrounding jungle flora and the Sierra del Vallejo mountains. Pricing for the private homes at Mandarina range from $4.4 million to $16.25 million.

On Mexico’s east coast, 30 miles north of Cancun, RLH Properties also owns Mayakoba, a resort collection made up of lodging, villas, condos and fractional real estate. It’s a departure from Mandarina’s ultra-luxury hideaways. Regardless, buyers can expect turnkey units and concierge service.

Originally from Madrid, Mr. Escalada recently opened Rosewood Villa Magna, a boutique hotel with 154 rooms, including 53 suites, there. Mansion Global chatted with Mr. Escalada about prioritizing local culture in luxury travel and real estate in Mexico.

Mansion Global: What’s the luxury market like in Mexico right now?

Borja Escalada: In the Riviera Nayarit, Riviera Maya and worldwide, the luxury market is being developed wider and wider as a consequence of many things. Even before Covid, new generations were spending much more money on experiences and owning real estate. This means that for all these experiences, the luxury market satisfies the demand. Covid has accelerated part of this new environment in which older generations—which have been typically more focused on having things—are finding that memories are what we have the most appreciation for.

MG: What does this mean for companies like yours in the real estate and travel industries?

BE: The focus is to become more specialized and answer the real demands over offering luxury for luxury’s sake. Usually, the luxury market creates new needs, whereas now it’s more focused on answering needs.

MG: Let’s talk about your vision to develop areas with varying levels of density. At your east coast resort, Mayakoba, what went into the decision to split up the residences into villas, condos and fractional real estate?

BE: One of the most important things is to create community. In order to create a sense of community, we have to offer different products that appeal to a variety of people’s needs. There are those who want to own a standalone villa, along with many other things including the maintenance of the villa, while others would prefer to have a condo, and perhaps a very large condo. Having those products will give us a larger and broader community, which creates a satisfying sense of residency.

MG: How important are these luxury developments for the region?

BE: When you consider Mandarina, for example, we will have around 100 new residences, which means we’ll generate a huge amount of employment, both direct during construction and indirect during full operation. Many people will be spending holidays there, and the economic impact will be significant. In the city where Mandarina is, El Monteón, which is not a big city at all, those 100 new residences will be contributing taxes.

MG: Where do you draw inspiration as a developer?

BE: I’ve been inspired to build on what similar communities to ours have been doing. Punta Mita is very popular in Mexico, and they’ve been able to build a community, but one that we think is too large. You can also think of Kasiiya Papagayo in Costa Rica, or La Romana or Punta Cana [resort areas in the Dominican Republic]. But, these are too large. They are not as exclusive as what we are planning to do. In the end, we want to have a community very well connected to the destination and very respectful of the environment. We want to create a home for our homeowners.

MG: How can developers build homes that are respectful of the natural environment?

BE: Mandarina is about 265 hectares with two hotels totaling 245 rooms, more or less, and 100 residences. The density is very, very low. All our residences are in connection with nature, meaning they’re open with a lot of outdoor spaces. In the indoor spaces, we have huge windows and walls that connect the indoors with the outdoors. The architect was able to preserve the environment, connect our guests with the environment and integrate those villas with the environment. We wanted to respect what the land used to be, not only the location, but also how the homes are designed. Also, in this segment in luxury and ultra luxury, part of what our guests want is to be in touch with the local community. Our homeowners will feel as though Mandarina is their real home, and ready to explore what the surrounding area has to offer them. They can walk to an ancient tree called La Abuela, go sailing, whale watching and surfing, and enjoy the gastronomy that Mandarina has to offer.

MG: How do you personally define luxury?

BE: Luxury is time. It’s spending time with your loved ones in an environment in which you feel connected. Especially for those who live in big cities and have stressful jobs, what really makes a moment special is when you can spend it with your loved ones and feel relaxed… Obviously, if you take that aspect of luxury and you can also be connected to nature, and enjoy the slower moments with your loved ones, that’s all the better.

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inside the gorgeous One&Only Mandarina residences

living room opens to pool terrace with ocean view

Article originally appeared in Elite Traveler. 

When One&Only unveils a new resort or collection of properties, one thing is certain: the destination is going to be epic. Naturally, the luxury hotel group’s latest venture, One&Only Mandarina, is no exception. Surrounded by lush greenery on a hillside overlooking the ocean in Mexico’s pristine Riviera Nayarit, it’s little wonder prices for the private villas start at $4.4m.

As One&Only’s first branded residences in the Western hemisphere, expectations are high. And the 55 ultra-luxurious villas certainly don’t disappoint. Designed by Rick Joy (the celebrity architect known for Amangiri) in collaboration with leading Mexican firms including Taller de Arquitectura, the contemporary properties seamlessly blend in with the stunning surroundings, effortlessly mixing indoor and outdoor spaces. Needless to say, prospective owners won’t have to worry about prying eyes as the leafy hillside location ensures total privacy.

For Joy and his team, respecting the environment was key. “Full reverence and protection of the jungle drove our vision,” he says. “This led to stand-alone rooms woven between the jungle trees and the connection to nature throughout the personal resort experience. After all our years in practice, we believe that nature is the most true luxury.” To help turn this vision into a reality, One&Only enlisted local landscape architect firms Entorno Taller de Paisaje and Maat Handasa.

Each of the new homes at One&Only Mandarina has been custom built to make the most of the breathtaking vistas of the ocean below and Sierra de Vallejo mountain peaks in the distance. Future owners can choose from two residence styles – villas and estate villas – which feature four-, six- and eight-bedroom floor plans.

Spanning almost 19,000 sq ft, the largest properties are seriously spacious. Of course, there are plenty of areas for entertaining with each residence home to a generous sun terrace and infinity pool – the perfect spot for sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset.

Stepping foot inside, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility. The modern, open-plan interiors are bathed in natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and feature a warm, earthy color palette.

When choosing materials, Joy wasn’t afraid to keep things simple. “We decided to predominantly use local stone and local wood, working with a minimal number of elements,” he explains. “Our palette is inspired by place and the materials and craft mostly sourced or Mexican made. The giant trees with their expansive roots dictated our architectural designs and response and why we avoided solely using masonry, which is more regionally traditional. More grounded structures are masonry built massing with stucco and lightweight wood beam structure above. This lighter construction allows the wood and stone shelters to disappear into the site.”

bathroom vanities look out wall of windows

Future owners have a choice of two furnishings packages, each of which includes quality, bespoke pieces designed to be handed down through the generations. As with all branded One&Only private residences, those that are lucky enough to live at Mandarina will have access to an impressive array of amenities. This includes a dedicated member of staff (known as ‘One Contact’) to look after the property and take care of everything from event planning to pre-ordering groceries and heating the pool prior to arrival. The One Contact is also on-hand to organize residents’ trips to other One&Only properties across the globe.

When it comes to facilities at the resort, homeowners are spoilt for choice. Perhaps most impressive is the idyllic open-air spa. Here, beneath the canopy of trees, residents can relax in a mud bath or take a dip in the cold plunge pool. Balmy afternoons can be spent at The Jetty Beach Club reading a book on the sun-loungers or embarking on a sailing excursion.

Those looking for a family-friendly setting to soak up the views and enjoy a casual bite to eat can head to Alma while the adult-only Carao (located on the southernmost peak of the resort) boasts a gourmet menu from talented chef, Enrique Olvera. As for little ones, the 42,000-sq-ft Kids Club is a dream come true with tree houses and an insect hut to explore.

Beyond these resort amenities, residents at One&Only Mandarina have access to The Flatlands – a sprawling green landscape that stretches from the rainforest to the ocean shore. Seasoned riders and novices alike can visit the Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club and attend weekly events, while bird-watching enthusiasts can while away afternoons in the Estuary.

One&Only Mandarina private homes are on sale ranging from $4.4m to $16.25m.

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this luxury hotel is debuting 55 stunning villas in mexico — and you can buy one

view through trees of ocean and hillside

Article originally appeared in Travel+Leisure.

Five-star amenities and unbeatable mountain and ocean views set among the lush Mexican jungle.

There are few things better than checking into a One&Only hotel — except for perhaps walking in with the knowledge that you don’t have to check out. For dozens of fortunate luxury travelers, this may soon be a reality. One&Only is giving us the perfect reason to consider investing in a second home, this time in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

open-plan living room looking out through open wall of windows

The company just completed its first branded residences in the Western hemisphere — One&Only Mandarina Private Homes — with 55 stunning villas. The properties, nestled on a lush hill and overlooking a dreamy one-mile stretch of sandy beach, are completely one-of-a-kind as the architecture was adapted to their unique location. Lead architect Rick Joy (also behind the spectacular Amangiri) designed the homes to blend with the lush landscape, creating perfect harmony between the spacious homes and the environment. The two-level, four-, five-, and eight-bedroom residences span up to 19,000 square feet and include ample outdoor spaces with infinity pools, fire pits, and plenty of space to entertain and soak up the hot, Mexican sun.

Inside, a calming, earthy palette of natural materials, such as local wood and stone, exudes serenity and understated luxury. New owners can further customize their homes by choosing from three furniture and finishing packages to make their villa perfectly move-in ready. The open-concept interiors feature exposed beams, soaring ceilings clad in wood paneling, and gourmet kitchens. Oversized windows and glass walls reveal the beautiful views surrounding the properties.

Of course, as an One&Only branded project, it’s all about the five-star amenities. Each owner will have a dedicated concierge who attends to their every need.

bathroom vanities look out wall of windows

“In addition to offering striking design and architecture, One&Only Mandarina Private Homes places residents at the center of an exciting residential community where adventure awaits,” Kappner Clark, chief marketing officer of RLH Properties, the development company behind the new venture, told Travel + Leisure via email. “The development is home to remarkable cuisine, a world-class spa and beach clubs, as well as a myriad of exclusive experiences. Mandarina is known for its incredible Polo & Equestrian Club, where residents can watch matches or learn how to horseback ride themselves, but there’s also zip lining, mountain biking, a ropes course, hiking, tennis, pickleball, and much more.”

Residence prices range from $4.4 million to $16.25 million, but you’ll need to hurry up as villas are already being snapped up by keen buyers.

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One&Only debuts first private residences on mexico’s riviera nayarit

villa sits on cliff overlooking beach and ocean

Original article appeared in Architectural Digest. 

By now, hotel-branded residences are a well-established real estate trend, with both luxury and mid-priced hospitality companies having their stake in the game. The ultra-exclusive One&Only collection was the rare holdout that had yet to offer residences for sale. Finally, in what’s an exclusive reveal with AD.com, that’s about to change: the brand’s first-ever residences to come to market—named One&Only Mandarina Private Homes—are now debuting at One&Only Mandarina, located in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

living room with vaulted ceilings and jungle views

The Private Homes at the resort comprise 55 villas that are built into the oceanfront cliffs and mountains that Riviera Nayarit is known for. Buyers can pick between two kinds of residences. The core collection offers either four- or five-bedroom villas that span from 4,470 to 7,390 square feet. These numbers don’t figure in the outdoor space that ranges from 2,280 to 3,200 square feet. Estate villas are palatial with their eight bedrooms, interior space of almost 11,085 square feet plus an additional 5,380 square feet of outdoor space. All the homes stand out for their views of either the lush surrounding rainforest or the Pacific Ocean and have infinity pools, outdoor fire pits, and plenty of common spaces ideal for gathering with friends and family. Prices start at $4.4 million and cap off at $16.25 million.

The celebrated architect Rick Joy, founder of the Tucson-based Studio Rick Joy, designed the villas and is also behind the design of the resort, as well as some of the world’s top hotels including Amangiri in Utah. In a statement about the project, Joy says that the properties were constructed with concrete, local stone, and wood. In speaking about the resort overall, he says, “Our process was narrated not just by the hundreds-of-years-old trees and vegetation, but also the pre-Hispanic history and artifacts on site.”

Kappner Clark, the chief marketing officer for RLH Properties, One&Only Mandarina’s developer, describes the villas as capturing the best of indoor/outdoor living. “The essence of Mandarina is to be immersed in the nature and, to that end, the homes have an indoor/outdoor living room and a kitchen that opens out onto a large terrace where you get vistas of the water or mountains,” she says.

lounges sit by infinity pool with view

In true One&Only style, where service is unparalleled, each homeowner is paired with a One Contact, who is their personal concierge and caters to their every need, from stocking the kitchen with their favorite foods before they arrive to making restaurant and spa reservations.  Owners can also rent out their villas and get the benefit of picking their desired furniture package, curated by One&Only’s and RLH Properties’ interior design teams.

And we can’t leave out the amenities that owners can enjoy at the 620-acre resort, such as the hiking and biking trails, equestrian and polo center, spa, and multiple restaurants and beach clubs.

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the most luxurious residences with thoughtful family-friendly amenities

young girls explore insect garden

Article originally appeared in Forbes.

Luxury residential developments rarely skimp on elevated, thought-out amenities for adults (think: state-of-the-art fitness centers, spas, pools or even business-focused conference rooms), but it’s not too often you find equally as tricked-out centers for children.

Forbes has rounded up the top luxury residential developments around North America that are creating imaginative, dedicated spaces for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, that ensure no one feels left out when moving to a new home. Here’s the definitive list of developments, surrounded by plenty of activities, that will appeal to any family-focused prospective home buyer.

One&Only Mandarina

One&Only Mandarina is the opposite of crowded Mexico beaches and all-inclusive; it’s a secluded, relaxing getaway with world-class design. Woven within the coastal rainforest, the hotel and residences offer panoramic vistas of the ocean, coast, an inactive volcano and natural splendor of Mexico. Peppered by palm trees and along sandy, swimmable shores, there are few more tranquil resorts in all of Mexico. In addition to the hotel, there are  Private Homes, ranging from $4.4 million to $17.8 million. Kids will be overjoyed at the KidsOnly Club, which has treehouses connected by suspended bridges, slides, climbing walls and paved trails. This fantasy world within a tropical rainforest setting prioritizes adventure, exploration and learning within the club’s nature hut. Kids will learn about local animals, birds, insects and ancient archaeological artifacts from the indigenous Cora civilization of the region. There is also an insectarium, run by a biologist, to teach kids about the circle of life, new insect species and more. Fun for both kids and adults, there are ancient protected petroglyphs surrounding the property and kids will hear stories from the ancient peoples that once lived in the area.

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rlh properties’ One&Only Mandarina wins development of the year at hola’s 2020 awards

marketing director accepts award at hospitality conference

Mexico City, September 6, 2021 – RLH Properties has been recognized as the “Development Of The Year 2020” by HOLA Awards for its renowned One&Only Mandarina development, which is located in Riviera Nayarit. The award, which celebrates the industry’s most outstanding developers, considered hotels offering a newly built, remodeled or refurbished hotel that opened or completed its refurbishment in Latin America in 2020.

 

One&Only Mandarina was selected as the winner due to its premium location by the Mexican Pacific, its majestic scenery and biodiversity, and its outstanding accommodations of comfort, beauty and serenity. The hotel was designed and built by fully respecting the ecosystem and harmoniously blending into the landscape, allowing nature to remain at the forefront. One&Only Mandarina stretches across 265 hectares of ocean-front property with 105 detached hotel suites, 55 private residential villas, signature cuisine, spa, polo and equestrian club, customized wellness services and remarkable experiences for residents and guests who seek a meaningful connection with nature.

 

RLH Properties is constantly evolving its development plans, with Rosewood Mandarina and Rosewood Residences Mandarina soon commencing construction at Mandarina. The opening is anticipated for the end of 2024.

 

HOLA is a leading institution for hotel executives, investors, creditors, developers and professional advisors who seek to expand hotel and residential investment in the Latin American market. By hosting a marquee awards celebration, HOLA creates a space that honors executives and companies responsible for influential hospitality developments, which include the following categories: Development of the Year and Transaction of the Year. Award nominations are reviewed in accordance with the classification criteria by members of the Committee, who determine the three finalists that are then presented to delegates for the final winner selection.

 

“Having obtained this recognition as Development of the Year 2020 is quite satisfactory to RLH Properties and makes us proud of our efforts to debut One&Only Mandarina as a leading resort destination. It impels us to continue promoting our investor’s security, as we continue developing with the highest standards of quality and commitment throughout our portfolio at RLH Properties,” remarked Kappner Clark, Marketing Director of RLH Properties.

 
About RLH Properties
 
RLH Properties is a leading Mexico City-based, publicly listed company focused on the acquisition, development and management of luxury and ultra-luxury hotels and resorts and associated branded residential product. Established in Mexico City in 2013, RLH Properties is funded primarily by pension funds, institutional investors, Mexican family offices and the management team lead by Borja Escalada, CEO of the company. RLH’s investment strategy focuses on AAA assets in unique locations with high entry barriers, in markets with low supply relative to current and potential demand, and partnerships with the finest internationally recognized hotel operators. RLH’s current portfolio includes Rosewood Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba, Four Seasons Mexico City, Rosewood Villa Magna, Bless Hotel Madrid, One&Only Mandarina, El Camaleón PGA golf course, Rosewood Residences Mayakoba, Fairmont Heritage Place Mayakoba, and One&Only Mandarina Private Homes. Additionally, RLH Properties has one project currently under development: Rosewood Mandarina, set to open within the year 2024.

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ni cancún, ni los cabos: rlh properties quiere la riviera nayarit

hotel room overlooks ocean view
Article written by Juan Tolentino Morales and originally posted here. 

 

La compañía ha enfocado su apuesta de crecimiento en el Hotel Rosewood Mandarina. En mayo anunció un aumento de capital por 2,907 mdp para financiarlo.

 

La recuperación del sector hotelero tras el golpe de la pandemia ha sido selectiva. Por una parte, los destinos de playa han recuperado turistas a gran velocidad e incluso algunos ya han tenido ocupaciones cercanas a los niveles de 2019. Del otro lado están los destinos de ciudad, que aún padecen la ausencia de los viajes de negocios y eventos masivos. Y luego está el segmento de lujo, donde empresas como RLH han encontrado oportunidades.

 

Esta empresa, la única pública del sector hotelero mexicano enfocada en el segmento de lujo, estimaba para este año una rápida recuperación y sus más recientes informes financieros dan cuenta de ello: con ventas por 1,308 millones de pesos (mdp) en el segundo trimestre –9.2% más que en 2019– y tarifas promedio 30% por arriba de los niveles prepandemia, ve en el actual entorno las bases para crecer.
 
RLH Properties se mueve en las categorías de cuatro y cinco estrellas: espacios, atención y alimentos premium. Por ello, y a diferencia de otras compañías hoteleras cuyas estrategias se basan en abrir complejos por decenas, el plan de crecimiento de RLH Properties tiene un solo nombre: Hotel Rosewood Mandarina, en Riviera Nayarit. La apuesta por este proyecto es tal que la compañía anunció un aumento de capital por 2,907 millones de pesos en mayo pasado, dinero que será destinado, principalmente, para su construcción.
 
Aunque enfocar la estrategia de crecimiento de la empresa en un solo proyecto puede parecer riesgoso, su modelo de negocio consiste en pocos hoteles que generan un alto flujo de ingresos. Con siete unidades –uno inaugurado el año pasado–, un campo de golf y 192 unidades fraccionales con marcas asociadas, la compañía tuvo más ingresos en el segundo trimestre que Hoteles City Express y Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe combinados (que, en conjunto, operan 180 hoteles, entre otros activos).
 
“La vocación de RLH es adquirir o construir activos hoteleros de lujo y ultra lujo, creando el que posiblemente hoy ya es el portafolio más importante de hotelería de lujo y ultra lujo a nivel mundial”, dice Borja Escalada, director general de RLH Properties, en entrevista. “Este portafolio se busca que sea diversificado, tanto por segmentos de playa y ciudad, como geográficamente”.
 
 
 
El Hotel Rosewood Mandarina será un complejo de 127 unidades, entre suites y villas, que se prevé estará en marcha a partir del primer trimestre de 2024. El hotel forma parte de un desarrollo donde también se ubica el hotel One&Only Mandarina, que inició operaciones el pasado noviembre, y que busca constituir el bastión de la empresa en la costa del Pacífico, de manera similar al rol que desempeñan los complejos Mayakoba en la región del Caribe.
 
“Así como Mayakoba tiene cuatro hoteles, este tendrá dos: un Rosewood y un One&Only. Probablemente sea el único desarrollo de lujo que tenga la presencia de estas dos marcas top en el segmento dentro del mismo emplazamiento”, explica Escalada. “En el caso de Mandarina, desarrolla y completa la oferta de lujo que ofrecemos. Es un activo que, estamos seguros, será un gran éxito”.
 
El proyecto Mandarina también contempla la construcción de hasta 148 residencias bajo las marcas Rosewood y One&Only, de manera similar a las que se construyen en la Riviera Maya bajo las marcas Fairmont y Rosewood.
 
 
 
Hacia adelante, RLH busca continuar como “un inversionista de largo plazo” en el mercado mexicano, por lo que Escalada está en permanente búsqueda de oportunidades de crecimiento. Por ahora, asegura, no se cierra a nuevos aumentos de capital para el financiamiento de proyectos que vayan en línea con su actual portafolio.
 
“Si necesitamos más recursos financieros, acudiremos, en la medida de lo que podamos, al mercado de capitales. No tenemos necesidad de crecer en un determinado tiempo, pero al mismo tiempo seguimos continuamente canalizando oportunidades”, concluyó.