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This contemporary five-bedroom villa is one of 55 luxury homes being built at the new One&Only Mandarina residential resort on the central Pacific coast of Mexico, north of Puerto Vallarta.

 

“Villa 6 sits perched on top of a hill—it’s almost like you’re on an island,” said Ricardo Santa Cruz, the founder of Mandarina. “You have no surrounding neighbors, so basically you have 360-degree views.”

 

“If you’re in the pool, you see the entire coastline, and you’re looking down over a one-mile stretch of beach,” he said.

 

“From Villa 6, you are able to take in all of the different ecosystems that the property has to offer,” Mr. Santa Cruz said, including mountains, jungle and rainforest, sandy beaches, green flatlands and estuaries.

 

RLH Properties is the developer of Mandarina, and Mr. Santa Cruz’s company, RSC, is handling all of the sales and marketing. Architect Rick Joy is designing all 55 villas and each is architecturally unique and envisioned specifically for its location and to capture the best ocean views.

 

“I love that when you’re standing in your kitchen, you can look out and see mountain, valley and beach views,” said Kappner Clark, director of marketing and sales at RSC.

 

“I was there when we were doing the renderings and it was one of the most spectacular sunrises I’ve ever seen, with the sun coming through the haze of the mountains,” she added.

 

Villa 6 is one of the first 18 to be released for sale, Mr. Santa Cruz said. “We will start construction this year, with delivery by the end of 2019.”

 

A 108-room One&Only hotel on the 630-acre site will also be finished by the end of 2019, he said. The development will eventually include a second hotel and another group of branded homes, to be operated by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Inc.

 

Villa 6 also sits above the polo fields and equestrian center that will be a prime feature of the resort.

 

Outdoor spaces include an infinity-edged pool, terrace and garden areas.

 

Most of the materials and finishes will be sourced from different parts of Mexico, he said. For the stucco walls, “we’re creating a mix with local materials so that they will be the same color as the earth.”

 

There are three themes of furniture packages that buyers can choose from and purchase, and then they can put the furnished villa into the resort’s rental program.

 

The 6,684 -square-foot, one-level villa has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one partial bath. There is another 2,530 square feet of exterior space.

 

Amenities include the One&Only Majahua Beach Club, with beachside terraces, dining, massage spaces and a jetty extending over the sea that will create a harbor and haven for swimmers; the Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club, with a clubhouse, arenas, two tournament-size polo fields, polo lounge, pro shop, horse boarding and veterinary clinic; One&Only Spa; Canalan Beach Club along Mandarina’s one-mile stretch of soft-sand beach; a farm that will produce for a farm-to-table restaurant; and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

 

Mandarina is about 15 minutes north of the village of Sayulita, which is known for its charming cobbled streets and great surfing, Mr. Santa Cruz said.

It’s just under an hour’s drive to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, he said, and a new highway due in 2019 or 2020 will make it a 30-minute drive.

 

*Originally posted on Mansion Global

The opening of One&Only Private Homes, scheduled for the summer of 2020, will usher in a new ultra-luxury destination in the Riviera Nayarit. Under the name of Mandarina, the project is also opening the Rosewood Resort & Spa in 2022.

 

One&Only Mandarina is established as an exceptional concept in the American continent. In addition to hotel spaces, it includes 55 private residences. Designed by Rick Joy Architects, each of its accommodations is immersed in virgin natural settings.

 

“Rick Joy is recognized for achieving true communion with nature through his designs. His philosophy makes a lot of sense with our project: to preserve the environment while providing travelers and residents with invaluable experiences, “said Ricardo Santa Cruz, Head of Business Development for Mandarina at RLH Properties.

 

He also explained that One&Only Mandarina Private Homes will operate as an extension of the hotel. Hence, residents can access the services offered by the brand: concierge, private chefs, Spa, Kids Club of almost 7,900 square meters, as well as exclusive restaurants for adults and others with a family atmosphere. This, without forgetting the private and picturesque One&Only Majahua Beach Club.

 

Mandarina has a total area of ​​265 hectares and a great diversity of ecosystems. Santa Cruz points out that to the south is One&Only Mandarina in an extension endowed with elevations and a dense jungle vegetation conducive to developing numerous routes for mountain biking and hiking.

 

Exclusive Experiences

 

“The land comes to a plain where the equestrian center and the world-class polo club will be located, these – due to their degree of specialization – will give Mandarina a very different feeling from other destinations,” said Santa Cruz. At Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club runners of all ages and skill levels will gather to learn, practice or compete. “With innovative architecture, it will coordinate effortlessly with the surrounding nature and the comforts of Mandarina.”

 

On the northern flank of the equestrian center, on top of another mountainous area, the Rosewood Resort & Spa will rise. With spectacular views of the sea, this complex will also have residences of privileged status.

 

“11 years ago, my partners and I began to visualize a different destination in the Mexican Pacific. After an intense search, we found this place that has all the characteristics we were looking for. It is located just under an hour from the International Airport of Puerto Vallarta and will be only half an hour once the fee road that comes from Guadalajara is concluded,” he said. He also mentioned that Mandarina is located a few minutes from Sayulita and San Pancho.

 

Finally, he added that RLH Properties is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange and specializes in the acquisition, development and management of high-end hotels and resorts. “Our solid experience in the field made it possible to overcome the challenges of a project of these dimensions. Thanks to the confidence that anchor brands have, Mandarina is developed successfully.”

 

Originally posted on Forbes Mexico

Stretching for miles along the Pacific Ocean, relatively unknown Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s last remaining beachfront jungles. Celebrated hospitality group One&Only is in the final stages of creating an ultra exclusive residential destination here.

 

One&Only Mandarina Private Homes will feature two styles of villas designed by famed architect Rick Joy to complement the landscape and capture dynamic views. The secluded setting affords privacy and serenity. Walls of glass blur the line between indoors and out. Private infinity pools and gardens overlook the jungle and the ocean.

 

Mandarina will also be home to a 108-room One&Only resort; luxury Rosewood hotel and residences; spa; jetty harbor; two beach clubs with pools, terraces, dining areas and massage spaces; farm; polo grounds; equestrian center; and trail systems for biking, hiking and horseback riding.

 

Instead of a traditional golf resort, the developers opted for an equestrian theme with unprecedented amenities. Mandarina recently announced the debut of its polo team as well as a partnership with Aspen Valley Polo Club. As part of the pairing, the clubs will host jointly sponsored tournaments twice a year, with a winter event at Mandarina and a summer one in Aspen, Colorado.

 

Other planned features include the family-friendly Canalan Beach Club; an estuary with walking paths; and a farm complete with gardens, orchards and a greenhouse. Harvested produce serves as the basis for a truly farm-to-table culinary experience. And programming for kids revolves around jungle adventures, replete with treehouses, hanging bridges and a butterfly sanctuary.

 

One&Only Mandarina is located just an hour north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Villas are now available, ranging in price from $4.5 million to $12 million. Residents enjoy an extensive menu of first-class services, such as property management; charging privileges at all hotel amenities; in-residence private dining; spa services; personal training sessions; travel arrangements; pre-stocked groceries; laundry and dry cleaning; medical services; and boat moorage. 

 

*Originally posted on Artful Living

Imagine this: You’re sipping a fresh lime margarita in an infinity pool jutting from a cliff over a gin-clear sea. Below, a private skiff awaits alongside an arcing jetty ready to whisk you off on an epic surf break for an afternoon of angling. A waterfront beach club calls for toes-in-the-sand dining, Hobie Cat sailing, cabana lazing or stand-up paddleboarding. Horses graze next to emerald polo fields. Trail rides, snaking mountain biking courses and a canopy-high zip line invite you to immerse yourself in this untouched Jurassic wilderness. Your ultraswank treehouse bungalow disappears into the thick green canopy yet affords arresting views of the sea and sunset over the pristine Riveria Nayarit. This is Mandarina.

 

“There’s nothing like it in the world,” says Mandarina partner Ricardo Santa Cruz, who, together with developer RHL Properties, dreamed up this low-density, sustainable luxury retreat with every amenity imaginable. Partnered with two of the world’s finest resorts, One&Only and Rosewood, Mandarina (discovermandarina.com) is positioned to be the ultimate tropical escape, especially for San Diegans who can jet to Puerto Vallarta on a direct 2 ½-hour flight and access this jungle-meets-sea paradise with ease. Across Mandarina’s 650 aces, you’ll find multiple ecosystems, from fertile flatlands and estuaries for kayaking and birdwatching to jungle canopy perches and swimmable waters trimmed with ribbons of golden sand.

 

In addition to One&Only Mandarina opening in 2020 with 108 glorious stand-alone bungalows, several infinity pools, a beach club and alfresco farm-to-table dining, 55 One&Only private homes are being built, designed by renowned architect Rick Joy of Amangiri Resort fame and ranging from $4.8 million to $10.5 million. “We wanted to find an architect who understood the philosophy of bringing nature into the home and leaving the smallest and most discreet footprint as possible,” says Santa Cruz.

 

A crusader of organic architecture, Joy has designed four-, five- and eight-bedroom homes (5,000- to nearly 11,000-square-feet) that celebrate seamless indoor-outdoor living and Mandarina’s magical topography. Think glass walls, earth tones, stone accents, infinity pools, dining terraces, outdoor showers, exotic gardens and more. The buildings successfully blend into the landscape, allowing nature to be the protagonist, explains Santa Cruz. Exquisite in every sense, the homes even have Delos’ DARWIN Home Wellness Intelligence (based on Delos and Mayo Clinic’s Living Well Lab research) for optimal water and air purification, and circadian lighting. RHL’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the fragile ecosystems of the jungle and mangroves means one residence for every 2.4 acres, myriad protected green spaces, and golf carts and bikes as green transportation around the property. No condos, no cluster units, no Cabo.

 

But the luxury and adventure doesn’t end there. Mandarina’s Jungle Course at The Outpost has ropes courses and repelling; its Kids Club has a butterfly sanctuary and farm; One&Only’s Mandarina open-air spa delivers blissful wellness under the canopy; and the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club sports two tournament-size polo fields, along with jumping and dressage arenas and stables for boarding. Mandarina even has its own official polo team, which captured the Triple Crown last summer at the Aspen Valley Polo Club. Homeowners also receive first-class medical care with a five-year membership to Mayo Clinic Preferred Response for remote access to medical experts and global evacuation services at no cost. And once you join the One&Only Private Home family, expect lifelong One&Only Private Home concierge services and future opportunities to swap One&Only homes in sexy locations like Mauritius and Montenegro.

 

*Originally posted on Modern Luxury.

I never thought that I would be ready to buy a home sight unseen, but after touring the only partially developed Mandarina in Mexico, I’m ready. Apparently so are countless others, as the $1 billion luxury residential and hotel resort has already sold several custom villas before having a single one completely built.

 

Found in the coastal jungle in Riviera Nayarit, which is less than an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta and only a 15-minute drive from the charming surfing town of Sayulita, Mandarina is a massive endeavor. Taking over two mountains, and the flatlands and one-mile-long beach in between, the 640-acre property will ultimately include two luxury hotels (the One&Only and the Rosewood) and private residences under each brand. Amenities will include a polo and equestrian club (which will have its own on-site veterinary clinic, which is a very big deal when it comes to the health and welfare of the horses), a farm that will provide much of the ingredients used in the property’s many restaurants, an adventure outpost offering a jungle course designed by Costa Rican firm Adventure Playground, a beach club, a preserved estuary, and so much more.

 

Mandarina has been a long time coming. In order to purchase the 640 acres, Ricardo Santa Cruz, president and CEO of RSC and the founding partner of Mandarina, had to strike a deal with each landowner (and each member of their family) one by one. This mission took him all over the world and lasted nearly a decade, but thankfully Santa Cruz is no stranger to the process. As one of the largest real estate developers in Mexico, he has already negotiated thousands of acres that are collectively worth more than $90 million in capital. He is only one of the many reasons why so many people are jumping at the chance to purchase a private home on the site before it has even been built.

 

First of all, if you haven’t visited Riviera Nayarit coastline, you might be surprised that it is an actual jungle befitting Jurassic Park. Exotic and wild, the landscape is cherished by the Mandarina team and their respect and admiration can be seen in the detailed plans for the property. A treasure trove of archeological wonders, there are archeologists on staff who ultimately decide what gets built where and what areas absolutely cannot be touched. Actually, despite how huge the project actually is, the majority of the land will remain preserved, including the aforementioned estuary in the flatlands. In fact, one of the goals is that when the land is viewed from the water, the buildings will blend in so seamlessly that they will be hard to distinguish from the lush greenery.

 

Construction is currently underway on the One&Only half of Mandarina (with the Rosewood to follow), and though there are only a handful of model rooms built to full scale for potential buyers to view, 18 of the 55 villas have already been sold at the time of publication. I was extremely lucky to get an all-access tour of the property to see the site and check out the plans for the residences and resort, and I can confidently say that once complete, Mandarina will be one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.

 

Though I can’t publish any photos of the sample rooms that I toured, I can assure you that the overall look and feel match these renderings perfectly. Designed by world-renowned Rick Joy Architects, each one of the 55 villas is built into the green mountainside, disturbing Mother Nature as little as possible in order to maintain the overall look of the mountains. Though each home offers ocean views, you might get a little more than that depending on which home you choose. Those that are higher up will give you the feeling of being suspended over everything, allowing you to see the ocean, the jungle, the flatlands and the mountain range. The villas that are lower tend to feel more engulfed by the tropical plants around it, offering a more remote feeling.

 

The two-story Villas are either four- or five-bedroom homes, each designed to focus on an outdoor living space with large rooms that open onto the pool terrace. The larger Estate Villas feature two homesites with eight bedrooms all together and are designed for multi-generational living and large-scale entertaining. Since the residences are designed to bring the outdoors in, the homes will feature details like infinity pools suspended out into the jungle, sky-high ceilings, indoor/outdoor showers and bathtubs, retractable skylights and all-glass walls. Each one will have a different look and will have different structural design needs depending on the topography of where it sits. They have also been designed to be climate responsive and environmentally responsible.

 

While I learned a lot about what Mandarina has in store for homeowners, I can’t give too much away. However, I can say that there will be an internationally renowned chef taking on what will probably become the area’s best restaurant. Also, the 85,000-square-foot Kids’ Club has been designed by a famed Hollywood set designer whom you will definitely recognize and while I didn’t get to see any renderings, I picked up on some major Peter Pan in Neverland vibes. It will ultimately include spectacular treehouses, an insect hut, water activities, a nature trail, a butterfly sanctuary, and an outdoor amphitheater.

 

Another cool feature is The Jetty, which will have a firepit at the end, meant to symbolize the dormant volcano that originally shaped the land. The Jetty will also have plenty of places to socialize, as well as a dock for small vessels, and will be a great spot to take in all of the Mandarina from the water.

 

The One&Only hotel at Mandarina will be opening in 2020, with the Rosewood following after. One&Only Mandarina Private Homes are currently for sale, ranging between $4.5 million and $12 million. I can only hope that I will be invited back to visit once everything is completed and if I’m lucky, never have to leave.

 

*Originally posted on JustLuxe

The Caribbean-facing Riviera Maya has traditionally won the lion’s share of attention among well-heeled travelers bound for Mexico. But the start of a new decade promises a new era in the country’s luxury travel scene, as a wave of first-class resorts prepare to open along the country’s Pacific coast. At the sun-kissed tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is already home to an Oscar-worthy collection of high-end escapes, but new arrivals along the Sea of Cortez will raise the bar in the next two years.

 

Next month sees the opening of Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the fourth member of Ritz-Carlton’s ultra-luxury collection that also includes resorts in Thailand, Bali and Puerto Rico. Scattered among the dunes on the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo, 115 suites and villas will all feature plunge pools and outdoor terraces and the services of a private attendant. Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas will also open in November, 80 kilometers to the north in the glamorous Costa Palmas development. The 1,000-acre residential and hospitality development will eventually be home to a marina and yacht club and Robert Trent Jones II golf course, and Aman will make its Mexico debut there with Amanvari and Amanvari Residences in 2020, promising indoor-outdoor villas infused with the brand’s signature pared-back style.

 

Two hours north in the town of La Paz, Chablé Sea of Cortez – the cult boutique brand’s third luxury retreat – will provide a jumping-off point for diving excursions and whale shark-watching cruises in the Sea of Cortez, positioning La Paz as a boutique counterpoint to the big-name resorts at the southern tip of Baja California Sur. Speaking of which, Park Hyatt Los Cabos will be part of the 26-acre Cabo del Sol golf resort, stretching along two miles of beachfront near Cabo San Lucas, when it opens in 2021

 

On the Mexican mainland, the upcoming Mandarina development is pegged to become the most exclusive destination on the Riviera Nayarit, the 150-kilometer stretch of coast running north from Puerto Vallarta. The resort community will be home to One&Only Mandarina and Rosewood Mandarina – both with private residences – plus polo and equestrian club, organic farm and beach club when it rolls out the red carpet next year. Marriott will manage four hotels at NIA, an integrated lifestyle destination spread along 220 acres of Riviera Nayarit coastline, including the first-ever all-inclusive properties in Marriott’s luxury portfolio. Zannier Hotels will open its first Mexican outpost, La Nopalera, two hours south of Puerto Vallarta in 2021; and the Auberge Resorts Collection will welcome 59-suite Susurros Del Corazón in Punta Mita around the same time.

 

* Originally posted on Destinations of the World News

One&Only Mandarina Private Homes, among the first collection of One&Only villas to own in the world, is going to great lengths to offer a truly exceptional living experience that expertly pairs home and health. One&Only has partnered with Delos, world leaders in wellness real estate and technology, to bring its Wellness by Delos building standard to Mexico for the very first time. One&Only Mandarina Private Homes will be Delos certified and feature innovative wellness systems designed with a healthy lifestyle in mind.

 

Now established in 42 countries, Delos has created built environments that improve nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep and performance. Eight years ago, Delos identified the need to bring the building and health sciences together, beginning a groundbreaking dialogue with academic and medical thought-leaders. Delos collaborated with Mayo Clinic, leading architects and scientists to create healthier indoor spaces in which to live, work and play.

 

Delos places health and wellness at the center of design and construction decisions, implementing the best innovations in health, science, technology and architecture. Wellness by Delos for One&Only Mandarina Private Homes focuses on three vital aspects: Air Quality, Water Purification and Lighting Systems. The Delos Air Purification System removes allergens, toxins, pathogens, bacteria, pollen and other pollutants from the air using HEPA-grade filtration technology. It also provides year-round dehumidification and requires little maintenance, with HEPA cartridges that last 3-5 years.

 

The Delos Water Purification provides a customized water treatment system that aims to reduce harmful contaminants and improve water quality. It is designed based on research of local water quality to thoroughly filter and treat drinking water, provide built-in protection against the growth of microbes, reduce chlorine taste and odor, and increase efficiency by using less water.

 

The Circadian Lighting System mimics natural light, which can help regulate hormonal balance, appetite, sleep, productivity and energy levels. Four evidence-based light scenes will be featured in the villa lighting systems, including one to simulate light outdoors to synchronize circadian rhythms to the 24-hour day. The second will produce bright, white light with a strong blue component to energize during the daytime; the third produces a soft, amber light for times of relaxation; and the fourth is customizable whether for reading or sleeping.

 

With all of the villas in the Founders’ Collection now sold, a limited number of villas remain in The Legacy Collection, which offers the final chance to enjoy preferred pricing at One&Only Mandarina Private Homes.

 

*Originally posted on InMexico

Ricardo Santa Cruz has over 12 years’ experience in land acquisition and real estate development in Mexico, having negotiated and acquired more than 1,600+ hectares of strategic development property on the Pacific Coast. He is the Chief Business Development Officer of RLH’s Mandarina project and was responsible for negotiating the purchase of its 260 hectares. Ricardo currently oversees all sales and marketing efforts for Mandarina. Haute Residence caught up with Santa Cruz to discuss how Mexico’s real estate landscape has changed in the last 10 years and trends luxury buyers are having in Mexico:

 

How did you get involved in real estate?

 

When I first graduated from college and moved back down to Mexico, I opened up a healthcare supply company, which I still have to this day. Ten years into that, a real estate opportunity came up along the coastal area of Mexico near where I was living. I started to get involved in acquiring some beachfront property and one thing led to another.

 

How has the real estate landscape changed in Mexico in the last 10 years?

 

In the last 10 years, there has been a large increase in the amount of master-planned communities developed which are now being anchored by the most internationally recognized luxury hotel brands. This is very attractive for buyers because knowing that a well recognized, discerning luxury hotel brand is willing to make a long term commitment to a development gives buyers a greater sense of stability and validation of their investment.

 

What are some trends you’re noticing that luxury real estate buyers are looking for in Mexico?

 

Ease of accessibility. People want to be able to fly into a destination that has a lot of airlift into the major cities and proximity when they land. Buyers know they’re going to get a lot of use out of the home because it’s a quick and easy flight. The other thing they’re looking for is master-planned communities. It’s all about the experience. They want there to be something for everyone to do whether it’s active or lounging.

 

Is there a project that you’ve worked on recently that is your favorite?

 

Mandarina is the one I’m most excited about. It’s opening in a year from now.

 

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to buy or invest in real estate in Mexico?

 

Understand what your personal goal is with the purchase because that can steer you in several directions. If you’re not part of a master-planned community, you have to really analyze the area around your home. Once you find the property you like, make sure you get the property team to guide you through the process.

 

*Originally posted on Haute Residence.

One&Only is adding a string of new resorts to its portfolio of beachfront, urban and nature retreats. Alongside two very different openings on the calendar this year, there are also plans for two new European properties in 2020 – the first foray into the continent for One&Only. As with all its properties, One&Only’s new destinations will be smart and wonderfully unstuffy, embracing local cultures and traditions. In addition to the new resorts on the agenda, One&Only has also just launched One&Only Private Homes whereby people can buy a private residential villa within some of its spectacular locations.

Less than an hour north of Puerto Vallarta between the jungle and a one-mile stretch of perfect beach, One&Only Mandarina will sit against the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra del Vallejo mountain range (pictured below). There will be a beach club, kids’ club and spa, as well as new One&Only Private Homes (pictured above) to buy and rent. Nearby will be One&Only Xala, a tented camp of 17 luxury suites set along five miles of amazing beach.

*Originally posted on Conde Nast Traveler

One&Only has announced its collection of private residences called Mandarina, nestled along a one-mile stretch of beach in Nayarit, Mexico. Designed by Rick Joy Architects, Mandarina is among the first One&Only villas available to own in the world. The 55 ocean-view villas, with four-, five-, and eight-bedroom floor plans, range in size from approximately 7,500 to 13,500 square feet. Mandarina will feature its own polo and equestrian club, a signature One&Only Spa, multiple beach clubs, an authentic farm-to-table restaurant, and an estuary. The villas range from $4.75 million to $10.5 million.

 

*Originally posted on Ocean Home