Riviera Nayarit, Mexico / One&Only Mandarina

Well and truly leaning into Mexico’s spiritual aura, flower children both junior and senior find balance within the spaciously scattered treetop and cliffside sanctuaries of this all-villa hippie hotspot.

When the car stops at the doors of One&Only Mandarina, its location sprawled on the 200 mile coastline of lesser-known Riviera Nayarit makes sense. A hotel focused on self-improvement and inner zen needs all that serene space, especially to house their impeccably private villas, so it couldn’t be better positioned. Not many places perform a personalised “smudging” ritual when guests enter their villa, and this space-cleansing ritualistic herb burning sets the tone for time spent here. Trust us, even the sceptics can’t help but embrace a bit of mystical woo-woo. It’s the spa – snuggled in a volcanic rock garden, its layout inspired by sacred Huichol geometry – where all the mind and body healing goes down. Therapeutic prehispanic ceremonies are performed by resident curandero, Benjamin, in the Temazcal (the ‘house of heat’); where hot stones, herbs and indigenous chanting are used to stimulate detoxification. And Mandarina’s spiritual guide, Steffy, is on hand to teach centuries-old energy practices within the spa or the comfort of a villa lounge. While skincare brand Tata Harper provides the products and a unique-to-Mandarina wellness journey to heighten the senses and transform the skin.

Grown-ups adore a bit of pampering, however, it’s no secret that tiny travellers can find it somewhat difficult to settle into a spa day. But, never ones to leave anyone out of their A-grade properties and forever-talked-about service, One&Only have come up with the solution – a bespoke family-focused three day itinerary; introducing the ancient spirit of La Abuela – the 500-year-old sacred ‘Grandmother’ tree, the challenge of surfing Sayulita’s waves, and the artistry of horse riding that the Mexican Charros are known for.

Travel notes:

• 105 Treetop, Cliff and Grand Villas; all with private pools
• Dining options include celebrity-chef-lead Carao, the lively Jetty Beach Club, flavour-fusions in Alma, and conscious cocktails at aptly named The Treetop
• Some of Mexico’s best and under-the-radar spots are within easy reach including San Blas’ ruins, Downtown Puerto Vallarta landmarks and San Sebastian del Oeste's historic fiestas
• Accessible by panga boat, the biodiverse and uninhabited Islas Marietas are just down the coast
• It’s 90% sunshine in these parts, so this resort is great year-round
• Puerto Vallarta airport is an hour drive away