The Beauty of Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos
Meet Nicolás Cejas, General Manager of One&Only Mandarina, all-villa beach resort in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit and Sergio Pereira, General Manager of the legendary One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos. Their recommendations and experiences perfectly capture the spirit of Mexico and exceptional hospitality.
What brought you to Riviera Nayarit and how has your experience been so far?
Mandarina: I was drawn to Riviera Nayarit by the unparalleled beauty of its natural landscape and the opportunity to lead a team in creating exceptional experiences at one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. My experience here has been nothing short of magical. The vibrant culture, the warm hospitality of the local community, and the pristine environment make every day a joy.
Palmilla: It was an opportunity I could not pass up! One&Only Palmilla is a legendary resort, an icon in the destination and the One&Only portfolio. Three years in and I am still constantly finding myself impressed by Mexican hospitality, the rich culture and vibrant traditions and the genuine kindness of the people that call this place home. I also did not expect for Cabo to offer such a wide range of experiences and activities. It is an exciting time to be here, to see how the destination and the community continues to evolve
Who is your ideal guest?
Mandarina: Our ideal guest is someone seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. They appreciate the finer things in life, value privacy, and are eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Riviera Nayarit. Whether they are families, couples, or solo travelers, our guests share a love for unique experiences and exceptional service.
Palmilla: With its sense of privacy and exclusivity, One&Only Palmilla is a favorite destination for guests looking to decompress and disconnect. Immersed between blue skies and the azure sea, the resort features beautiful private and open-air spaces where guests can retreat and relax, including beaches and coves with private cabanas and floating day beds, hammock hill, a spa relaxation garden, and more. Within this vibrant coastal sanctuary, guests can cut themselves off from day-to-day distractions, taking the time to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with what matters most. With the option to do as much or as little as they like, these accomplished guests find complete relaxation, taking leisurely naps by the pool or sharing cherished moments with their families.
How would you describe the vibe at your property?
Mandarina: The vibe at One&Only Mandarina is a harmonious blend of tranquility and sophistication. It’s a place where guests can feel completely at ease, surrounded by the lush rainforest and the serene ocean. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Palmilla: Authentic, secluded and vibrant. Infused with an unmistakable life and energy, the resort has grown from hacienda for Hollywood royalty to the sprawling retreat it is today. Throughout that evolution, the property has remained true to its roots, with iconic white-washed haciendas grounded in the destination and a sense of history that transports guests to a different time and place. Within the resort, authentic touchpoints – from the ceramic mug for your morning coffee, to the hand-painted tiles in your bathroom, handwoven textiles, local ingredients, mezcal tastings and immersive experiences – are all designed to capture the spirit of Mexico. Shaded pathways, hidden doors and quiet corners lead guests on a journey of discovery, revealing a new detail at every turn.
Where is the postcard shot on property?
Mandarina: The postcard shot is undoubtedly from our cliffside infinity pools, where guests can capture the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean merging with the sky. The stunning sunset from this vantage point is a must-see and creates a picture-perfect memory.
Palmilla: Just one? This is a hard one to answer, we have so many postcard worthy moments – from the second you see our historic bell tower and chapel to our acres lush tropical pathways – best enjoyed by complimentary bikes. But for me, and this speaks to the uniqueness of the resort, it´s the moment you check into your room and that first moment you step onto your terrace and take in the view – whatever that is – it will be something you will never forget and want to share with others.
Can you share what makes your accommodations unique?
Mandarina: Our accommodations are uniquely designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each treehouse and villa offers unparalleled privacy, with expansive views of the ocean or rainforest, catering to everything from intimate getaways to multigenerational gatherings with our Signature Villas, which can host up to 28 guests. The architecture and interior design reflect a sophisticated yet rustic aesthetic, using locally sourced materials and artisanal craftsmanship. The private plunge pools and outdoor living spaces enhance the connection to nature.
Palmilla: Situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, One&Only Palmilla is located in the most prized location in Los Cabos, handpicked for its pristine coastline, seclusion and elevation. Built along one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches, our hacienda-style accommodations offer guests an unrivaled seaside escape. Every room, suite and villa is artfully angled to frame uninterrupted views of the Sea of Cortez and the bay of San José del Cabo, with spacious balconies and terraces overlooking crashing waves, cinematic sunrises, and playful whales, dolphins and dancing mobula rays in season.
What are a few of the not-to-be-missed experiences at your resort?
Mandarina: Guests should not miss our breathtaking butterfly sanctuary, where they can partake in a butterfly release, led by our in-house biologist. The Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience horseback riding in a stunning setting. Recently featured in Vogue’s first-ever Global Spa Guide 2024, our One&Only Spa stands as one of the best in the world with wellness offerings including bespoke spa treatments inspired by local elements, holistic journeys, and yoga sessions amidst the treetops, making it a transformative experience not to be missed.
Palmilla: There are quite a few but some of my favorites include taking part in our celestial Full Moon Meditation, savoring an omakase-style dinner at Hoshi, playing a round of golf at the Jack-Nicklaus designed Palmilla Golf Club, going for a bike ride around the resort or simply watching a majestic sunrise over the Sea of Cortez. Families will love our daily KidsOnly experiences including immersive activities including arts and crafts, tennis, surfing, cooking classes and much more.
Can you tell us a little about your culinary offerings and favorite dishes?
Mandarina: Our culinary program is a celebration of diverse flavors, artfully blending traditional Mexican cuisine with influences from ocean-to-table, Mediterranean, Asian, and other culinary traditions. We emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create exquisite dishes. My favourite is the Ceviche San Pancho, a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of our coastal location. Led by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera, our signature restaurant Carao showcases re-invented traditional Mexican cuisine, complementing our other dining options with a variety of experiences, from casual beachside fare to sophisticated fine dining, along with an array of pop-up culinary delights throughout the year.
Palmilla: Inspired by the authentic tastes of Mexico and the abundance of local ingredients, our culinary team offers immersive food and beverage experiences. One of our most popular experiences, our Mexican cooking classes showcase our chefs’ commitment to local ingredients, seasonality, and the distinct flavors of Baja, available in a group or private setting. Mezcal and tequila tastings demystify Mexico’s iconic agave spirits, while mixology masterclasses reveal the secrets to the classic and contemporary cocktails. Our newest dining experience, Hoshi, is an intimate 28-seat omakase style restaurant that blends Japanese traditions with the flavors of Baja in one of the most picturesque settings – both inside and outside the dining room.
What’s the best time to visit and why?
Mandarina: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. During these months, guests can fully enjoy the beauty of the rainforest, pristine beaches, and clear skies. The winter holidays and spring break are particularly popular times for families and couples alike.
Palmilla: Every part of the year is special, just depends on what you are hoping to experience! November to April is our renowned whale season, when the majestic creatures swim by our shoreline daily, as if they are there as part of a daily morning ritual. In May, the whales head north as the Sea of Cortez gets warmer, making it ideal for guest who want to enjoy our swimmable beach or hit the waves during Cabo´s peak surf season, from June through September. One of my personal favorite times to visit is during our yearly Festive Season when the resort is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with holiday magic for guests of all ages.
What are you most proud of at your resort?
Mandarina: I am most proud of our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. We have implemented numerous eco-friendly practices to preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings and support local artisans and businesses. Our dedicated team, who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, is also a source of great pride.
Palmilla: Our colleagues and the personalized service and unrivaled sense of coming home that they create for both our first-time guests as well as the many repeat guests that return year after year. This sense of arrival begins from the moment you see the palm trees of the Palmilla community and enter through the resort gates. Once guests arrive at the porte cochere, they are welcomed with One&Only’s iconic Hand on Heart service, a dedicated team of hosts who have perfected the art of personalization and infuse each encounter with kindness, familiarity, continuity, and exceptional hospitality.
What do you want the Four Hundred members to know about your property?
Mandarina: One&Only Mandarina is more than just a resort; it’s a sanctuary where luxury and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Our property offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, ensuring every guest leaves with cherished memories. From our world-class accommodations to our exceptional dining and wellness offerings, we provide an unparalleled experience that is both exclusive and deeply enriching.
Palmilla: Immersed in 250 acres of lush tropical foliage, One&Only Palmilla occupies the most coveted position in Los Cabos, framing endless views of the Sea of Cortez and bay of San José del Cabo from every angle. With direct access to the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches, Four Hundred members will enjoy a sense of space and seclusion that is unrivaled on the Baja Peninsula. With its private hacienda-style abodes, abundant gardens and cliffside-infinity pools, our vibrant hideaway is infused with an unmistakable energy and charisma, creating a treasured sanctuary where couples, families and friends return year after year, and we hope Four Hundred members will return to as well.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design