One&Only Mandarina vs. Rosewood Mandarina: One Destination, Two Distinct Vibes
If you’re deciding between two of Mexico’s most luxurious resorts, this One&Only Mandarina vs. Rosewood Mandarina guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the perfect fit.
When two luxury resorts share the same owner and sit on the same breathtaking stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coastline, the result isn’t competition—it’s complement. One&Only Mandarina and the newly opened Rosewood Mandarina each offer their own take on barefoot luxury, catering to different travel styles while sharing a lush jungle-meets-ocean setting. Here’s how they compare:
Layout
-
One&Only Mandarina: Spread across a vast, jungle-covered hillside with villas tucked into the terrain. It’s intentionally secluded and requires golf carts to navigate.
-
Rosewood Mandarina: Designed with charming enclaves of suites and centralized amenities for an easy, walkable experience. Rooms are spread across three areas: beachfront suites along Canalan Beach, centrally located flatlands, and upcoming mountaintop suites, which will require buggy access once they are open. The beachfront area is quiet and scenic, shared only with Canalan Beach Club.
Privacy
-
One&Only: Extremely private. Each villa is standalone, surrounded by nature with no direct neighbors.
-
Rosewood: Moderate privacy. Suites are housed in two-suite buildings, offering comfort with a more social setup.
Room Design
-
One&Only: Expansive villas with indoor-outdoor flow, large private terraces, and plunge pools. Built for those seeking total retreat. One&Only offers a more dramatic design, grander elevations, and a stronger architectural presence.
-
Rosewood: Sleek, contemporary suites with thoughtful touches and shared structures. Designed for those who enjoy style and accessibility. The interiors are warm, thoughtfully designed, and comfortably modern, but the exterior architecture of the beachfront buildings can feel underwhelming to luxury travelers. The boxy structures, with exposed cement columns and minimal visual interest, lacked the elegance and distinctiveness expected of a Rosewood flagship.
Pools
-
One&Only: Seven pools are scattered across the resort, each with its own vibe—some are perfect for families, while others are tucked away for adults only, offering a quiet place to unwind. The infinity pools are especially memorable, with sweeping views of the Pacific that honestly feel surreal—it’s the kind of view that lingers in your mind long after the trip ends. If you’re craving total calm, don’t miss the spa pool. Hidden in the jungle and open to all guests (no treatment needed!), it’s one of the most peaceful corners of the property and a favorite spot to escape for a midday recharge.
-
Rosewood: Four infinity-edge pools, located near the beach, offer a vibrant experience. The adults-only area is seamlessly integrated into the lively layout, creating a more social and engaging atmosphere.
Beach
-
One&Only: Long stretch of beach shared with Canalan Beach Club, but feels exclusive due to the setting and layout. The path to the beach is steep and long, depending on where you are going, so expect to rely on a golf cart ride to get there.
- Rosewood: The equally long beachfront boasts a striking ocean connection and shares Canalan access, making it feel more central to the experience.
Dining
-
One&Only: Dining at One&Only Mandarina is a standout experience, albeit with premium pricing—expect to spend around $150 for an appetizer, drink, and entrée. Begin the evening with cocktails at Treetop Bar, where Pacific Ocean views steal the show. Alma, the main breakfast spot (included when booking through us), serves fresh avocado toast and fruit smoothies with a farm-to-table touch. For a laid-back lunch or dinner by the water, Jetty Beach Club offers oysters, catch of the day, and standout soft shell crab tacos with avocado mousse. Allora delivers beachfront Italian classics in a chic, relaxed setting, while Carao—helmed by chef Enrique Olvera—is the resort’s signature dining experience, with bold flavors like smoky octopus zarandeado and roasted palm hearts. Dinner reservations are arranged via your host on WhatsApp, and resort-chic attire is encouraged in the evenings.
-
Rosewood: Features three restaurants with a casually elegant, beach-centric approach. Expect refined simplicity with a view. For now, two restaurants are open, with La Cocina serving all three meals and specializing in elevated Mexican cuisine. Highlights include fresh tortillas from a wood-fired comal, grilled meats, tacos, guacamole, aguachiles, and shrimp zarandeado—all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Overall Vibe
-
One&Only: Established, ultra-luxury with a focus on privacy, stillness, and high-touch service. Ideal for those who want to fully unplug.
-
Rosewood: Fresh, beach-forward, and community-oriented. A great option for those who prefer a vibrant atmosphere and contemporary design.
More Resort, More Perks
Rosewood Mandarina: Opening Offers
Be among the first to experience Rosewood Mandarina’s magic and receive:
- 4th Night Free
- Daily breakfast for two
- Hotel credit with a three-night suite stay
- Early check-in and late check-out flexibility
Rosewood Elite Perks
Through our Hotel-Only service, we can book your stay at the exact same rate you find online, with the added benefit of booking directly with us. We charge zero fees through this service; it is completely complimentary!
While specific benefits vary by property, here are some common highlights:
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two
- Room Upgrades.
- Property Credits
- Personalized Welcome Amenities
- Access to Exclusive Offers
Contact us for details about the specific amenities offered at Rosewood Mandarina.
Rosewood Elite can generally be combined with any rates you’ll find directly with Rosewood. The upgrades through Rosewood Elite are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use Rosewood Elite over a program like Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. As a top producer with Rosewood Hotels, we offer exclusive benefits and ensure exceptional care at any property when you book through us.
One&Only Mandarina
When you book with us, you will be a VIP guest and receive exclusive amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival (STA)
- Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom served in the hotel’s own Alma Restaurant
- 100 USD resort credit
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out (STA)
Plus, you don’t want to miss these promotions:
- Book a three-night stay and receive the 4th night complimentary
- Book a seven-night stay and receive the 6th and 7th night complimentary
- Valid for stays in Treehouse, Ocean Treehouse, Panoramic Ocean Treehouse, Cliff Villa, Ocean Cliff Villa, Panoramic Ocean Cliff Villa, and Villa Banderas Jungle View.
- Valid for travel now through December 19, 2025.
Offers based on availability and blackout dates apply. Contact us to learn more.
Which One is Right for You?
Choose One&Only Mandarina if your ideal vacation means maximum privacy, expansive standalone villas, and an established ultra-luxury setting. It’s perfect for honeymoons, wellness-focused getaways, or families who value a serene escape. Two of our team members have personally visited and written reviews about their stays.
Choose Rosewood Mandarina if you’re drawn to beachfront living with modern design, walkable access to amenities, and a slightly more social energy. It’s a great fit for families or couples who appreciate a stylish, evolving resort experience.
Can’t make up your mind? Book a split stay at both resorts! No matter which path you choose, Mandarina delivers two sides of elevated coastal luxury—each distinct, both exceptional.
Complete a Travel Request Form to begin planning your escape to the jungle today.
