One&Only Mandarina

Mandarina should be on everyone's bucket list. First off, the property is massive and has so much to do compared to your typical resort, many of the experiences being unique to the property. When you mix the size of the resort with the small quantity of villas available, you are provided a very private, tranquil and secluded feel at all times. It's a perfect getaway escape If you've been to a O&O resort, you know their service is next level. You can expect a staff that is fully invested in ensuring you have a great time. They're not just there to help you when you need them, they give you the sense that they are actually interested in you as if you were friends or family visiting for the week, rather than hotel guests. We literally never saw a single staff member that would even have a neutral or much less a grumpy face. We were always approached with warm greetings and smiles everywhere we went. I actually usually set the bar pretty low for beachy resorts to have pretty expensive and basic "hotel food" choices. I also read a lot of reviews saying the food was mid to bad, however we did not have that experience. We thought everything was very tasty, most dishes were made to be shared, so try everything that sounds good, but I think their seafood at each of the restaurants was a highlight. Ceviches, tartares, and aguachiles of all different types, fresh catches of the day prepared in different ways. For me Carao was my favorite restaurant, but don't sleep on the chucker steakhouse either. They don't mention it on the website, but Chucker's food and ambience is a nice changeup from the rest of the restaurants on property. We've been to most of the luxury and ultra luxe hotel brands in the world and after going to a couple One&Only's the last couple years, we can say that they are now our favorite resort brand in the world. We have an Aman booked later this year, so we'll see if O&O can hold that title.

We have had the privilege to travel all over the world, but this is resort is without a doubt the best property we have ever stayed at.

As a family that has been fortunate to have traveled the world and experience different cultures and experiences this hotel missed the mark for us. The kids club was beautiful and staff friendly but you had to pay $45 for each craft that your child participated in the day. The tree house and butterfly sanctuary were not in use and could not be accessed (should not be advertised if this is the case).They offer nighttime baby-sitting but do not offer a dinner/movie option which our kids always love and it allows us to have a "date night." Food was good but we desperately wanted Mexican. Instead the menus were mediterranean style. Would appreciate more information on activiites available for both kids/adults on/off campus. Pricing was really high for food and drink.

Our first stay at O&O Mandarina will not be our last. This was a multi-gen family trip consisting of my parents and our 6-year old daughter, and the resort fulfilled every age group's expectations. The setting is paradisical - you feel as if you've been dropped into the midst of the jungle, but with every luxury amenity available. We were upgraded to an Oceanside Cliff Villa with an unbelievable view and the plunge pool was the perfect temperature for a quick dip whenever the mood struck. The outdoor shower is peaceful and the closet is one of the most roomy I've encountered. The spa is an absolute standpoint. Don't hesitate to return on days you didn't book a treatment, as my mother and I enjoyed an entire morning revisiting the steam room and sauna and lounging at the intimate but secluded pool. The gym if well-equipped and complete with spare headphones, chorophyll water and healthy bites for an energy boost. I was a bit hesitant regarding needing a golf cart for transportation around the resort due to its sprawling nature, but the response time was so quick and it was quite nice not to have to worry about dragging all of our belongings a distance to the beach or pool. Our daughter requested to go to the Kids Only club every single morning, which gave us precious adults only time and led to the perfect balance between a family and relaxing vacation. The Jetty provides a swimmable beach which is very rare on the Pacific side and something we missed in other locations. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this property!

April is a wonderful time of the year to visit. Weather is very comfortable. Great place to have a private vacation with just enough interaction with others during breakfast and dinner.