The stretch of coastline north of Puerto Vallarta has become one of Mexico’s most desirable destinations — a lush meeting of jungle and sea with some of the country’s most beautiful resorts. From laid-back luxury to all-out indulgence, each property along the Riviera Nayarit corridor brings its own personality, design sensibility, and rhythm.
After recent site inspections and check-ins, here’s my take on the five standouts — and how to choose the one that fits your travel style.
For Design Lovers & Foodies: Rosewood Mandarina
Still new to the scene but already setting a high bar, Rosewood Mandarina is effortlessly stylish — all sun-washed textures, sculptural details, and jungle-meets-ocean views. Rooms are beautifully appointed with local art, open-air showers, private plunge pools, and oversized bathtubs.
The Beach Club is the heart of the resort: lush, relaxed, and quietly glamorous, with some of the best tacos and cocktails on the coast. Each restaurant feels distinct — from the cliffside sunset perch of Bar Peñasco to the beachy, Spanish-inspired Onda and the new sushi concept Toppu.
Service felt uneven at times through the shared WhatsApp butler system, but in person, the team was warm, attentive, and accommodating, and genuinely appreciated the feedback. As a newly opened property, we trust they just need time to smooth out communication kinks. Once they fine-tune the butler experience, this will easily be one of Mexico’s most refined coastal escapes.
Best for: Stylish couples and culinary travelers seeking elevated design and a refined, resort-based stay. The kids’ club and separate yet equally positioned beachfront pool make it extremely family-friendly as well.
Note: The Rosewood is located inside the gated Mandarina luxury development, and 45 – 60 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
For Nature Lovers & Romantics: One&Only Mandarina
Few resorts in the world compare to the One&Only Mandarina setting — villas and treehouses tucked into the jungle canopy, connected by winding paths and golf cart rides through the forest. The sense of seclusion is unmatched, and the indoor-outdoor flow of the accommodations makes every moment feel cinematic.
The Treehouses are the showstopper: private plunge pools, soft light pouring in, and total immersion in nature. The Jetty Beach Club serves fresh and delicious fare, while Carao, the signature restaurant, feels like a spin on a Mexican steakhouse — the main dishes are served with handmade tortillas, and sides are additional add-ons. Service is polished and professional, but for a more immersive experience, book reservations in advance at the bar where the omakase taco menu is exclusively served.
While the resort is undeniably special, if you look very closely, you’ll notice early signs of wear to some wood elements — to be expected in such a humid area. After a brief closure, the spa has reopened with fresh energy and additional jungle jacuzzis. For those craving total escape, One&Only delivers a rare kind of magic.
Best for: Treehouses are best for couples seeking romance, privacy, and connection to nature, while the Villas are perfect for families, and an extensive kids’ club awaits.
Note: The O&O is located inside of the gated Mandarina luxury development, and 45 – 60 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Both the Rosewood and One&Only share Mandarina’s amenities — beach clubs, polo & equestrian club, golf, and nature experiences like zip-line, etc. Dining can be arranged at either property, reachable by golf cart, and billed back to your room.
For Laid-Back Luxury: Susurros del Corazón
Set on a gentle stretch of coastline near Punta de Mita, Susurros del Corazón is bright, walkable, and relaxed — a resort that invites you to exhale. Everything here feels easy: check-in happens in-room with a welcome drink, golf carts are available but rarely needed, and service throughout is warm and genuine.
There are three pools (adult, family, and relaxation), plus a simple but lovely beach club with excellent service and a swimmable stretch of surf. A highlight being the swim-up bar in the adult pool, and dining overall — both restaurants catch the sunset beautifully, and La Boquita is a favorite for its cocktails, upbeat energy, and delicious food.
The ONDA spa is extremely inviting with a hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, and steam room, with complimentary daily group fitness classes to round out the wellness experience.
This property is a charming and approachable option for those who value design and service over flashy luxury.
Best for: Travelers wanting an easygoing, modern beach escape with great food and genuine service. Families fit right in with a kids’ club and spacious villas & residences to accommodate a multi-generational getaway.
Note: Susurros is located 5-10 minutes outside of the gated Punta de Mita resort community, and 45 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
For Families & Groups: St. Regis Punta Mita
A longtime favorite on this stretch of coast, the St. Regis Punta Mita has a loyal following — and its recent renovation has lightened the look considerably. Rooms now feel fresh and coastal, with spacious terraces, indoor-outdoor showers, and all the St. Regis hallmarks of service (including your morning coffee delivered by a butler).
The resort’s layout is expansive, with two family pools on one end and an adult-only pool on the other, so choosing the right room placement is key. Breakfast is buffet-only but solid with all the sweet & savory options one could crave, plus a Bloody Mary bar. Mita Mary’s beachside tables in the sand make for a lovely dinner atmosphere. Dining off-property could not be easier, with a quick text to your butler, you’ll be swiftly picked up and dropped off in a luxury SUV. Another text will return you to the resort and the charges can be added directly to your room bill.
While private events can bring noise at night and the bar scene can skew a bit lively, the property’s ease and versatility make it a comfortable fit for a wide range of travelers.
Best for: Families, friend groups, or couples wanting a reliable, full-service resort without the higher price tag of its luxury neighbors.
Note: St. Regis is located inside of the gated Punta de Mita resort community, and 45 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
Nearby & Notable: Four Seasons Naviva
While we did not experience this resort firsthand, our colleagues spent time on property and shared some key takeaways…
Tucked beside, yet worlds away from, the Four Seasons Punta Mita, this adults-only retreat is a true oasis designed for couples seeking deep rest, reconnection, and quiet luxury. From the moment you arrive, the energy shifts: everything feels calmer, slower, softer.
The property is intentionally intimate, with just 15 standalone tented suites, each thoughtfully positioned to feel completely private. These safari-inspired bungalows have a tropical soul — open-air living rooms, expansive decks, private plunge pools, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Details are deeply considered, from the natural textures and local craftsmanship to small, meaningful touches like bath salts placed beside the tub. The design leans earthy and refined, with a strong sense of place and reverence for the surrounding environment.
Naviva’s shared spaces include a beautiful pool, a handful of dining venues, a beach area, and a serene spa — but this is not a resort built around constant activity. The days here are meant to be unstructured: yoga on your terrace, slow walks through the property, time at the spa, lingering pool afternoons, and doing… very little. The team is deeply connected to the land, proudly sharing insights about the wildlife on property and their fully sustainable water-collection efforts.
This is not a destination for travelers who need stimulation or a packed itinerary. While you can head into Punta Mita for meals or a change of scenery, Naviva itself is designed for stillness and surrender. For the right client, however, it feels like heaven on Earth.
Best for: Couples or solo travelers looking to truly unwind, disconnect, and recharge in an adults-only, romantic, and deeply serene setting. Ideal for those who want to “do nothing” — and do it beautifully.
Note: Naviva is located on the Punta de Mita peninsula, and 45 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). It would pair beautifully with Rosewood Mandarina.
My Take
Each of these properties offers a distinct flavor of luxury — it’s less about which one is “best” and more about which one fits you.
- Rosewood Mandarina – for the design-conscious traveler who values refinement and culinary excellence.
- One&Only Mandarina – for romantics and adventurers who crave seclusion and connection to nature.
- Susurros del Corazón – for laid-back luxury lovers seeking something bright, relaxed, and genuine.
- St. Regis Punta Mita – for families and groups who want comfort, space, and signature service.
Whichever you choose, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the wild beauty of Mexico’s Pacific coast — where the jungle meets the ocean, and the sunsets are reason enough to stay a little longer.
Benefits when booked by Unpairalleled Travel Co.
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Extras depending on the property…
- Bookings in our Villas will also receive complimentary round-trip private airport transfers
- Bookings in our 2+ Bedroom Suites, Villas, and Casas will receive an additional $150 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $250 during stay)
Current Promotions (Jan. 2025)…
- Rosewood Mandarina “Opening Offer” – enjoy 30% off, and for stays 3 nights or more receive a $100 resort credit in celebration of our opening
