The 200 miles of coastline that runs from Bahia de Banderas to San Blas is known as Riviera Nayarit. It’s often billed as “untouched” due to its relative lack of development. Riviera Nayarit is the 200-mile stretch of coastline that runs around Bahia de Banderas, north to San Blas, and is often referred to as “untouched” due to its relative lack development. That’s a misnomer as more visitors have been flocking to the area and new hotels, along with a modern highway, have been built to accommodate them. But the sentiment remains the same: Sipping mezcal while your toes are in the sand and enjoying the view, you Rosewood Mandarina, which opened in May 2025 and is located in the convergence of three different ecosystems in Riviera Nayarit (jungle-y plains, beach, mountains), was designed to blend in with the natural landscape. Suites are designed to blend into the surrounding environment. Local craftsmen provide furniture and art. While the resort’s dining and drinking spots are inspired by cuisines from around the world, they use ingredients from the local landscape. “The seafood is sourced locally from trusted regional suppliers, vegetables and coffee come from local, sustainable agriculture, and eggs are sourced from a nearby organic farm,” says Jose Mascaros, Rosewood Mandarina’s executive chef and head of food and beverage.Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Toppu is touted as the property’s fine-dining option, but for the biggest flavors and most exciting dishes, you’ll want a table at La Cocina, Mandarina’s Mexican spot. You can’t get fresher than the fruit grown on site, the tortillas made on a comal and ceviche from fish caught offshore. Ivan Torres Flores, the head mixologist at Rosewood Mandarina, spent an afternoon with me tasting agave spirits. What about the picture above, with mezcal, barefooted feet, and crashing seas? I experienced it. Flores served my husband and myself generous sips as he explained the process of making each drink and its significance for the locals.
