Becky Olson Just Back From Nayarit, Mexico

Name of Advisor

Becky Olson

Destination 

Nayarit, Mexico

Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site

One&Only Mandarina

How to get to

Fly into Puerto Vallarta and arrange transportation to and from the resort with One&Only. Your driver greets you with fresh towels and the vehicle is stocked with refreshments like local beers and snacks, as well as Wifi for the 1-hour ride.

Recommended For

Families or couples. Personally I went to celebrate my 40th birthday with my husband. It's perfect for a family vacation, celebratory getaway, or an event like an elopement or destination wedding. There is a lot for children to do as well.

Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity

I absolutely loved the Sacred Trees Hike. A local guide took us up the mountain, showed us stunning views along the way, and at the end of the trail we visited La Abuela, a more than 500 year old tree said to have been created by the shaman at that time. We finished the hike with some meditation in the rainforest before heading back to the resort. It was an experience that really gave you a sense of place and helped you feel connected to the native people of the region.

Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region

All of the restaurants on property are outstanding, with a variety of cuisines so you never feel bored. We especially enjoyed our Tacos & Maiz class with one of the chefs from the Carao restaurant, which was very hands on and delicious!

Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region

The spa is absolutely magical. We spent the better part of a day here and I wish I could transport myself back. I enjoyed a massage on the beach and a Native Clay body treatment, while my husband treated himself to a facial and had the opportunity to have a Bastien's duo mani-pedi with the resort's head pediologist. This was not your ordinary nail treatment - the technicians are personally trained by French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez, who is bringing his holistic approach to nail care to One&Only properties. It is a very exclusive opportunity that we would absolutely do again.

Favorite amenity 

Having our slippers set out at night on a fluffy floor pillow by the bed. And the moisturizing after-sun spray was appreciated, too.

Kudos to

There wasn't a single staff member that we encountered on the property, and we met many, that wasn't wonderful. We had two dedicated hosts during our stay, Pablo and Ernesto, who treated us like royalty. Our hiking guide Oscar was lovely, and we enjoyed our time in the kitchen with Omar and Oscar during our tacos class. The property is really spread out through the rainforest, so you have drivers to go from place to place. Every one of them was kind and chatted with us, and even encouraged my husband to practice his Spanish.

Additional Remarks

As travelers, we typically do fairly busy-schedule European trips, but we wanted a chance to slow down after a busy few months, and this trip absolutely delivered. It is the most unique property I've ever visited, and it offered the perfect blend of luxury, nature, and relaxation.

Our accommodation on property was an Ocean Treehouse, and it was exactly what I imagined. The view was perfect and we really enjoyed our private plunge pool.

Please list the Virtuoso amenities and any other special touches they add for our clients

Virtuoso amenities included a complimentary upgrade upon arrival - which we received (Treehouse to Ocean Treehouse); $100 resort credit; daily breakfast; complimentary wifi; early check-in/late check-out if available.

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To plan a trip, contact becky@travellustre.com