MY STAY
Treehouse & jungle
At One&Only Mandarina, the jungle felt like part of my treehouse rather than scenery beyond it. Waking among the trees with a private pool and a coastal view made the room an easy place to spend a slow morning. The hillside falls steeply toward the beach, though, so the exact position mattered.
Buggy & beach
I called for a buggy to reach breakfast and the sheltered bay instead of turning every meal into a climb. I liked the quiet once restaurants and activities were arranged beforehand; without those plans, the distance could make an ordinary dinner need more effort than expected.
Breakfast & Alma
I liked that breakfast was included, and at Alma a burrata or wood-fired pizza made a more relaxed meal than another expensive set-piece dinner. Elsewhere, small portions and a limited wine list could make the bill feel larger than the meal. A trip into town for drinks had involved a costly car service, so getting the airport transfer and other rides priced in writing mattered.
Would I return?
The treehouse, spa and sheltered bay need several days, not spontaneous dinner plans that end in another car ride. The resort was at its best once transport, food choices and extras were clear and the jungle could set the pace.