What brought you to One&Only Mandarina?

I was attracted by the resort’s stunning location and its ideology of preserving nature as much as possible. It has turned out to be the nicest place to work. I love having the opportunity to show people what incredible creatures insects are.

What inspired you to become a biologist?

My father always kept me connected to animals and plants as long as I can remember. He taught me to respect all of them and also helped me to lose my fear of some of them. Given all the inventions he made – he worked with machinery and tools – it was impossible for me not to see the insects as little robots, but alive, and even more incredible. That’s why I started breeding insects from a very early age and learning about them.

What’s special about the flora and fauna of Riviera Nayarit?

This area is located in a special zone because two lines of mountains (the Sierra Madre Oriental and Eje Volcánico Transversal) split the species of this region from the rest of Mexico, making them evolve in different shapes and behaviours that are just amazing.. So we have a mix of species between tropical and desert characteristics, combined with the influence of the ocean, meaning the plants and animals here are simply unique.

What’s the best part about your job at KidsOnly One&Only Mandarina?

Arriving at the office and seeing the surprises there – the butterfly farm is basically my office! When I discover all the new baby bugs, cocoons and freshly hatched butterflies I feel incredibly happy and share that with our visitors. I genuinely share my love for the insects, and afterwards see how guests lose their fear and leave with a big smile and an altered understanding of insects. It’s the most satisfying part of my job.

What activities do you offer at KidsOnly to spark children’s curiosity about nature?

Our KidsOnly experience includes a tour around the butterfly farm, showing kids (and any interested adults) the amazing world of insects. We start with the life cycle of butterflies, continue with a talk about the camouflage and behaviour of stick bugs, and finish by introducing a native species of arachnid that looks scary but is actually totally harmless. All our activities are complemented by interaction with living insects and the chance to hold them.

Where’s your favourite place in the resort?

My office, because I love to be there with my animals, and the time that I spend there is reflected in the happiness of the insects and health of the plants. But my second favourite place is Jetty Beach Club.