One & Only Palmilla

Rekindle your relationship or rejuvenate yourself at the One & Only Palmilla. It's on one of the few swimmable beaches in the region. It was a place that Hemingway and Harlow loved because it was private. Today's guests are just as enamored with the luxurious suites with butler service and pre-Hispanic architecture.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in charge of the food. The spa treatments are done in the privacy of a villa with an open-air garden, a daybed, and a rain shower. Then, play a few rounds of golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course or go deep-sea fishing – your choice.

Location

One & Only Palmilla is just a short drive from San José del Cabo and from Cabo San Lucas. Palmilla has several beaches, one of which is safe to swim on all year long. San José is still a small town, but it has a lot of high-end restaurants, boutiques, and galleries that make it feel like an actual Mexican city.

Style and Character

One & Only Palmilla is famous for its bright whitewashed walls and Spanish colonial style. The bars and restaurants look like they could be in New York, except for the ocean views. They're called "contemporary Mexican" and have colorful cushions in geometric patterns to brighten the cool, shady rooms. Furthermore, the resort splits up into separate "Casas," giving it a more personal feel.

Service and Facilities

Service is essential, and it can be delightful to get a greeting and bow from every staff member you meet. At any time of the day or night, there's a strong sense that nothing can be too much trouble.

Moreover, the spa looks and feels like a separate, luxurious hotel. It has its yoga garden and treatment cabanas surrounded by beautiful courtyards. Additionally, the 'Pedi:Mani' salon has unique treatments for your feet and hands. There's also a private surf school and a Jack Nicklaus 27-hole golf course that's only for guests of the resort. Furthermore, there are also paddle-boarding and tennis courts.

Rooms and Suites

When it comes to rooms at One & Only Palmilla, even the most basic "Ocean Front" rooms are enormous by any standard. There are 174 guest rooms. If you can afford it, try to get the Pool Casita Suite. This has a private infinity-edge pool and a view of the beach. All guests get free "unpacking service," free fruit every day, cocktail snacks, and tea and coffee-making tools. For the ultimate in luxury, choose the four-bedroom Villa Cortez. This comes with its 12-seater movie theater, or the newer Villa One, which Hollywood stars love to stay in. It also comes with a personal trainer who will help you work out for an hour a day for free.

The Villa Cortez has four bedrooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a 12-person private screening theater. There is also a gym with a Kinesis studio, a spa treatment area, walk-in closets, and a pool and whirlpool. In addition, guests get 24-hour Estate Butler Service. This includes a dedicated housekeeping and cooking staff that knows what you need.

When you first enter your room, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sea of Cortez. Then, relax in your room while your butler takes care of the unpacking. Moreover, listen to the gentle rumble of the ocean while you do nothing. Rest easy because each room has beautiful amenities and a dedicated butler service that meets your needs.

Furthermore, every room at One & Only Palmilla is luxurious and has a beautiful view of the Sea of Cortez. The staff will also treat you like a friend, no matter which room you choose.

Food and Drinks

At the heart of the resort, the open-air terrace called "Breeze" is a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Organic Mexican ingredients are a big deal there, and the food is delicious. Moreover, it's not just breakfast eggs on the menu at this restaurant. There are also spicy chilaquiles, burritos with Sonoran dried beef, scrambled eggs, avocado, and Pico de Gallo.

At night, you can go to the Japanese Restaurant Suviche, which is a more elegant place with a marble floor and an alabaster bar. Sushi and ceviche are the main dishes there.

There's also "Seared," run by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. He serves top-quality Kobe beef and Mexico's good but under-appreciated wine list. There are even more steaks to choose from with organic chicken with buttery spinach or Colorado lamb chops! Finally, there are two more grills on the beach where you can eat casually.

Furthermore, the One & Only Lounge serves Mexican ceviches and fresh sushi and live lounge music into the night. The best food in all of Los Cabos and Mexico is at some of the most beautiful restaurants in the area.

The Vibe

The vibe at One & Only Palmilla is casual, but it's still very stylish. Families and older couples who are relaxing by the pool mix together. On their honeymoon, young couples drink cocktails next to the sound of the crashing waves at Agua Bar. Repeat guests are driven down palm-lined paths to their spa treatments on golf carts.

There is also a lot of dense tropical vegetation in this area, so white buildings stand out. The interiors have beautiful hardwood, tall windows, Mexican handiwork, and bright fabrics. Even tiny origami swans serve as chopstick holders at the resort's Suviche restaurant. This is the kind of place where even small things are important.

Family-Friendly

Another thing that makes this resort unique is that it has one of the few safe beaches in the area. There are also activities for kids between the ages of 11 and 16. In addition, the TropicSurf franchise has classes for beginners and trips for more experienced surfers.

Takeaway

One & Only Palmilla is the first luxury resort in Los Cabos that Hollywood royalty liked to stay at. It is on a rocky peninsula that looks out over the Pacific. When it comes to fine dining, spa pampering, and sea views of humpback whales, few places can compete with this one.