One&Only Palmilla: A Los Cabos Resort That Actually Feels Like Mexico
Wondering what it's like to stay at the One&Only Palmilla? Chase Travel’s writers and editors visit the world's top hotels to give you a firsthand look inside.
One&Only Palmilla is at odds with its surroundings—in a good way. For starters, the resort is a literal oasis. On the drive from the airport, you'll pass arid desert studded with cacti, but when you pull into the resort's driveway, you'll find 250 palm tree-filled acres, all bordering the Sea of Cortez.
Palmilla is also a truly Mexican property in a way that many Los Cabos hotels are not. The architecture is inspired by a classic hacienda, with white stucco walls and red clay roof tiles, and Maya traditions play into everything from the arrival experience to the spa treatments. Plus, there's a swimmable beach—something you won't find at most other resorts in the area because of the rocky coastline and ubiquitous riptide. A visit here is still a sort of escapism (especially when you're lounging by one of the two infinity pools overlooking the ocean), but you can expect a more thoughtful, culturally rich experience than you might encounter elsewhere in Los Cabos.
The story of One&Only Palmilla began in 1957, when Don Abelardo Rodriguez (the son of Mexico's then-president), built a compound here for himself and his friends.
Since then, there's been a real effort to preserve the property's original architecture and hacienda-like feel. All the archways, red roofs and painted tiles on the stairs take you back in time, and you can even attend Sunday mass in the chapel Rodriguez commissioned for his workers. The hotel's history is also part of the welcome experience; after checking in, you can ring a giant bell to announce your arrival—just as Rodriguez and his friends used to do. An ancient Mexican blessing using copal incense to relax your mind follows.
Though the vibe skews romantic, Palmilla is great for children. Families return again and again just to see their favorite counselors at the kids' club; creative programming includes nature walks and cooking classes; and the family-friendly Agua pool is pretty enough to hang out at even if you don't have children, though the tiny fountains, waterfall feature, wading area and pint-size daybeds are a dream for tots.
But, back to the grown-ups. At the One&Only Spa, spiritual healers can lead you through ancient healing rituals like temazcal ceremonies. The experience involves drumming, chanting and time spent in a sweat lodge to leave you feeling rejuvenated (if not a little dehydrated).
Make sure to book at least one dinner at Suviche, a Japanese-Peruvian mashup serving creative takes on—you guessed it—sushi and ceviche. Sit at the sushi counter and watch the chefs work while you enjoy everything from tuna truffle nigiri to seabass-and-pineapple ceviche. It won't be a Mexican meal, but it'll leave you with a strong sense of place—much like the hotel.
Cardmember Benefits
The One&Only Pamilla is a member of The Edit by Chase Travel℠, a collection of hand-picked hotels with premium benefits for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Customers who book a stay at the One&Only Pamilla through The Edit will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special benefits, outlined below.
Daily breakfast for two
Your benefit includes everything at the Agua and Breeze restaurants, including traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles with your choice of red or green sauce.
Room upgrade if available
You could get a one-category upgrade at check-in (such as moving from an oceanfront room to a more spacious oceanfront Palmilla room).
Welcome amenity
Your welcome amenity might include a small bottle of tequila with limes and salt; little jars of Parmesan sable, trail mix and rocas de maiz (chocolate-covered corn nut clusters); a fruit bowl; and a One&Only baseball cap for each guest, which comes in handy when you're in the sun all day.
A property credit worth at least $100
You could get up to $150 to use at the restaurants and spa or toward on-site activities. Try the temazcal ritual, an ancient Maya ceremony that purifies the body and mind.
The Room
There are several different room types, and even those in the same category can have vastly different layouts depending on whether they're in original or newer buildings—but all feature a private terrace or patio with ocean views. Details like big wooden doors and colorful tiles in the bathrooms put you squarely in Mexico.
Suites come with deep soaking tubs and fun extras like yoga mats and binoculars for whale watching from the beach (especially in December and January). The standout category is the Casita junior suite, which includes a private infinity pool steps from the ocean. However, if you're tempted to book an ocean-view junior suite, know that the lower-category Palmilla rooms are almost as big and much closer to the beach.
The Features
Don't miss: Pelican Beach, which is swimmable and private to the resort—both of which are a rarity in Los Cabos. Rent a surfboard, sign up for a lesson at the Tropicsurf Shack or take out one of the complimentary standup paddleboards (boogie boards, kayaks, sailboats and snorkel gear are also available). When you're ready to chill, there's a beach grill with ceviches, tacos and other light bites as well as cabanas with day beds; perfect for a family to rent for a day on the sand.
Favorite features: The Talavera tile-bordered soaking tubs in the suites. With views of the ocean, baths are nothing short of heavenly. Dedicated butlers are another highlight here; they'll check in every morning and can, say, help when you need to change all your restaurant reservations at the last minute.
Can't stop thinking about: The toro and foie gras nigiri at Suviche. Everything here is next level, including the tuna-and-watermelon ceviche and the yellowtail jalapeño roll. But the perfectly cooked rice topped with a hunk of foie gras and a thick slice of seared tuna belly might alter your brain chemistry. (For a more traditional Japanese dinner, try the resort's newest restaurant, Hoshi, an omakase-style spot serving everything from sushi and sashimi to tempura and robata dishes.)
The Lowdown
The highly specific reason you'd come here: For a memorable family vacation that also involves plenty of quality, kid-free time.
The thing your kids won't stop talking about: The waterfall feature at the Agua pool, which flows down steps into a wading pool.
What are people drinking? The hotel's namesake margaritas (with ginger syrup and grapefruit shrub) at cocktail hour.
Are guests staying in or going out? Mostly staying in, though there's great dining, shopping and a popular Thursday night art walk in nearby San José del Cabo.
What's on the speakers: A live band at Agua Bar seven nights a week during peak season that creates a festive scene around the open-air bar.
The Perfect Stay
Rise and shine
Head to Pelican Beach to catch the sunrise over the ocean. Afterward, mosey over to the spa for a complimentary yoga class, followed by a tropical mint smoothie from the juice bar.
Morning
Go to Agua for breakfast and pair the egg tacos with fresh-pressed juice like the so-called Sunrise at Cortez (carrot, celery, orange and basil). Shepherd the kids to the family pool, also called Agua, to sunbathe and swim until the views compel you to return to the beach. Have lunch at Breeze by the Vista pool, which highlights seafood in dishes like tuna ceviche, fish and chips, and shrimp fajitas.
Afternoon
Take a break from the sun with a Mexican wine tasting, during which you'll get to know the country's key grape-growing regions and enjoy four vintages paired with a cheese platter.
Evening
For a special night, get the kids a babysitter through the hotel and go on a date. Book one of the moonlight dining pods on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Eat early so you can catch the sunset (it'll be behind you, but will still light up the whole sky).
Late night
End your night with a mezcal at Agua Bar. There's live music on select evenings, but the open-air bar, lit by tiki torches and firepits, is a lovely place for a nightcap even if there's nothing on the schedule.
Know Before You Go
Getting there
The nearest airport is in San José del Cabo (SJD), about a 20-minute drive away. Arrange a transfer through the resort ahead of your arrival, as Uber isn't allowed to pick people up at the airport and taxis can be inconsistent.
Tech specs
The Wi-Fi is strong throughout the resort and guestrooms have plenty of outlets and USB ports, both on either side of the bed and around the room. U.S. travelers will be happy to find that Mexico uses the same plugs and voltage, so there's no need to pack adapters or converters.
When to go
Festive season (from mid-December to early January) and Easter for a lively visit with lots of special programming; July, August and September for lower rates but high humidity; and November for prime weather.
What’s included
Bottled water, Wi-Fi and a Nespresso machine in the rooms; daily breakfast at Agua and Breeze; sunscreen at both pools; a kids' club for children ages 4 to 11; group fitness classes every morning; and equipment like snorkel masks, boogie boards and kayaks at Pelican Beach.
What’s around
Artsy San José del Cabo is just 15 minutes away by car. The resort can also arrange for adventures like whale-watching on the resort's private yacht, surfing at Baja's best breaks and desert safaris in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Sierra de la Laguna.
Fast Facts
- Number of rooms: 174 rooms and 2 villas
- Number of pools: 2
- Fitness center? Yes
- Spa? Yes
- Salon? Yes
- Number of bars/restaurants: 7
- 24-hour room service? Yes
- Childcare and kids club? Yes
Booking With Chase Travel
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