Updated October 2026: In early 2026 the resort introduced the Palmilla Social Club, redesigned by Barcelona’s Astet Studio and home to the Sala 56 bar, Lucille’s Kitchen and Lucille’s Café. It holds two Michelin Keys, and its dining line-up includes Agua, SEARED steakhouse, Pelican Bar & Grill and the Nikkei restaurant Hoshi.
One&Only Palmilla at a glance
Location: Palmilla Bay, between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | Price: $$$$ | Best for: Couples, families and golfers
Rooms: 173 rooms, suites and villas | Best time to go: November to April, the dry season in Los Cabos
Why we love it: A classic Mexican beach resort with butler service and Spanish colonial style, on one of the few swimmable stretches of beach in Los Cabos. It holds two Michelin Keys, and the service is the standout.
Good to know: It’s about 25 minutes by car from Los Cabos International Airport, and family suites are available. Allow at least four nights to make the most of it.
Insider detail: Rise early for sunrise, when you’re almost guaranteed to have the beach to yourself while other guests sleep in.
My stay at One&Only Palmilla
As far as a luxury Mexican holiday goes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more refined offering than the private oasis that is One & Only Palmilla. The epitome of Spanish colonial architecture and style, One & Only Palmilla occupies prime real estate along the coastline, a 30-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas, thus offering its own oasis. I checked in to the glamorous resort that has become a favourite for celebs and socialites looking to make a quick escape to the Baja Peninsula on a short flight from LAX.
Checking In: One & Only Palmilla
In just two and a half hours from Los Angeles, you can reach the sunny coast of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. From the airport it is a short drive to One and Only Palmilla, one of the most luxurious resorts in Los Cabos and for me, the epitome of Mexican hospitality. The moment we entered the gates to the resort we were welcomed home to our casa, a modest beachside villa with an open patio to let the sea breeze roll in. Most of the rooms are oceanfront on the ground or first floor, so you can enjoy the sunrise right from your bed before making your way out to enjoy the private beach areas, multiple pools, and some of the best guacamole I’ve had in a lifetime!
An Oasis Like No Other: Los Cabos’ Original Luxury Resort
There are a number of luxe options for a Los Cabos getaway, but for me none compare to the tradition and heritage on offer at One & Only Palmilla. I timed my visit in the shoulder season right before Memorial Holiday, which meant that we often felt we had the entire resort all to ourselves! If you choose to visit in the high season, there are plenty of areas to enjoy by yourself, like the beachside cabanas or private beach access from the resort. Regardless, you’re almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself for sunrise while your fellow resort goers enjoy a sleep in, so if you can face the early wake up call, I promise you it is worth while! We stayed at a couple of Los Cabos’ premier resorts during our stay, but the biggest difference was the unrivalled service on offer at One & Only Palmilla. After years of exploring some of the most incredible hotels and resorts, I though I’d seen it all until the pool boy appeared out of nowhere to offer to clean my sunglasses or arrange for a complimentary neck massage by the pool (yep!?) The team of staff have a “nothing is too much trouble” approach, whether it be arranging for a tequila tasting or bringing a selection of bar snacks to your room for cocktail hour. If you’re more of an adventurous traveller and can only spend so much time poolside (for me it is approx. twenty minutes), then head down to the private surf school to book a lesson, rent a stand up paddle board, or hit up the tennis courts on property.
Around the Resort
Throughout our few nights here we were never left wondering what to do next as there was so much on offer to discover, that I really think you need at least four nights to enjoy all the resort has to offer. Each morning you can enjoy a range of activities, but the one that took my fancy was an inclusive Vinyasa yoga session, complete with a shot of green juice at the completion of the class. Another highlight for me was the endless options on offer for dietary requirements: from tofu yoghurt (not as bad as it sounds) to breakfast smoothies, the team have long been catering to the Hollywood clientele and have mastered the art of really good, clean food. Sunrise and sunsets are both magical from the resort, so be sure to catch a few during your stay.
Thanks to Los Cabos Tourism for inviting me to enjoy a getaway in the Baja Peninsula and One and Only Palmilla for hosting my stay. All opinions and photos are as always, my own.
One&Only Palmilla: frequently asked questions
How far is One&Only Palmilla from the airport?
About 25 minutes by car from San José del Cabo (Los Cabos) International Airport.
Can you swim at One&Only Palmilla?
Yes. The resort sits on a swimmable stretch of beach on Palmilla Bay, which is uncommon in Los Cabos.
Is One&Only Palmilla good for families?
Yes. Family suites are available and some offers include complimentary stays for two children under 11.
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Brooke is a Tasmanian-born writer and professional baker who started World of Wanderlust in 2013 and has since travelled to 86 countries. These days her guides focus on what she knows best: the bakeries, hotels and places worth crossing the world for.
