One&Only Palmilla Review: Rooms, Dining, and My Honest Take

There are so many beautiful resorts in Cabo, and I always read lots of reviews before choosing one. This time I want to share my One&Only Palmilla review with you, and a little of our experience there, just Matt and me. The service was phenomenal.

Somehow Cabo always wins for us. It is under two hours from Arizona, and the second you land, you feel like you are on another planet. Everyone is warm, the resorts are beautiful, and four nights there can feel like a full reset.

We have been to Cabo many, many times. We got married in Cabo in 2010, and it’s been our favorite getaway ever since. On every trip, we try a different hotel based on recommendations from friends or things we read online. Before booking this one, Matt and I did a lot of research, and honestly, the One and Only Palmilla reviews were stronger than anything else we read. That is what tipped us.

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Up to this point, our favorite Cabo resort had been Montage. The service there was phenomenal, and I truly thought nobody in Cabo could beat it. But I love the Sex and the City movie, and one part I really liked was the honeymoon in Mexico. I never forgot that resort. It was One&Only Palmilla, or at least it looked like it, because the scenes were actually filmed in California. I still remember it so clearly. And now I finally understand why everyone talks about it. The resort is so beautiful and so lush, it honestly takes your breath away.

One&Only Palmilla Review at a Glance

Location: San José del Cabo, about 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Room we stayed in: Oceanfront Casita Suite with Pool
Best for: couples, honeymoons, babymoons, and quiet getaways
Not ideal for: party trips and big family groups
Our favorite restaurant: Lucille
Our favorite pool: the adults-only Vista Pool
Would I go back? One thousand percent, yes.
My rating: 10/10

Where Is One&Only Palmilla?

One&Only Palmilla sits in San José del Cabo, on the corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It is about 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport, so you can land in the morning and be at the pool by lunch. The resort first opened as a hacienda back in the 1950s, which is part of why it still has that old Mexico charm. We booked our airport transfer through the resort, and it made arriving so easy.

First Impressions: The Warmest Welcome

From the moment you walk in, they greet you so nicely. When we visited, they were doing a small renovation around the front fountain, so instead of the usual reception, we checked in from a beautiful room overlooking the ocean. Not a bad backup plan.

But what really stayed with me was their welcome tradition. Every guest who walks into One&Only Palmilla gets it. A lovely woman came over with the most beautiful scents, wrapping them around us, welcoming us to the resort, saying what sounded like a little blessing for a good trip. I do not know exactly what it is called, but it was such a cool, thoughtful way to start a stay.

From there, they gave us a full tour of the resort: the boutique, the gym, the spa, the beach, the pools, the restaurants, the golf course. The property is big, like a small village, so they take you around in golf carts. Anytime you want to go somewhere, you just call, and they come pick you up. They were always offering to drive us back to our room, which was such a nice touch.

We stayed in an Oceanfront Casita Suite with Pool, and I have to say, if authentic Mexican luxury is your thing, this is your resort.

The Design

The whole property is lush, full of flowers and the most beautiful trees. The room itself felt like a traditional hacienda done at the highest level. Old school in the best way, not modern or sleek, just warm, rich, and truly Mexican. As someone who usually prefers modern rooms and more modern design, I actually really loved it. Although it wasn’t the type of modern design I usually like, the room had so much authenticity. It really makes you feel like you are in Mexico.

The Living Area

The casita suite was a great size, with a sitting and living area in one open space, not really separate, and a nice big TV.

The Terrace and Private Pool

Our patio was huge, with gorgeous cushioned daybeds and comfortable chairs facing the Sea of Cortez, and our heated private plunge pool right there. Mornings and evenings out there were so calming.

Matt and I both had to get a little work done during the trip, and it was honestly one of the most memorable views I have ever worked from. I have worked from other beautiful places too, and this one was right up there.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was stunning, and honestly it deserves its own moment. It was large, with marble accents and the most beautiful hand-painted mosaic tile everywhere you looked. The shower fixtures, the tub, all the bathroom fixtures had the nicest, coolest antique look, which went so beautifully with all the hand-painted mosaic. The soaking tub sits separate from the walk-in shower, and the whole space feels really beautiful, like something out of a movie. The shower also had an ocean view, looking out over our plunge pool on the patio. Such a beautiful shower.

The weather was on the warmer side, so I took a few showers a day, and I kept going to the tub too. I loved it because I could look at the ocean the whole time. It was so beautiful. I loved getting ready in there every morning. It is the kind of bathroom that makes you slow down and actually enjoy the ritual.

The Thoughtful Details

What I loved most is that they thought of everything. They press or steam your outfits as a complimentary service, which is so needed, especially in a humid area by the ocean. It was a really beautiful, lovely service. You never have to worry about wrinkled dresses. A cute mini beach bag was waiting in the room. The robes come in two weights: a thick, cozy one and a lighter one.

The bed was phenomenal, and the mattress was super comfortable. I am very picky about mattresses, and this was just what you would expect from a really beautiful resort at this level. Really nice mattresses. Turndown service was perfect every night; the room was made up beautifully, with fresh fruit, water, and anything you needed. The air conditioning was ice cold, the WiFi was fast, and housekeeping was impeccable.

They also stock the room so well. Fully stocked mini bar, Nespresso machine, and a bottle of Artisana tequila that we loved. And the sun hats they give you as a take-home gift were such a sweet touch.

The Butler Service

The butler service deserves its own mention. Every morning your butler messages you on WhatsApp, introduces themselves, and tells you they are yours for the day. Restaurant reservations, a taxi into town, shopping, anything at all. Around the clock, genuinely.

Dining at One&Only Palmilla: AGUA, Lucille, and SEARED

The dining was really, really good. The property has several restaurants, and we tried most of them.

Our first night we ate at AGUA, their Mexican restaurant set on the cliffs above the Sea of Cortez. The view alone is breathtaking. It happened to be Mexican Independence Day, so they had a buffet with live music, and everything was delicious, from the salads to the Mexican desserts.

AGUA serves what they call Mexiterranean cuisine, and their regular menu includes things like a ceviche trio, Yucatan-style chicken consomme, red snapper marinated in achiote, and grilled prime beef tenderloin with black mole. They also have a chef’s table in a beautiful indoor-outdoor setting with wooden furniture right over the ocean. Breathtaking and highly recommended.

Then there is Lucille, at the Palmilla golf club. Lucille serves Baja cuisine, and I am not exaggerating when I say it was Matt’s and my favorite meal of the entire trip. The chef was brought to Mexico from Napa Valley. The food was phenomenal, and the wine and everything just reminded you of Napa.

For dinner, we had tuna tartare and beef tartare, a farm salad, and octopus; I had the catch of the day, a sea bass that was so delicious. Everything they prepared was amazing. And please order the bread with honey. They bring it with an extra sauce on the side, and I am still thinking about it. We loved Lucille so much we went back the next morning for breakfast, and it was just as incredible.

Their cappuccino, the fresh-squeezed green juice every morning, the fresh orange juice, all the fruit. Dinner was our favorite, but breakfast was right behind it.

We also had dinner at SEARED, the steakhouse. The food was fantastic. Exceptional beef, beautiful presentation, really delicious ingredients. I had the prime filet; Matt had the ribeye. The burrata and tomato starter was one of my favorite things I ate all trip; I kept ordering burrata everywhere we went. The avocado arugula salad was great too. And the desserts. Honestly, we ate so much we could barely breathe. So good.

Two more worth knowing about, even though we did not eat at them this trip. Hoshi is an intimate 28-seat omakase experience inside the resort’s historic bell tower, traditional Japanese technique with local Baja seafood. And the Pelican Beach Bar and Grill sits right on the swimmable beach, casual Mediterranean and seafood lunch favorites with tropical cocktails and your toes in the sand.

Pools and Beach

The pools were phenomenal, and for us in Cabo, the pools are everything. One&Only Palmilla sits on the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, on one of the few swimmable beaches in the area, which is wonderful. But I will be honest with you, and I will make it funny: the ocean in Cabo and I have history. I had two bad experiences on two different trips, and I am not risking a third. Those waves are powerful. Plenty of people swim there happily. I’m the type who does the beach in other destinations and the pool in Cabo.

There are two main pools. The Agua Pool is the big family pool by the AGUA restaurant: a huge infinity-edge pool with a waterfall and a dedicated kids’ pool. One corner is very shallow, perfect for toddlers and babies, and the rest is deep. A bar is right next to it, plus ice cream and food. It is fantastic, and next time we bring the girls, that is where we will be.

The Vista Pool is adults only, with a swim-up bar. You can sit right in the pool at the bar, order a drink, and stare out at the Sea of Cortez. That was our home base. We kept meeting the nicest couples there and spent the afternoon talking.

There is also another gorgeous negative edge pool up at the golf club by Lucille. We did not bring our swimsuits that day, and it was a bit of a drive back, but I wish we had. The views over the golf course are incredible.

The Service: What Makes One&Only One&Only

Like most travelers, we enjoy great service. And if service matters to you on vacation too, this is what truly separates One&Only Palmilla from every other hotel we have stayed at in Cabo. As I said, Montage had the best service in Cabo, and I never thought any other resort would match that, let alone do it better. But these people were totally incredible with their service.

I want to tell you a little story about the olives.

One night at Lucille, I asked our server about the olives they had served the night before. They were so good I could not get them out of my head. I asked where they got them, because if they came from some local producer in Mexico, I wanted to buy some and take them home to Arizona. Our girls love olives, and I knew they would go crazy for these.

Next thing I knew, even though Lucille did not have those exact olives that night, they went and got them for me. They brought them to the table, two or three times more than I could ever eat. I was honestly embarrassed, in the best way.

Then the manager came over and explained that these particular olives come from a local company in a big bin, so they could not just hand me a jar. Instead, they poured olives into two brand new jars for me to take back to the room that night so I could keep enjoying them.

And then on the day we were leaving, our butler showed up with the cutest canvas beach bags. I had asked earlier in the trip where I could buy them as souvenirs for the girls, and they brought me a few as a gift.

The restaurant also sent the olives vacuum-sealed, with no liquid leaking anywhere, so I could pack them in my suitcase and take them on the plane. They told me, since you said your daughters would love these olives, we want them to enjoy them too.

That level of attention is what makes One&Only one and only. They remember everything you like, every wine you ordered, every little comment. I said it to Matt several times during our stay: they make you feel like a king and queen every single second you are there. I cannot talk enough about their service.

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One&Only Palmilla Pros and Cons

What I Loved

Phenomenal service, the kind where they remember every little thing you like
Lucille, our favorite meal of the whole trip
A heated private plunge pool looking right at the Sea of Cortez
The adults only Vista Pool with a swim up bar
A butler on WhatsApp for anything you need, day or night
One of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos

Good to Know Before You Book

The waves in Cabo are strong, so check conditions before you swim
The rooms are traditional hacienda style, not sleek and modern
The vibe is quiet and grown up, so it is not a party trip or a big group trip

Who One&Only Palmilla Is For (and Who It Is Not For)

This resort is for couples. Romantic escapes, honeymoons, babymoons, or just two people who want to relax and recharge. Read a book by the pool, take a nap, have a long dinner, repeat. That is the rhythm of this place, and it is perfect at it.

It is not for bachelor or bachelorette parties. It is not a loud, party resort. The whole atmosphere is quiet, relaxing, very spa-like. There is no thumping music, no wild pool scene. If you are planning a trip with a big group of friends to be loud and let loose, this is not your resort. And it is not the place for big crowds of kids either. If your trip includes your kids’ friends, or you are traveling with their families, or a big group of your kids’ cousins, this quiet, relaxing atmosphere is not the right fit.

I would also say it is not ideal for big family groups. They do have a kids club, and we saw children there doing crafts and having a lovely time with the staff. But the overall environment is calm and grown-up. Everyone is quiet and respectful of each other’s space. Nobody would say no to you, of course, but if your crew includes a big crowd of cousins running around, you may feel some looks. With very chill kids, or as a couple, it is wonderful.

The Little Extras

We did not use the spa this trip, we were too busy parked by the pool, but we did go to the gym every morning. It is a good resort gym, good size, and they offer Pilates and yoga classes too. Matt and I just did our own workout for about an hour before starting the day, because we knew how much eating and drinking was ahead. Do not expect a giant commercial gym, but it was very nice and we enjoyed it.

We kept planning to go to the spa, but we were in the pool all day, every day. Even on our last day, we still wanted to be at the pool, so we never made it. Next time for sure. The spa is a big reason people book this resort. The One&Only Spa is a Forbes Five Star spa with private treatment villas, including couples villas with outdoor rain showers and daybeds, plus a hydrotherapy circuit, a salon, and a yoga garden. Their signature Secret Remedy treatment uses herbs from the resort’s own garden.

We also visited their gorgeous chapel, which is mostly used for weddings and events. It is breathtaking. I had always wanted to see it, and I loved it.

And the golf course: 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus, rated one of the top 100 courses in the world. If you are a golfer, you will love it here. We went up to the golf course one morning before breakfast at Lucille, and another evening for drinks before dinner, with that beautiful pool at the clubhouse right there.

My Honest Take: Would I Go Back?

One thousand percent, yes.

I loved our room. It was so beautiful. And here is my honest confession: I usually prefer more modern rooms. But this was such a true, authentic Mexican experience; it genuinely made you feel like you are in Mexico, and I loved every bit of it.

I would go back not just for the beauty of the resort and the comfort of the room, but more than anything for the service. Phenomenal service. And the food, especially Lucille, which I am literally still dreaming about. SEARED was excellent too. Honestly, every restaurant was amazing.

Matt and I felt like a king and queen every second of our stay. For a couples escape, I cannot recommend One&Only Palmilla enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does One&Only Palmilla have a swimmable beach? Yes, it sits on one of the few swimmable beaches in the Los Cabos area, Pelican Beach. That said, the ocean in Cabo can be powerful, so always check conditions.

Which pool is adults only at One&Only Palmilla? The Vista Pool is adults-only and has a swim-up bar. The Agua Pool is the larger family pool with a waterfall and a kids pool.

What are the best restaurants at One&Only Palmilla? Our favorites were Lucille for Baja cuisine at the golf club, SEARED for steak, and AGUA for Mexican food on the cliffs. Hoshi offers omakase, and the Pelican Beach Bar and Grill is perfect for a casual beach lunch.

Is One&Only Palmilla good for kids? It has a kids club and a great family pool, but the overall vibe is calm and adult-oriented. It shines brightest as a couples or honeymoon resort.

How far is One&Only Palmilla from the airport? It is about 25 minutes by car from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).

Is One&Only Palmilla all inclusive? No. Meals and drinks are paid separately.

The Bottom Line

Matt and I have stayed at a lot of beautiful resorts in Cabo, and One&Only Palmilla is now at the very top of our list. The service is unlike anything we have experienced anywhere, the food is outstanding, and every detail feels thoughtful. It is simply dreamy.

If you are dreaming of a couples escape, a honeymoon, or a quiet place to recharge, this is the one. We will absolutely be back.

Planning a trip to One&Only Palmilla?

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Here are a few more of my travel posts you might enjoy, especially if Cabo is on your list.