I recently stayed at The One & Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Since I am a travel agent, I get to stay at a variety of upscale resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. This particular trip was not a work trip, yet a surprise trip planned by a close friend who wanted to celebrate all of us turning 50 in the past year. Even with my travel experience, I was quite impressed with The One & Only Palmilla in Cabo.
The resort lived up to its luxury status in every aspect, so I would give the One & Only Palmilla high marks. The resort’s landscaping is stunning and immaculately kept. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is an arid destination, yet the resort is lush and green sprinkled with colorful flowers and gardens. The pathways are lined with lush trees that are full of the most ornate and beautiful luminaries. At night the place is all lit up and has a magical feel. Two of my friends were novice travelers and they were speechless as we toured through the grounds and were taken to our rooms.
The pools are very nice. The main pool’s infinity edge over looks the Sea and a second infinity pool in the kids area is even bigger and also overlooks the sea. The pool really doesn’t look like a kid’s pool and only the miniature beach beds that are poolside give it away. While the One & Only Palmilla has lots of beach beds sprinkled along the beach, only the beach down by the kids pool is a swimmable beach. Down at the beach, you can check out snorkeling gear and paddle boards at no extra charge. The service at both pools and at the beach is outstanding. You barely sit down and they come rushing over with a wicker box that contains bottled water on ice. They also bring pillows for both your feet and neck and will bring you drinks or whatever you like. We all joked that we might forget how to lay down our own towels because we were being so spoiled. The butler service in the rooms is excellent as well. Each day they stop by with afternoon snacks and they are always asking if you need anything.
The quality of the food is very solid and there was a wide variety of choices especially for a small property. Yes, the resort is expensive and chips and guacamole cost around $25 to be delivered by room service, but the pricing is substantiated by the quality of the food which is delicious. I think their classic margarita which was $9 was the best margarita I have ever had!
Finally, one of my favorite aspects of this resort are the balconies and their views. All the rooms appear to have a nice big balcony with a table and chairs in addition to a nice big patio bed. The rooms are all oceanfront so the ocean is right there. None of this crane your neck and get on your tip toes to enjoy the oceanview. Most of the beachfront of this property is lined with rocks, so the waves come crashing in and the sound of the waves is something that is unforgettable and so relaxing. We even saw a pod of whales offshore one afternoon at sunset. We were in one of their basic rooms, but you can go even more luxurious and have a private plunge pool on your balcony if your budget allows. However, I was impressed with how nice and big the standard oceanfront rooms are and they come with enormous bathrooms.
The workout facility and spa were also very upscale and nice. There is both golf and tennis available as well. There were some families there with young children, but I would say the resort was mostly filled with adults, both couples and older families with grown children. From what I gathered while I was there, it is quite common to see celebrities, as the resort is quite popular with the rich and famous.
The resort was also only 15 minutes from San Jose Cabo Airport, so it is easy in and easy out. The One & Only Palmilla is a great choice for a relaxing and quiet getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary trip. If you want nightlife and a lot of social happenings, then this resort will prove to be too quiet for you. If you want an oceanfront luxurious suite, want to hear the sound of the ocean, want to enjoy upscale dining and service in a gorgeous quiet setting then The One & Only Palmilla is a great fit for you.
We have reviewed many other luxury resorts and posted reviews and slideshow links on our website www.totemtravel.com, so check it out. We have three agents in our office and we each specialize in different destinations. Our goal is to find out what kind of experience you want and to help make it happen within budget using our travel expertise. If you are interested in the One & Only Palmilla, give me a call at 1-800-321-7907. The resort often has some great promotional pricing such as stay 4 nights, pay three. I’m happy to help! Patty