One & Only Palmilla Resort San José del Cabo
Old School Luxury in Los Cabos
Property Highlights
From the moment you arrive at One & Only Palmilla in San José del Cabo you are transported to a world of pure luxury.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of staying at the One & Only on three separate occasions, and I've witnessed a consistent improvement in my personal experience with each visit. During my initial stay, I couldn't help but notice that the property seemed a bit dated at first glance. However, it didn't take me long to realize that the hotel's intentional design was focused on embracing this vintage aesthetic.
The resort's stunning hacienda architecture, with its white-washed walls and red-tiled roofs, evokes the charm of old-world Mexico. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush landscaping , palm trees to spare , and impeccably maintained flower gardens and private beach, everything is perfectly set for a peaceful and serene vacation in the Baja Peninsula.
Upon arrival at the airport, guests can take advantage of the airport transfer services provided by the resort at San José del Cabo, ensuring a stress-free start to your vacation. The hotel is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from the airport, with a 17-mile journey that offers relaxing views of the surrounding landscape as you approach the property.
Architecture & Design
The One & Only Palmilla stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of elegant traditional Mexican craftsmanship, locally sourced materials, and modern design elements. Its architectural marvel is a result of skillful renovations that effortlessly blend the old and the new. At the heart of the Palmilla Resort, a series of low-scale buildings harmoniously interweave traditional design motifs with contemporary sensibilities.
Robust stone walls serve as a sturdy foundation, their presence lending both strength and character. Hand-hewn sand-colored plaster envelops the structures, infusing them with a sense of inviting warmth and captivating texture.
Complementing this aesthetic are honey-hued wood latilla structures that not only convey authenticity but also radiate an air of refined elegance. Further enhancing the appeal, wooden windows frame the views like exquisite artworks. This architectural symbiosis marries traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, echoing the splendor of Spanish Colonial architecture and embracing Mexican elements, including the intricate patterns of Aztec geometry. The resultant visual tableau is nothing short of captivating—an intricate dance between heritage and innovation that invites visitors to partake in an enchanting journey of design and culture.
Accommodations
All room options available are spacious, elegant, and well-appointed. Ranging from rooms, junior suite, grand suite, casita suites, all the way to villas just like Villa Cortez in case you want to bring the whole family. They all feature a private balcony or terrace with spectacular views of the sea or the resort's tropical gardens decorated in a sophisticated, yet comfortable style, with plush bedding, Rivolta Carmignani linens , furniture and art that compliment the architecture, and all the usual modern amenities you can expect from a five star and in this case pet friendly resort. Small details such as binoculars for spotting whales or stargazing abound.
Restaurants
One of the highlights of the One & Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos is its incredible dining options with fantastic food. The One & Only Palmilla offers free breakfast and features four restaurants, each with its own unique ambiance and menu . From the elegant cuisine at Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Vongerichten's wood fired grill Seared, which has one of the best wine lists in Baja to the fresh coastal cuisine seafood at Agua, or the creative Japanese dishes such as ceviche , sushi and sashimi at Suviche, and rounding it all up there is also Breeze , an open-air brasserie with a perfect view of the Los Cabos coastline and a casual dining menu , there is something for every palate. Those looking for a more intimate dining experience can always have in-room dining and private chef services.
Amenities
One & Only’s resort amenities are also top-notch. The infinity pool, with its stunning sea views, is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The spa, with its luxurious treatments and serene atmosphere and additional services such as a seaside massage , mayan rituals, incredible steam room and sauna with a complete and well rounded spa menu is the ultimate indulgence. For those looking to stay active, the resort offers a fully equipped and staffed gym and fitness center , tennis courts, and water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Set amidst captivating surroundings, One & Only Palmilla boasts an exceptional highlight: an unrivaled expanse of swimmable shoreline on its private beach. This exclusive attribute singularly sets the resort apart, solidifying its position as one of the premier choices among luxury destinations in the region.
For adventure enthusiasts, the resort offers seasonal activities such as an ultimate surf weekend where you can catch the waves of the Pacific ocean with an on site surf ambassador , only available on fixed dates, guests can learn from years of experience from a consolidated surfing pro.
If golf is more your style, the 27 hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with both Mountain and Ocean courses is one of the best in Mexico with dramatic views contrasting the perfectly maintained green with the beautiful azure backdrop of the sea , don't let the crashing waves distract you from that last five foot putt !
Service
Perhaps the best thing about this gem originally built in 1956 is its impeccable service and staff that are always all hands on deck , attentive, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable experience calling you by your name from day one. Personal concierges and butlers that in some cases have been working at the hotel for three generations are available to satisfy every whim. From the moment you arrive until the moment you unfortunately have to leave, you will feel pampered and well taken care of.
Overall, the One & Only Palmilla is a dream destination for anyone looking for luxury, relaxation, and unparalleled service.
Property Offers Transfers:
Airport - Los Cabos Intl. Airport (SJD) 26 min drive
Cabo San Lucas - 29 min drive
What's Nearby
Palmilla Beach, Los Cabos - 2 min walk
Costa Azul Beach, Los Cabos - 6 min drive
Plaza Costa Azul, Los Cabos - 6 min drive
Palmilla Golf Club, Los Cabos - 4 min drive
El Dorado Golf Club, Los Cabos - 6 min drive
Awards and Affiliations
Green / Sustainable Property
The One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos has been included in the 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of the finest accommodations worldwide
Property Amenities / Resort features
Guest Services
Free WiFi
Restricted access
Pet friendly
Food & Drinks
Poolside bar
Swim up bar
Agua bar
4 Restaurants
Free full breakfast
Private dining with ocean view
What to Do
Outdoor pools
Children's pool
Free supervised activities for children
Golf Course / Golf lessons
Tennis Courts / Tennis lessons
Beach Yoga
Playground
Shopping
Onsite spa
Pilates classes
Scuba diving
Certain onsite facilities
Property Guest Accommodations & Conveniences
24-hour front desk (Check in - Check out)
Hair salon
Luggage storage
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Tour and ticket assistance
Private events services
Business center
Spa Treatments
Spa hot tub
Steam room
Sauna
Treatment rooms
Facials
In room massage services
Outdoor treatment areas
Manicure / Pedicure
Outdoor Space
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Beach cabanas
Free cabanas at the pool
Smoke-Free property
Private beach
Swimmable beaches
Terrace
Pool umbrellas private beach
Security Measures
First aid kit
Lifeguards
Security System
Personal protective equipment worn by staff
Other available safety measures
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Room Amenities
Ample space
Flat screen tv
24-hour room service
Coffee grinder
Room service reservations
Coffee/tea maker
Champagne service
Air conditioning
Free wifi
Private bathroom
Special Check-In Instructions
Required at Check-In
Arrival Details
Check in from 3 pm - 10 pm.
Express check-in with booking confirmation on hand
ID and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
minimum check in age: 21 y/o
Required at Check Out
Check out times would be after noon
Express check-out is available
Property Also Known As
One & Only Palmilla Resort
One & Only Palmilla Resort San Jose Del Cabo
One & Only Palmilla San Jose Del Cabo
One Only Palmilla Resort
One & Only Palmilla Jose l Cabo
One and Only Palmilla Los Cabos
"One Only Palmilla Los Cabos"
One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Resort
One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos San José del Cabo
One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Resort San José del Cabo
Frequently asked questions :
Does One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos have a Swimming Pool ?
Yes, the property boasts two outdoor swimming pools as well as a children's plunge pool.
Is One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Pet-Friendly ?
Yes, One & Only Palmilla permits cats and dogs (limit of one per room) with a maximum weight of 40 lbs per pet. There is a fee per pet per day while service animals are exempt from this charge
What is the cost of parking at One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos ?
Self parking and valet parking are complimentary at the property
What are the check-in and check-out times at One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos ?
Guests can check-in between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM, while check-out time is at noon
Does One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos provide an airport shuttle?
Yes, there is an airport shuttle available upon request, for which there is a fee,
Where is One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos located?
This beachfront resort is located near San José del Cabo, in the historical district, just steps away from Palmilla Beach.
Is it possible to cancel my reservation at One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos offers free cancellation on some room rates, as the property values flexibility.