One&Only Palmilla: Your Cabo Escape Awaits (Luxury Awaits!)
One&Only Palmilla: Cabo's Jewel – Or Just a Shiny Pebble? (A Deep Dive, With a Lot of Rambling)
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- Title: One&Only Palmilla Review: Cabo Luxury - Is it Worth the Hype? [Accessibility, Spa, Dining, & More!]
- Keywords: One&Only Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas, Luxury Resort, Mexico, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Dining, Beachfront, Review, Honest Review, Travel, Vacation, Hotel, Swim, Relaxation, Wellness, Things to do, Family-Friendly, Reviews, Vacation Rental Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, Luxury Resorts Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas Resorts, Best Cabo Resorts, Beachfront Resorts Cabo, Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide, Luxury Travel, Cabo Itinerary
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of One&Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas. We dive deep into accessibility, luxurious spa experiences, gourmet dining, and all the amenities (and the occasional hiccup). Is this Cabo escape truly worth the hype? Find out here!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dissect One&Only Palmilla. The name alone whispers of exclusivity, of sun-drenched days and cocktails that cost more than my last flight. I went in with HIGH expectations. You know, the kind that make you slightly terrified of disappointment. And let me tell you… well, let’s just say it’s a story. A messy, beautiful, occasionally frustrating story.
Accessibility: The Good, The Slightly-Less-Good, and The "Hmm?"
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for me, and it's something I really scrutinize. The website claims it’s accessible, and thankfully, they weren't entirely fibbing. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, mostly. The key word there is "mostly." Ramps were plentiful, and the pathways were generally wide enough… Elevator access was good. However, I did encounter a few instances where getting around required a little… creative maneuvering. Think tight turns, and a couple of spots where I'd be really hesitant without a strong travel mate. They clearly try and do a great job, but perfection is a tall order.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I was thrilled to see that the restaurants weren't just beautiful, but that spaces were well-designed for wheelchairs.
"Facilities for Disabled Guests"? They've got 'em, from what I could tell, and the staff were generally VERY helpful. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn’t there? – the beach access… well, that was a whole different story. I had expected some kind of beach wheelchair, or at least a clearer path. That part was a bit of a letdown, something they could definitely improve on. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth considering if absolute beach access is a priority.
The Spa: Where My Brain Melted (In the Best Way Possible)
Alright, now for the good stuff. Oh, the Spa. One word: WOW. They call it the "Spa," and they’re not kidding. It’s less a spa and more a temple of tranquility. Seriously, I think I left a piece of my soul there.
- Spa/sauna? Check.
- Steamroom? Oh yes, glorious steam.
- Massage? Absolutely heavenly. I went for a deep tissue massage, and the therapist was… magical. She worked out knots I didn’t even know I HAD, and I emerged feeling like a completely new human.
- Body scrub and Body wrap? Did both! The body wrap felt like getting swaddled in a cloud made of roses.
- Pool with view? Double check!
They also have a Gym/fitness center, but let's be honest, after the massage, I wasn't interested in lifting weights. Which is my problem, not theirs, by the way!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where My Wallet Wept (But My Taste Buds Rejoiced)
Now, for the most dangerous part of any luxury escape: the food and drink. Oof. My wallet is still recovering. But… the food! Mmm…
The restaurants were a highlight. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was amazing. The International cuisine in restaurant was also great. Think fresh seafood, amazing cocktails, and service that was… well, faultless. I'm pretty sure they could tell what I wanted before I even knew I wanted it.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yup.
- Breakfast service: Oh, the breakfasts! Breakfast [buffet] was an art form, and the Western breakfast was so delicious.
- Poolside bar: Essential, obviously. Great for people watching.
- Coffee shop: Delicious coffee to chase the amazing meals.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is the way to live. Especially after a day of spa treatments.
- Snack bar: Essential for those midday hunger pangs.
- Desserts in restaurant: A must!
I need to talk about a specific experience: the Happy hour. My travel companion are a little bit more… social, shall we say, and we were on the poolside and someone wanted to order two margaritas. I thought nothing would happen if I joined in… until the bill came. It was a small mortgage! I mean, they were good, but… whew. Deliciously expensive! But you come here for the experience, the service, and the quality, and you can taste the quality.
Cleanliness and Safety: Making Sure I Didn't Catch Anything (Except Bliss)
In these post-pandemic times, everyone’s extra sensitive about this stuff. One&Only Palmilla REALLY takes it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yup.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were vigilant.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
I felt genuinely safe the entire time. They also did a good job with Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Safe dining setup.
Rooms: Luxury in a Landslide of Details
The rooms themselves? Stunning, of course.
- Air conditioning: A godsend.
- Blackout curtains: Needed those after a few margaritas.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for those early mornings.
- In-room safe box: Good to have.
- Mini bar: Tempting, and expensive.
- Private bathroom? Obviously.
- Bathtub: Because… luxury.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Crucial for posting vacation photos (and working, sometimes, ugh).
And so on. I'd say the Room decorations definitely contributed to the relaxed vibe.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Add Up
They have all the usual suspects:
- Concierge: Amazing.
- Daily housekeeping: Flawless.
- Doorman: Always helpful.
- Dry cleaning and Laundry service: Used and appreciated.
- Currency exchange.
- Luggage storage.
I did use the Babysitting service, and my kids loved the staff members who took care of them.
Things to Do (Besides Spa-ing and Eating):
Honestly, I spent most of my time relaxing. They’ve got a beautiful Swimming pool [outdoor], and sunbathing is a major priority. They also offer:
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Airport transfer
For the Kids:
One&Only Palmilla is definitely Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities and Babysitting service.
The Downsides (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Okay, let’s be honest. It wasn’t perfect. The prices are… well, eye-watering. But if you're on a budget, the "Happy hour" is a good way to save some money.
The Verdict: Worth It?
One&Only Palmilla is a truly luxurious experience. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and pamper yourself. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, the access for those with mobility issues isn’t perfectly seamless. But the exquisite food, the breathtaking spa, and the impeccable service? That’s what you’re paying for. Would I go back? Absolutely. (If I can afford it again!) But hey, a girl can dream, right?
Shem Creek Inn: Your Charleston Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the luxurious, possibly tequila-soaked, world of One&Only Palmilla. This isn't your sterile, perfectly curated itinerary. This is a survival guide/love letter/therapy session all rolled into one. Consider yourselves warned…
Day 1: Arrival, Angels, and a Little Existential Dread (Cabo Time)
- 1:00 PM: Touching down at SJD. Arrived with a killer headache, thanks to some questionable airport coffee. Navigating customs… well, let's just say my Spanish consists of "cerveza por favor" and the occasional "gracias." Somehow, I made it through. Victory!
- 2:30 PM: The Palmilla transfer. My jaw literally dropped. Seriously. The ocean vista opening up as we approached was… chef's kiss. Pure, unadulterated beauty.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in. Smooth as silk, just like my future tan (hopefully). But the room! My god, the room. Ocean view, private plunge pool… I might have shed a tear. Tears of joy? Possibly. Tears of pure, unadulterated relief that I'd finally escaped my life? Maybe.
- 4:00 PM: Poolside Reconnaissance. Spent an hour just… staring. At the infinity pool. At the ocean. At the impeccably dressed people. Feeling like a slightly rumpled, slightly overwhelmed fish out of water. Made a mental note to acquire a suitable "effortlessly chic" cover-up. First impressions are essential.
- 5:00 PM: Swim and Sunbath. Dipped. It was heaven. Immediately afterwards? My SPF application was… enthusiastic. I may or may not have left a greasy handprint on my book. Oops.
- 6:30 PM: Sunset Cocktails at Agua by Larbi. Okay. This is where it all really goes. We're talking, the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. The cocktails were on point. But then… a waiter comes over and asks me if I would like a drink. Did I stare at him? Absolutely. Did he look like an angel? Yep. My brain went into a tailspin of internal monologues I will never share. Then, he smiled, and offered me a water. Why did he have to be so polite? And I'm already feeling the pressure to be classy. So, I did not go overboard on the drinks.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Seared. The food was incredible. But as soon as I got to the table, and saw all the beautiful people! I instantly felt self-conscious.
- Anecdote: During dinner, I knocked over my water glass. I spent a good ten minutes mortified, trying to look like I hadn't just committed a social faux pas of epic proportions. The waiter, bless his heart, just winked and refilled my water with a smile. Crisis averted. But the memory? Forever etched.
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime/Staring-at-the-Ceiling-and-Questioning-My-Life-Choices-in-the-Most-Luxurious-Way-Possible. Let's just say sleep evaded me. Jet lag. The sheer beauty of it all. The existential dread. All the usual suspects.
Day 2: Spa, Seafood, and Second-Guessing My Wardrobe Choices
- 8:00 AM: Gentle awakening. Managed to successfully apply eye cream without resembling a raccoon. Small victories.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Suviche. Delicious. Avocado toast with a side of ocean view. The perfect start.
- 10:00 AM: Spa Time! This is what dreams are made of. Massages, facials, the works. I may have briefly drifted off to a place where I was a mermaid lounging on a pearl. Pure bliss.
- Quirky Observation: The spa staff. The epitome of zen. I'm pretty sure they’re all secretly part of a secret society of relaxation gurus. I’m slightly intimidated, yet also completely in love.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Suviche. I ordered ceviche. Seafood is the way to go in Cabo.
- 2:30 PM: Pool Time, Revisited. This time with a touch more confidence. The cover-up looked much better. Still slightly intimidated by the "effortlessly chic" crowd.
- 4:00 PM: Beach exploration. Walked along the beach, felt the sand between my toes, and promptly lost my sunglasses to the ocean. Oops.
- 6:00 PM: Cocktail Hour at 1950. More cocktails! The view, the perfect lighting. The cocktails were on point.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Market. The food was great. Again, but the atmosphere was lively.
- 9:00 PM: Room/Panic Attack. I had to spend another hour deciding what to wear, and which shoes to wear. Why am I here?
Day 3: Whale Watching (Maybe!), and the Realization that Paradise is… Complicated
- 8:30 AM: Wake up. I feel good!
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Suviche. This time, I ordered the chilaquiles. I decided to get a little bit out of my comfort zone.
- 10:00 AM: Whale watching. (If there are whales, I’m going)
- Anecdote: The waves were rough! I got splashed, and I held on for dear life. But seeing those majestic creatures breach the surface.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Suviche. I had another ceviche.
- 2:30 PM: Pool time. I went in the pool, and relaxed.
- 4:00 PM: Nap Time. Then, when I woke up, I went back in the pool.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Agua by Larbi. (I had more drinks!)
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. I felt happy.
Day 4: Departure - Adios, Cabo, and Hello, Reality?
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. One final avocado toast. Savoring every bite.
- 10:00 AM: Some last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a beautiful shawl in the gift shop, which I probably don't need.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. A bittersweet moment.
- 12:00 PM: The Palmilla transfer. And then I was gone.
- Emotional Reaction: As I drove away, I felt a pang of sadness. Leaving Palmilla felt like leaving a dream.
- 1:00 PM: Airport.
- 4:00 PM: Takeoff.
- Final Thoughts:
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
- Did I find inner peace? Not entirely.
- Did I have an amazing time? Absolutely.
- Palmilla is pure magic. But it's also just… life. With more sunshine and better cocktails. And that, my friends, is pretty darn perfect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. A very long nap. And maybe a Margarita.
One&Only Palmilla: Cabo – The Real Deal (And My Take!)
Okay, seriously... is Palmilla *really* worth the hype? Like, Instagram-worthy good?
Alright, deep breath. The hype? It's...a *lot*. Yes, it's Instagram-worthy. Seriously, the infinity pool practically *demands* a post. But is it just about the aesthetics? Absolutely not. I'm going to be honest: I've seen places that *look* amazing and feel... soulless. Palmilla? Different beast entirely. My first impression? Blown away. The architecture is stunning, the service is impeccable (more on *that* in a second), and the views...oh, the views! But it’s also not perfect, mind you. I spilled a margarita on the first day! The waiter, bless his heart, just smiled and was all over it with a fresh towel and a new drink. Class act. That's the kind of service I crave.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually as luxurious as they look?
The rooms... yeah. The rooms are a *thing*. I booked a suite, which was probably overkill for just me, but hey, YOLO, right? Walked in, jaw dropped. Seriously, I've never seen a bathroom that luxurious. Marble everywhere, a giant tub... it was basically a Roman bath! The bed? Cloud. Pure cloud. BUT... and there’s always a but, isn't there? The AC was a touch too aggressive for my liking at first. Fine. But hey, they fixed it within minutes of my call to the front desk. Honestly, it’s those little hiccups that make the whole experience feel...real, right? No fake perfection here. Plus, the patio? Private plunge pool facing the ocean? My favorite part. I actually think I spent most of the first afternoon doing nothing but existing there, which goes against my workaholic nature.
Speaking of service, is it *really* as amazing as everyone says? Are they faking it?
Listen, I'm a cynic. I *expect* to find flaws. That's my nature. But the service at Palmilla? It's borderline magical. They're *not* faking it. It's genuinely warm, attentive, and personalized. My butler (yes, I had a butler, I still can´t believe it) was the best. He anticipated my every need before I even knew I had them. Seriously, I swear he somehow knew I was craving a specific type of mango before I even opened my mouth. They remember your name, your preferences... it's a little creepy, to be honest, but in the best way possible! I didn't have to lift a finger. They even arranged a sunset cocktail on the beach that was a total surprise, and very romantic. I wish I´d gone alone to the place!
Okay, the food. Let's get real. Is it worth the price tag?
Look, there's no pretending: Palmilla is not exactly budget-friendly. The food costs a pretty penny. But... *the food*. Oh, the food. Every single meal was an experience. One night, I had a *perfectly* cooked grilled octopus at Seared. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Another night, the sushi at Suviche was incredible, and it was followed by a tequila tasting, which, for the record, I don´t remember quite so clearly! Yes, the price is steep. But honestly, the quality of the ingredients, the artistry, the presentation... I think it's justified. It´s not just about eating; it's about the whole *experience*. (Though I’m still debating whether I should splurge on that tasting menu again next time! My credit card is likely to disagree!)
What activities are available at Palmilla? Do you have to be a golfer to enjoy it?
Nope! You *definitely* don't need to be a golfer. While they have a world-class golf course (which I glanced at and admired from afar), there's *so* much more. I spent a good chunk of my time at the pool, obviously. But I also did a spa day (essential!), which was pure bliss. The masseuse somehow found knots in muscles I didn't even know I had. Plus, there's snorkeling, jet skiing, boat tours, and even cooking classes. I took a cooking class! I burned the tortilla, but hey, it was fun! There are plenty of opportunities to get active, or simply chill the heck out. And it's all geared towards making you feel relaxed and pampered.
Let’s talk about the vibe. Is it stuffy? Or can a person relax there?
Not stuffy. At all. I was worried about that. You know, some luxury resorts can feel pretentious. Palmilla? Totally not. The atmosphere is elegant, yes, but relaxed. People were dressed beautifully, but comfortable. I saw a couple in their finest evening wear one night having a raucous time laughing loudly at the bar (and I joined them – my inner party animal always emerges on vacation!). There are plenty of places to find peace and quiet, but also plenty of spots to socialize. I never felt out of place or under pressure to be anything other than myself. I’d say it’s a chill vibe, but with an undercurrent of *luxury*.
What's the best part of Palmilla, the *really* unforgettable thing?
Okay, this is a tough one, because everything was stunning but...I have to say the feeling of being completely disconnected from the world, and still being *connected*. It sounds counterintuitive, right? But the minute I stepped onto the property, all the stress, anxiety, and emails melted away. I couldn't check my work mail (because I wasn't supposed to work!), and I had no desire to. I actually read a *book*! I felt completely present, completely relaxed, just... *there*. And that, my friends, is priceless. A real escape. It might cost a fortune, but it's an investment in sanity. Definitely give it a try. Just be prepared to go back. Seriously, I´m already planning my next trip! (And maybe I´ll learn to grill a tortilla properly this time).
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Oh, yes! Always. Beyond the obvious (accommodation, food, activities), factor in the tips. While service is included, tipping for exceptional service is expected, and trust me, you'll *want* to tip. Transportation to and from the airport adds up, too. And the shops! The boutiques on the property have some amazing stuff (and it's expensive!). I bought a sun hat that cost more than my first car. Then there's the impulse buys. The spa treatments, extra cocktails, that ridiculously gorgeous piece of art you *think* you need for your living room... It adds up! JustUnique Hotel Finds
