One&Only Palmilla | Cara Cara dress, similar | Sandals | Celine bag

One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo, Mexico

Two years ago, on a rainy evening in November, I started researching hotels in Mexico. In search of sun and down time, I was drawn to the quieter San José del Cabo area. The choice was between Las Ventanas and One&Only Palmilla. We decided on Las Ventanas after reading many reviews and asking a few friends. And, though it was a splurge, we’re glad we did! You can read my Las Ventanas hotel review here. But, I kept thinking about the One&Only Palmilla, so we decided to give it a try and compare the two.

The One and Only Resort Palmilla is all the things: beautifully designed, elegant but casual, with excellent guest services. In fact, it offers some of the best customer service I’ve ever encountered on vacation. Everyone is genuinely friendly there, which makes for an even better stay. The pools have breathtaking views of the ocean, and the hacienda-style architecture makes you feel like you’re in a town from another era. There are bikes all over the property, and we used them every day to ride to and from the pool. It’s the perfect place to work in the sunshine, then have a cocktail and relax ☀️

So Susie Rating: Thumbs up!

One&Only Palmilla

Bike, palm trees, and arch photos via One&Only Palmilla

My favorite meal of the trip was breakfast! The setting overlooking the pool and beach was lovely, and we enjoyed delicious coffees, freshly squeezed juices, eggs and fruit. It was truly the best way to start each day. On the first morning at breakfast, I was greeted by the nicest So Susie reader, who I now consider a friend. I’m always so touched when I meet you in real life, and it always makes my day!

We absolutely loved our room. It was spacious and comfortable, and the large terrace had a couple of seating areas where we could relax. I also loved the front of the hotel which you can see in the photo above (bottom row, middle photo). It has an extended outside area with comfy sofas, ideal for when you are traveling with another couple/family.

Then, an unexpected surprise … Just as we were settling in on day two, while minding my own business sitting under an umbrella by the pool, I got stung by a bee! My husband quickly brought me a bag of ice from the pool bar, and I didn’t think it would be a big deal. Well, I was wrong. After several days of getting worse and eventually not being able to walk much, I called the hotel doctor (yes, they have a doctor on staff). Thank goodness I did, because my leg was infected and he immediately put me on antibiotics.

Surprise #2 … When the doctor checked on me the following morning and saw how elevated my blood pressure was, that earned me a trip to the ER 😳 It was a bit of a scare, but the staff was incredibly helpful in getting everything coordinated. I felt very cared for and was grateful for their excellent customer service.

Favorite activities: Breakfast with a view, riding bikes around the property and to and from the pool, relaxing on our terrace, evening walks

Evening Skies

Image via Condé Nast

Wrap up: All in all, the property is breathtaking, and the lush greenery on one side allows for peaceful evening walks with incense along the path — so special. We loved the One&Only Palmilla, and will definitely be back!

Thank you for reading xx

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