One and Only Palmilla: A Hotel Review
Nestled on the stunning coastline of San José del Cabo, One & Only Palmilla is worth visiting more than once. The level of service, the breathtaking setting, and the refined yet relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most memorable stays we’ve ever had and our choice for the best family hotel in Los Cabos. Read on for our full review of this special property. Our entire Cabo guide can be found here.
And find the full list of our favorite luxury properties in Mexico here.
Overall ****** (9 of 10)
Value *** (8 of 10)
Food ****** (7 of 10)
Design ******** (8 of 10)
Service ****** (10 of 10)
Location ******** (9 of 10)
Kid’s Club ******** (9 of 10)
Beautiful grounds at One and Only Palmilla
PROS
Traditional Mexican architecture set on a stunning coastlines
Two beautiful beaches on property including the swimmable (somewhat of a rarity in Cabo) Palmilla beach
Service is top notch
CONS
The food is mostly good but not great.
Walking to lunch at Agua restaurant
ARRIVAL
Pulling into the lush, palm-lined entrance, we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff. The check-in process was seamless—cold towels, a refreshing welcome drink, and an introduction to out personal butler, Perla, who ensured our stay was flawless. There was also a beautiful traditional ceremony that was performed on each of us that set a peaceful and positive tone for the stay.
One of the many stunning sunsets we witnessed at One and Only Palmilla
Looking into Agua restaurant at One and Only Palmilla
Beaches
Turtle Beach at One and Only Palmilla
There are two wonderful sandy beaches at the resort. Unlike other beaches in Cabo, these are swimmable and great for kids of all ages. The sand is also much softer than other beaches in the area. Palmilla beach has lots of great vendors and is more family friendly. We also enjoyed paddle boarding and wake boarding, all included in your stay. The Turtle Beach is more geared towards adults with beautiful rock formations and frequent whale sightings (in season).
Looking towards the One and Only from family-friendly Palmilla beach.
Pools
There are two incredible pools at One and Only Palmilla as well. We spent the most time at the gorgeous family-friendly infinity pool set next to Agua restaurant. There are lots of shallow areas for kids and inflatables provided. There’s also a gelato cart that comes by every day from 1-4.
Family Pool at One and Only Palmilla
The other pool is adults-only and has a wonderful swim-up bar. It’s located next to Turtle Beach and Breeze restaurant, making it a great place to speand the day.
Adult Pool at One and Only Palmilla
Location
Set inbetween San Jose Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas the One and Only Palmilla is set on a bluff overlooking one of the best and most swimmable beaches in Cabo—Palmilla.
Sunrise from the patio of our oceanfront room
Accommodations
Our Oceanfront Room was stunning. Spacious, elegant, and infused with Mexican charm, it had handcrafted wooden furniture, colorful tiles, and a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. Waking up to the sound of waves and enjoying coffee on the terrace each morning was pure bliss. The outdoor daybed overlooking the ocean took the experience to the next level.
The bathroom was just as lovely with a deep soaking tub and rain shower. Every detail was considered, from fresh flowers to a nightly turndown service with a different locally crated gift each night.
There’s a reason this place is amazing for families—everything is set up to ensure kids had the best vacation ever.
Kid’s Club/Amenities
Kids Only Club at One and Only Palmilla
A large part of what makes this such a wonderful resort for families are the abundance of kid’s activities and the thoughtful kids only club. We traveled here for spring break with our 5 and 8 year old girls, and they tried out as many activities as humanly possible. The kids only club had tons of crafts and activities all throughout the day. Think pizza making, tie dying, decorating picture frames, etc. One of the best parts for me was that almost every activity was included in the room rate.
Each kid was also provided a welcome bag with a hat, water bottle, t shirt and crayons upon arrival. The family pool also had lots of activities geared towards kids, like complimentary gelato and a wide variety of pool toys.
Breeze Restaurant
Dining
While we had some really incredible dishes during our stay, the dining overall could use an upgrade. The best meals we had in Cabo were all off-property. Read our full Cabo guide here. That said, there were some good options at the One and Only as well.
Suviche Restaurant
SEARED by Jean-Georges – Typical steakhouse
Agua – A stunning open-air spot with modern Mexican cuisine and breathtaking sunset views.
Chilaquiles at Breeze Restaurant
Breeze Café – Perfect for a relaxed breakfast or poolside lunch. We loved the fresh smoothies and the fact that breakfast was included.
Suviche- An asian/sushi restaurant overlooking the ocean. We had an incredible whale show off the coast during sunset, but the food was just okay.
Hoshi- A sushi-counter also overlooking the ocean. We didn’t try as they don’t allow under 10’s.
Entryway to Agua Restaurant
Traditional Mexican architecture and design found throughout One and Only Palmilla
Service
What truly sets One&Only Palmilla apart is the exceptional service. The entire staff exudes warmth and professionalism, making every interaction feel genuine and personal. Special shout-out to Perla who was our incredible butler assigned to our suite.
One&Only Palmilla is the definition of luxury. It’s more than just a five-star resort—it’s an escape into elegance, comfort, and personalized hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation like we did, a romantic retreat, or a relaxing wellness escape this resort is definitely worth the hefty pricetag.
If you’re visiting Los Cabos and want the absolute best, look no further than One&Only Palmilla. It’s worth every penny—and then some.