One&Only Palmilla vs. One&Only Mandarina
Which Luxury Mexico Resort Is Actually Better for Families? AnHonest Comparison After Staying at Both
Pool at One and Only Palmilla
If you want…
Swimmable beach + classic Cabo luxury: One&Only Palmilla
Jungle adventure + ultra-private villas: One&Only Mandarina
Easier trip with kids: Palmilla
Romantic: Mandarina
Check Rates at One&Only Palmilla
Check Rates at One&Only Mandarina
These resorts are not competitors in the traditional sense. They deliver completely different vacations.
One&Only Palmilla is refined, effortless, Old-World Mexico glamour. Palmilla feels like arriving somewhere iconic. Read our full review here.
One&Only Mandarina is a more dramatic, immersive jungle escape. Mandarina feels like disappearing from the world. Read our full review here.
Sunset at One and Only Mandarina
Location & Arrival Experience
One&Only Palmilla
20 minutes from San José del Cabo airport
Located in Palmilla gated community
Desert-meets-ocean setting
One of Cabo’s rare swimmable beaches
Translation: vacation starts immediately.
One&Only Mandarina
About 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta
Built inside coastal rainforest cliffs
Vast property requiring buggies to move around
Winner for ease: Palmilla
Winner for wow-factor: Mandarina
Rooms & Villas
Mandarina
Modern treehouse-style villas elevated in jungle canopy
Private plunge pools everywhere
Indoor/outdoor living
Extremely private
Palmilla
Hacienda-style suites
Huge terraces + ocean views
Legendary 24-hour butler service
Palmilla rooms feel timeless rather than trendy.
Most unique stay: Mandarina
Most comfortable luxury: Palmilla
Which Is Better for Families?
Palmilla Wins for Families — Here’s Why:
Walkable layout
Family + adult pools
Complimentary kids club (ages 4–11)
Calm swimmable beach
Minimal logistics
Mandarina With Kids
Mandarina welcomes families — but it’s an adventure resort.
Pros:
Incredible KidsOnly jungle playground
Nature-based activities with biologists on hand
Unique experiences
Cons:
Steep terrain
Buggy dependence
Less spontaneous pool/beach access
Younger kids → Palmilla
Older adventurous kids → Mandarina
Food & Overall Vibe
Palmilla
Elegant but relaxed luxury:
Jean-Georges dining
Classic Baja atmosphere
Service frequently described as exceptional and personalized
Feels polished and effortless.
Mandarina
Experiential dining:
Carao by Enrique Olvera
Cliffside restaurants
Jungle immersion
Mandarina is more design-forward and experiential.
Beach & Pool Experience
Palmilla
A long swimmable beach with is rare in Cabo. The pool is fun and lively
Mandarina
A Smaller beach area, more dramatic than functional. You go for scenery — not long ocean swims. The pool is similar, with fantastic views, but more for taking a quick dip than actaually swimming.
Who Should Choose One&Only Palmilla
Book Palmilla if you want:
First luxury Mexico trip
Stress-free family vacation
Beach swimming daily
Classic luxury feel
Easy airport transfer
Who Should Choose One&Only Mandarina
Book Mandarina if you want:
Privacy
Honeymoon energy
Nature immersion
Design-forward resort
“Wow” Instagram setting