The One&Only Palmilla is a posh and peaceful sanctuary on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
Following a $110 million renovation and expansion in 2003, it has been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities since its opening in 1956. Celebrity clientele includes Dustin Hoffman, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Oprah Winfrey and John Travolta (who held his 50th birthday bash here).
The 172-room gated resort overlooks the Gulf of California and is part of a 900-acre master-planned community. There are plenty of activities nearby, including kayaking and snorkeling, plus shopping and exploring in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. There is a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course called Cabo del Sol, two infinity pools, world-class cuisine (including Charlie Trotter’s ‘C’ restaurant), and a staff of 700-plus that attends to all of your needs (including a 24-hour “butler�? at your service, who will even unpack your luggage).
This month, the resort added a luxurious Sunseeker 60 yacht to its impressive list of resort activities. It’s available to rent for six-hour cruises and accommodates up to eight guests who can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving and watching the gray whales during the peak migration months of December through March. The yacht has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining room and a sitting room equipped with a flat screen TV and state-of-the-art sound system. Charters include meals prepared by an onboard chef.
And then there’s the spa. Aaaaah. Tucked into the ultra-lush grounds of this 250-acre resort is the 22,000-sq. ft. One&Only Spa, adjacent to the historic Palmilla Chapel. The spa’s six buildings boast 13 villas (including six double villas to share with a partner or friend), making it the ultimate in privacy and intimacy.
The spa villas sport red tile roofs, whitewashed walls and outdoor fountains/gardens along with air-conditioned massage pavilions. The double villas include outdoor rain showers, whirlpool baths and palapa-covered Mexican day beds. For total indulgence, a deluxe One&Only Spa villa features a sensory float bed for treatments and wraps.
There is also a 2,000 sq. ft. fitness center and an outdoor Yoga Garden (spinning, yoga, tai chi and Pilates classes are offered, too). There are hot and cold-water pools, a sauna and a steam room. The spa’s menu of Exotic Rituals all begin with a floral foot wash and are finalized with a tea ceremony that includes fresh fruit.
My husband and I spent four blissed out days at the One&Only Palmilla several winters ago. It was seductively sublime and the ultimate getaway for couples — or a gaggle of gal pals.
W: One&Only Spa Palmilla.
A: Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San Jose Del Cabo, BCS/CP 23400 Mexico.
T: 52.624.146.7001.
Member of The Leading Hotels of The World.
Photo caption: One of two infinity pools at the One&Only Palmilla.
Photo by Sue Frause.