A Romantic Long Weekend Getaway at One&Only Palmilla

For a blissful 4-day escape, we ventured to the One&Only Palmilla, a haven for romance, relaxation and unforgettable experiences. From the moment we arrived, every detail felt thoughtfully crafted, immersing us in the magic of this luxurious resort on the edge of the Baja peninsula.

After a 25 minute private transfer from San Jose del Cabo airport, our experience began with a welcome purification ritual, where a bell ringing and incense ceremony gently cleansed our spirits and set a tranquil tone for our stay. Shortly after, we were welcomed to our room with a delightful surprise — an upgrade to a Junior Suite Oceanfront. The suite offers chic authentic accomodations, a beautiful tiled bathroom and an inviting sitting area with a perfectly stocked mini bar. The spacious balcony overlooking the Sea of Cortez, complete with binoculars for whale watching and endless views of the horizon. It was the perfect spot to soak up the serene ocean beauty.

The first afternoon was a preview of the relaxation to come. As we lounged at the adults-only pool, we enjoyed the warm welcome of the staff, who greeted us with hands over their hearts. Thoughtful touches like sunglass cleaning and complimentary foot massages added to the ease and comfort of our poolside experience. We watched whales breaching on the horizon and enjoyed refreshing cocktails in hand.

Our evenings were just as enchanting. Our first night featured a private moonlit dinner at Agua, a sophisticated setting with the sparkling sea as our backdrop. Each meal at the resort highlights fresh local flavors and thoughtful preparation. Whether it was a delicious breakfast of avocado toast and fresh fruit smoothies overlooking the ocean, a leisurely lunch of the most amazing fish tacos by the pool or a luxurious omakase dinner at Hoshi, where Chef Asael took us on a culinary journey, we found ourselves delighted by both the setting and flavors.

During the days, we embraced the opportunity to unwind and reconnect. Mornings began with serene yoga sessions in the wellness garden, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of birds singing. Afternoons were spent lounging in private cabanas on the beach, where we watched the waves roll in, took refreshing dips in the ocean and strolled along the sandy coastline. One&Only Palmilla’s location on the peninsula allowed us to enjoy both breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the water, painting the skies in hues we will never forget.

One night, we were fortunate to witness a beautiful full moon rising over the horizon. Under its glow, we discovered a charming VW van repurposed as a bar, where Hector, our bartender, surprised us with Cuban-style cocktails served in rustic clay cups. This spontaneous, intimate moment under the moonlight was an unexpected highlight.

Our last day included a private sailboat tour along Cabo’s coastline, where we admired iconic rock formations, including the famous arch. The crystal-clear waters made snorkeling a breathtaking experience, allowing us to explore vibrant marine life and witness the unique sandfall—a hidden gem usually enjoyed by scuba divers.

One&Only Palmilla delivered everything we dreamt of for a romantic escape. Each moment felt like a unique blend of luxury, relaxation and natural beauty. The warm, genuine hospitality — from thoughtful touches like aromatherapy turn-down service to spontaneous moments under the stars — made our stay feel magical. We left Cabo with our hearts full and minds rejuvenated, already envisioning the next time we return to this serene oasis on the Sea of Cortez.

I recommend One&Only Palmilla to my clients looking for a romantic getaway or celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon. It would also be ideal for a luxurious, relaxing getaway with friends or a multi-couple trip. There is a beautiful chapel onsite, making this location perfect for a stunning destination wedding.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico.