Historic seaside hacienda
Candlelit pathways wind between whitewashed hacienda casitas and a historic chapel overlooking the swimmable waters of Palmilla Bay.
“Here, spacious cliff-side havens with sweeping sea views are enveloped in privacy and Old-World Mexican charm.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Round-the-clock butlers and attentive attendants offering poolside knee pillows and chilled sunscreen.
Remarkable
A 1956 presidential retreat that preserves its original whitewashed chapel and Hollywood provenance.
Remarkable
A fifty-five-acre promontory with a rare swimmable beach and championship oceanfront golf.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Americas
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
Palmilla is built on a promontory above the ocean, with easy access to the sublime beach below, right on the tip of the Baja California...
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched on a private peninsula along Palmilla Bay, the grounds sit ten minutes from the colonial architecture and galleries of San José del Cabo.
The rooms
Ocean-facing rooms feature handcrafted Mexican woodwork and private terraces with daybeds positioned to catch breezes off the Sea of Cortez.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The cliffside infinity pool looks across the Sea of Cortez, with a swim-up bar sheltered beneath a thatched palapa.
The spa
Thirteen private villas feature outdoor daybeds and soaking tubs, alongside traditional temazcal ceremonies led by a resident shaman.
Gym and yoga pavilion
Treadmills face arched doors opening to garden patios, and yoga sessions take place beneath a shaded outdoor pavilion.
Dogs stay too.
Agua Bar
Candle lanterns illuminate the open palapa lounge at dusk, where sunset cocktails accompany nightly live acoustic guitar music.
The hacienda-style architecture and old chapel make you feel like you're in a colonial pueblo—especially when there's a pop-up craft market or it's a holiday.
At the table
Dining ranges from Baja seafood overlooking the water at Agua to wood-fired prime cuts at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's SEARED.
How it began
Built in 1956 by a Mexican president's son, this former 15-room hideaway was originally accessible only by private yacht or plane.
“One&Only Palmilla has one of the area’s few swimmable beaches, plus three private rocky coves complete with floating beds, lounge chairs, and dedicated butlers.”
Good to know
Stay here
One&Only Palmilla
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.