Name: One&Only Spa Palmilla
Type of Spa: Resort Spa
One&Only Spa Palmilla is a peaceful sanctuary in a legendary resort located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. The clientele is diverse, hailing from the West Coast of the United States and Texas along with European guests during the summer months. The spa attracts couples, honeymooners, friends and mothers and daughters. During the holidays, expect a larger number of families. Celebrity clientele includes Dustin Hoffman, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Oprah Winfrey and John Travolta (who held his 50th birthday bash here).
The Setting for One&Only Spa Palmilla: Tucked into the ultra-lush grounds of this 250-acre resort, the spa is adjacent to the historic Palmilla chapel. The 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.
The Spa at One&Only Spa Palmilla: The 22,000-sq. ft. spa (developed and operated by Mandara Spa) is made up of six buildings and features 13 spa 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.
Signature Treatments at One&Only Spa Palmilla: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. The Aztec Aromatic Ritual is a wrap said to aid in healing headaches, arthritis and muscular aches. The recipe includes clove/ginger/cinnamon (shades of Snickerdoodles!) and is followed by a 60 or 90-minnute massage with rosemary and pine essential oils. Facial treatments include the Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial and the Elemis Healing Facial for Men. Nail and hair services are also offered (private suites available for bridal parties).
Prices at One&Only Spa Palmilla:The menu ranges from $120 for the 50-minute Elemis Aromapure Facial to $552 for the 260-minute “Pathway to Love” for two that includes a personal yoga class, Absolute Spa Ritual (facial and a massage) and an Exotic Flower Bath. Hotel/spa packages available.
What’s Special about One&Only Spa Palmilla:The spa villas are the ultimate in privacy and pampering. And if you’re so blissed out after your treatments that you can’t find your way home, one of the resort’s helpful attendants will guide you back to your room.
What Could Be Better:It’s not easy finding any glitches in this spa, although the manicure area is a bit lacking in comfort/amenities. It seemed like an afterthought and could use a little revamping.
Bottom Line:This is the ultimate getaway for couples who want their privacy. And to top it off, after all the spa pampering, you’ll return to beautiful accommodations and delicious cuisine (along with soulful service). It’s the perfect place to impress your first or lifelong date! If you’re looking for a a back to nature, earthy type spa…this will not be a good fit. And you’ll balk at the prices.
Contact Info:One&Only Spa Palmilla, Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San Jose Del Cabo, BCS/CP 23400 Mexico. (52) 624 146 7001 www.oneandonlypalmilla.com
Member of The Leading Hotels of the World Room Rates: From $325 to $1,450 (packages available)
