Planning a trip to Mexico and figuring out the right kind of stay?
We’ve explored Mexico’s two One&Only resorts firsthand, and this guide breaks down what makes each one special. Let’s dive into the lush, family-friendly Mandarina on the Riviera Nayarit coast, and the timeless Palmilla in Los Cabos, a serene retreat for couples.
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Vibe?
We love how both properties are unique, yet lean into their surroundings and do what the One&Only does so well – creating beautifully rare sanctuaries in exquisite destinations, paired with unparalleled luxury, locally-inspired design, and the brand’s signature exceptional service.
O&O Mandarina:
- Jungle sanctuary on the Riviera Nayarit’s coastline.
- Nestled into rainforest cliffs with panoramic ocean views.
- Private villas that feel like opulent treehouses.
- Remote, wild, immersive.
- Exclusive menus by Enrique Olvera (founder and head chef at Mexico City’s famous Pujol).
- Feels like discovering a hidden paradise.
- Located in an emerging luxury destination in the Mexican Pacific.
O&O Palmilla:
- Iconic grand dame in Los Cabos, near the quieter San Jose del Cabo.
- Spanish Colonial architecture, manicured grounds, timeless luxury.
- Swimmable (and surfable) beach – a rarity in Los Cabos.
- Sophisticated, elegant, and romantic.
- Exclusive menus by celebrity chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
- Dramatic ocean-meets-desert landscapes.
- Long-standing reputation of excellence.
Mandarina is Perfect for Families and Adventure Seekers
Tucked into paradise shores just over an hour’s drive north of Puerto Vallarta Airport, Mandarina captures the best of the Riviera Nayarit – a land of lush coastal jungle, mango trees, ancient cultures, and awe-inspiring sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Luxury brands are taking notice of this stunning enclave – the resort opened in 2020 as part of a multi-billion-dollar project to create a secluded, luxurious, and low-impact destination on the undeveloped coastline. One&Only Mandarina feels quiet, hidden, and truly immersed in nature – an alternative to the well-oiled resorts and villa communities of nearby Punta Mita.
This is the kind of place where staff share their pride in local culture, where no trees were sacrificed for construction, that lights firepits on the beach as a nightly ritual and has secret rock carvings etched hundreds of years ago by the native Cora and Huichol communities. We love this setting for nature-rich and family adventures.
Family Highlights:
- More than a place to keep the young ones busy, KidsOnly is an open-air, multisensory playground designed by the award-winning art director behind Moulin Rouge. Think butterfly sanctuary, climbing walls, treehouses connected by suspension bridges and scavenger hunts in tropical rainforest.
- Relax with an ice-cold drink as the kids make a splash in Alma restaurant’s infinity pools with jaw-dropping vistas or settle in at Jetty and Canalan Beach Clubs where shaded areas, sandpits and water sports keep the whole family entertained.
- Enjoy fun activities like mountain biking through rainforest trails, ziplines, rappeling, jungle obstacle courses, meeting the Equestrian Center’s horses and foals, or a family cooking session with the pastry chef.
- Explore the unique ecosystem that Mandarina calls home on a guided nature walk to meet La Abuela (The Grandmother) and Los Nietos (The Grandkids) – an incredible 500-year-old white fig tree with the new generation growing next to her.
- Get involved in seasonal turtle release programs and spot the magnificent humpback whales during their winter migration to warmer Pacific waters.
- Large multi-room villas are ideal for families, like the breezy two-bedroom Villa Banderas with canopy or ocean views.
Palmilla is Perfect for Romance, Wellness and Relaxation
This legendary hotel is located along the eastern reaches of Los Cabos’ Tourist Corridor, just a 30-minute drive from SJD airport. The property has a rich history dating to the 1950s, when it was built as a 15-room hideaway for the son of a former Mexican president and soon became a favorite for Hollywood stars. Perched right where the Sonoran Desert slopes down into the Sea of Cortez, the resort sits on a marine hotspot with some of Los Cabos’ few swimmable beaches. A stay at One&Only Palmilla brings a mix of old-world glamour and second-to-none service with a backdrop of breathtaking ocean views from almost every area of the resort. Cinematic panoramas and an air of sophistication make for an experience rooted in comfort, beauty, and the finer things in life.
This is the kind of place where the butlers remember you from past trips, you get a complimentary dose of foot massage by the pool, and a team member may clean your sunglasses while you take a dip. Feel pampered, indulged, and taken care of – perfect for a romantic couple’s escape or a relaxing trip among friends.
Luxury Highlights:
- Private butler service in every room, elevating the stay with personalized touches and dedicated attention.
- Thoughtful details in guest rooms include Bose sound systems, binoculars and al fresco daybeds (spot marine life, stargaze and sip coffee to the crash of waves), and premium linen, pillow and bathrobe menus for Casita and One Bedroom Suites.
- Immaculate oceanview infinity pools (including adults only) and private beach cabanas with O&O service.
- World-class dining by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Seared and Suviche.
- Teeing off on the private greens of Palmilla Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
- Award-winning spa set in secluded tropical gardens – private couples’ treatments, tailored wellness journeys, ancient Maya rituals, exclusive skincare treatments by Dr Barbara Sturm, and more.
The Journey Mexico Touch
We love working with One&Only – we know they can deliver the premium level of service and care that our travelers expect. Beyond the resort, Journey Mexico takes care of your entire trip, from private door-to door vehicles and personalized experiences that connect you to the local surroundings, to tables at coveted restaurants and itinerary changes on the fly.
Our ravelers have told us just how much they value having a dedicated Virtual Travel Assistant while in Mexico – a member of our in-country team who knows your itinerary inside out and is available 24/7 for anything you might need. It’s like having a trusted local friend guide you through your journey and take care of the details, while you live in the moment.
What to Do in the Destinations
Around One&Only Palmilla, southern Baja California is defined by desert-meets-ocean beauty, rich marine life, dramatic coastal rock formations, and proximity to mountain oases and wetlands. This small area alone captures the geological and ecological contrasts that make Baja so unique and is one of the rare places where you can snorkel in warm seas, hike a desert canyon, and explore a mountain forest – all within an hour.
Only with Journey Mexico: our travelers love visiting Isla Espíritu Santo by Air – take to the skies on a scenic charter flight to La Paz, then explore the UNESCO-protected, uninhabited island by private boat. Snorkel beside playful sea lions, learn about the island’s volcanic geography, and picnic on pristine white sands.
See it in the full itinerary: The Essence of Cabo – Luxury and Nature at One&Only Palmilla
The diverse coastal region surrounding One&Only Mandarina encompasses charming beach towns, beloved local surf spots, and stunning natural beauty. Getting out on the water is a must to take in the glory of the ocean-meets-mountain environment. Witness dolphins and seasonal humpback whales from a private yacht or fish for the catch of the day and savor the freshest ceviche prepared on the spot. Spend the afternoon in the buzzy town of Sayulita sipping agave spirits like a local or drive a thrilling ATV through dirt trails winding through the jungle. For the surf fanatics and surf-curious – we’d love to take you to our Founder’s favorite secluded waves with pro local guides who became friends long ago – just ask!
With Journey Mexico: set out on a private boat to explore the rocky beauty of the Marieta Islands, formed offshore thousands of years ago. Snorkel amongst vibrant marine life, paddle past volcanic formations, and step onto Playa de Amor – a hidden beach nestled inside a sunken, open-sky crater.
See it in action: A Wild and Wonderful Family Journey to One&Only Mandarina
Ready to find your perfect escape?
Whether it’s wild adventures in the jungle or refined romance by the sea, our team is here to guide you to the One&Only experience that’s just right for you. Let us handle the details – you just show up and enjoy the journey.
Connect with us today and let’s start planning!