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by Glen White (our CEO)
There comes a time in life when every CEO or Senior Executive ‘over does it.’ If you ever find yourself in this situation in the future, there is a place only hours flying time from Southern California that can provide the service and solace to incur a full battery recharge.
The One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico is the ultimate luxury getaway with its red-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls; this idyllic setting of exquisite fountains has the gracious style of Old Mexico, quietly nestled amidst swaying palms and tropical bloom.
The One & Only Palmilla sits a short cab ride from the airport in San Jose and ideally situated 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Cabo. The luxury resort features a wide range of spacious ocean-view rooms looking out across the Sea of Cortez, and it is not unusual for guests to see Grey Whales rising majestically out to the sea not too far from the One & Only’s dramatic shoreline.
It is often said that great reputations cannot be bought - they are earned over time. But the One & Only brand has to be given all of the right accolades for all their venues. With six other locations in addition to the One & Only Palmilla, this is a luxury holiday experience that should be tried by all those who just love to get the best of everything.
A good friend of mine once said recently that the route to success was ‘differentiation,’ and well with that being said, this resort is head and shoulders above your average Cabo experience. In fact, it is generally head and shoulders above all other resorts (that being said, I have not been to Sandy Lane, Barbados yet, but I am sure I will soon – watch this space!)
THE PEOPLE
To the ‘people’ at One & Only Palmilla - a cut above the rest is probably the only way to describe them. George Sotelo, Hotel Manager, is ‘coolness’ personified; he has his earpiece in his pocket and control of this amazing Cabo resort down to a ‘T’ and everyone, and I mean everyone is just as cool, and just as good.
I have so many fond memories of this place: Cecilia their PR Director; Monserat as front of house at Suviche or Market; Barbara as the Food Director; and all the guys who wondered who the hell this crazy Englishman was at 5am everyday in his sweats and UGG slippers - they just provide the most amazing service.
DINING
Where next you may ask, well it has to be the place to a ‘man’s heart’ and that is food – there is so much great food at the One & Only Palmilla, it is outrageous. What more could you ask for? Suviche by Jean-Georges and the cool bar Vongerichten (though slightly repetitive in their music, that’s coming from a guy that likes dance music). Suviche has the best sushi; so I was in heaven as I just love tempura and spicy tuna rolls.
The more formal dining experience at Market by Jean-Georges has a unique concept and is well-worth the money. Elegance at Market is personified and reflects a Euro-Asian cuisine, but I recommend the corn ravioli and the parmesan crusted chicken, although my wife thinks differently - she was shrimp and lamb chops swilled down with a fine French Sancerre.
For a more light-hearted meal, dine at Agua whilst gazing over the Sea of Cortez. The venue is headed by Chef Larbi Dahrouch, one of Morocco’s most sought after chefs. I used a phrase that Larbi Darouch was the funniest Moroccan I had ever met, and while he is funny, I said it because he is the only Moroccan that I have ever met! Larbi is a great guy, a family man, a great Chef and he served me the dinner of a lifetime overlooking the bluff – amazing, amazing, amazing – thanks buddy!
THE YACHT
If you like the sea then let this be a tip to ALL visitors to the One & Only Palmilla, take their boat out for a day. This resort has a fully staffed Azimut 40S that can give you a ‘million dollar’ yacht experience like no other. Take the boat, as we did, from Cabo Marina and tour the coastline - bloody amazing and for four to eight guests for four hours, it really is not that expensive but worth every dollar, thanks to the team that gave us an amazing afternoon, never to be forgotten.
THE SPA
Final tip that I can offer: the Spa Services and Wellness Center is a ‘sanctuary’ that has to be ‘tried-out’. There is an ‘a la carte’ menu to take you on a spa journey second to none. Their job is to help you unwind, relax, restore your mental well being and elevate your feeling of inner calm; this place just does this for you – this is a 6-star facility with an amazing ambience.
I think that really says it all about the One & Only Palmilla - it really is awesome, but if you want a cheap break, do not bother (although they do have ‘deals’ at certain times). But if, like me, you just needed those few days of not working - even though I did - and you want the ‘best of the best,’ then I would recommend One & Only Palmilla as the place to go in Mexico as it really has everything, the venue is first class, the staff rocks, the service is truly amazing and it will leave you feeling like a million dollars, maybe even a billion.
