One&Only Palmilla is a stunning oceanfront resort located on the Baja Peninsula in Los Cabos.

Situated at the edge of the Baja Peninsula alongside the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla is a luxury resort set amongst stunning natural geography accompanied by extraordinary views of the Los Cabos landscape. It offers beachfront access to one of the few swimmable beaches in the entire region and has an array of rooms, suites, casita suites, and luxury villas (all with ocean views) to choose from.

Amenities include several stunning oceanfront infinity pools, an award-winning 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and One&Only Spa—a 22,000-square-foot wellness hub of indoor and outdoor space. Guests can relax in the hot and cold rock pools, steam rooms, saunas, and outdoor relaxation areas before and after their treatments.

Outdoor oceanside massages are also offered in private cabanas and guests can enjoy treatments in one of the Spa Villas, which are designed to offer exceptional levels of serenity and comfort—some with open-air garden pavilions, day beds, and cabanas. In addition to an extensive menu featuring ancient healing rituals, the spa’s celebrated Shaman will guide guests through a collection of traditional treatments designed for holistic well-being.

We interviewed Mark Bodnar, Director of Spa at One&Only Palmilla, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments, and more.

The resort’s multiple swimming pools include the Agua infinity pool that overlooks the Gulf of Cortez.

Why You’ll Love It: Our guests truly love and recognize our staff. Not a single day goes by without a comment from a guest sharing that they had the best massage experience of their life during their visit with us.

The reception area at One&Only Spa at One&Only Palmilla.

Key Features: Our co-ed relaxation facilities feature an indoor steam room and sauna, outdoor whirlpool and cold plunge pool, as well as separate relaxation pool areas and gardens. We have a beautiful central courtyard area complete with a juice bar where guests can relax and enjoy tranquil time before and after their services. In addition, our state-of-the-art fitness center features Technogym equipment and outdoor weight areas to enhance workouts in the sun-drenched Los Cabos weather.

The spa relaxation fountain in the enchanting Wellness Garden.

Insider’s Tip: I would recommend guests always take advantage of the heat facilities (steam, sauna or whirlpool) before they begin their treatment. The warmer and more relaxed the body is prior to a treatment or service, the more enhanced the spa experience will be.

Guests can enhance their spa journey by relaxing in the hot and cold rock pools, and outdoor relaxation areas.

Bonus: Our outdoor co-ed relaxation pool and garden, which are slightly hidden along the lush pathways throughout the spa. Guests are really wowed when they discover them.

Snacks Served: We serve a selection of fresh fruit smoothies and healthy juices from our juice bar.

Each of the Spa Villas is designed to offer exceptional levels of serenity and comfort—some with open-air garden pavilions, day beds, and cabanas.

Unique Treatment: Our Shaman-led Sunset Purification Ceremony is incredibly unique. It’s a spiritual journey designed to cleanse the auras and invigorate the senses. Drawing inspiration from the revered Mayo tribe of Sonora, the 90-minute Sunset Purification Ceremony embraces the last rays of the day’s sun with the traditional burning of copal incense and medicinal herbs renowned for their purification properties—cleansing aura, mind, and spirit. Next, backed by the soothing rhythms of indigenous local drums and calming ocean waves, our Shaman guides the guest through a transcendent meditation ritual, concluding with an ancient praise to the beauty and bounty of Mother Nature herself.

A private outdoor soaking tub in one of the treatment rooms.

Splurge Treatment: Our 90-minute Traditional Healing Ritual is pure bliss. It’s a traditional healing experience that begins with a cleansing ritual pairing aromatic copal incense with herb and flower-infused waters. This holistic healing experience will then lead into a deep body massage that is personally crafted to each individual’s unique specifications, designed to ease tight and tired muscles, erase stress, and revitalize all bodily systems.

Additionally, an array of traditional healing tools like fresh bamboo, hot stones, indigenous medicines, and a traditional rebozo stretching shawl may be employed to help coax the body into a deep state of relaxation and renewal. At ritual’s end, you’ll depart with both body and spirit fully refreshed, revitalized, and replenished. The experience is truly as authentic as Mexico itself.

Insider’s Favorite: My personal favorite treatment is the 90-minute Baja Deep Tissue Pindas Treatment. It’s a highly targeted body massage, incorporating gentle stretching and steamed herbal Pindas (poultices) to ease away muscle tension and general areas of tightness.