When you Viva Las Vegas 365 days a year, it can get a little crazy at times.  My husband and I try to get away, just the two of us, at least one time a year.  We do tons of date nights all year long, and take advantage of staying on the Strip for an over-nighter every now and then, but I’m talking really getting away.  Like to a deserted location, by ourselves, no cell phone access for weeks at a time.  OK, awake from that fantasy, and back to reality…more like a 4-5 day trip where we can relax, yet still be close enough to get home if we need to.  Cabo San Lucas is a perfect little hop, skip and 3-hour plane flight from Las Vegas.  Super easy. And, we splurge a bit in Cabo.  There are so many indulgences to take advantage of, and without the kiddos, it’s as better time as any!

This year, we had the privelage to stay at the Villas del Mar neighboring The One and Only Palmilla Cabo San Lucas.  Because we were not actual guests of the resort, we did not have easy access to the property.  However, with dinner or spa reservations, or the room number of a friend who is staying there, it is not a problem to gain access through the gates.

Once in, your world is transformed.  Respectful, quiet employees salute you with a hand over their heart and a bow with their head.  They direct you to the main entrance where you are then greeted with house-made popsicles and bottled water.  The decor is just as you would imagine with over sized metal lanterns that light the paths starting at sunset.  Flowers float in glass vases and fountains remind you of the peace and tranquility you were in search of at the beginning of your journey.

Where to Dine: Since we were guests of the Villas del Mar, we never saw the inside of the rooms, but we did explore the property quite a bit.  The Palmilla has several restaurants that are so wonderful, you should never have to leave the property.  Fine dining at its best is Market by Michelin starred chef, Jean-Georges, is a steak and seafood restaurant, the only one that is indoors, yet the views are transcending, especially at the bar. with large open windows that create the feel of being outdoors, yet still within the confines of a casually elegant restaurant.  Chef Jean Georges has several locations throughout the United States, one of them being the steakhouse, Jean Georges, in the Aria Resort in Las Vegas.  We were familiar with his Las Vegas location, and found several of the menu items available at Market.  It was also a nice treat to go home and sip on a Ginger margarita and reminisce about our trip to Cabo.  Our other favorite spot was Agua for breakfast.  A patio overlooks the ocean while you sip our coffee.  It was whale season while we were there, so we also had some entertainment, and not too far off the shore.  I have to say, I have been in both Hawaii and Mexico during whale season, and I’ve never seen whales that up close and personal as I have in Cabo.  Next to Agua is the Family pool, where children are permitted to swim.  It’s a great pool with several levels for wading, standing, and swimming, and is equipped with a swim up bar, lounge chairs and service.

Enjoying my cafe con leche at Agua at The One and Only Palmilla Cabo San Lucas

Relaxing Poolside: The main pool itself is a typical zero-edge looking out into the rocky shore below.  There is also a full bar, and the pool service is impeccable. Food and drinks are not the only things you can order to your lounge chair…a pair of masseuses from the Spa offer a 10 minute complimentary foot massage.  The pool attendants offer complimentary oxygen spritzes and ice cream lollipops in addition to making sure you don’t have to lift a finger…only to sip your cocktail.

The Beaches: Though the beaches that stretch along the Palmilla resort are not private, they are still manicured and lovely.  The sand is soft and you can swim in the water a bit down the beach.  The Palmilla offers  cabanas, lounges and hammocks on the sand near the water, and there are also servers available to those who prefer to lounge on the beach versus the pool.  If you take a stroll along the beach you will get a peek of of some of the most luxurious homes and villas Cabo has to offer.

The Spa:  The Spa at the Palmilla is wonderful.  As you may have already guessed, it is a bit pricey.  My husband and I negotiated and compromised.  I didn’t do any shopping this trip, and I was able to spend as much as he did fishing, well, OK, at least tipping the Captain of the boat.  Which was still a pretty decent amount!  It gave me room to choose one of the many 2-hour treatments offered on their extensive menu.  Those two hours were pure bliss.  The spa facilities themselves are rather small, much more so than I expected from a world class spa.  Understated and unassuming.  The treatment, however, was done in a private villa in a space that would have been perfect for a Girl’s Weekend or a Couple’s Experience.  An outdoor bath, glass shower, and  lounging bed helped create your own private escape.

Family Vacation or Couples Trip: My husband and I discuss everytime if we would bring our kids on the next trip.  Having the opportunity to experience the One and Only Palmilla resort as well as the Villas del Mar, I personally would do it this way:

• On a solo vacation without the kids, hands down, I would stay at the Palmilla resort.
• With the kiddos, I would opt for the Villa.

I appreciated the fact that there were no kids at the main pool.  That there was a separate pool for families.  After all, we were there to relax and unwind and take our minds off the hustle and bustle and daily chaos our 4 kids provide us.  At the same time, I totally get that families want a luxury vacation and a Villa doesn’t always provide them with their needs for travelling.  We have 4 kids, so trying to cram 6 of us in an over priced, under sized room would not be much of a vacation at all.  I would prefer the comfort of the Villa so my kids could be themselves…noisy and busy.  The One and Only Palmilla does offer a complimentary Kids Camp for children ages 4-11, filled with fun activities each day.

For more information, visit their website OneandOnlyResorts.com/Palmilla.