Sunset panorama of Playa Palmilla’s protected cove

The general vibe: discreet, beachside luxury

Palmilla is defined by quiet elegance and effortless access to a rare, swimmable Blue Flag beach. The protected cove at Playa Palmilla maintains a calm and family-friendly atmosphere, establishing a tranquil rhythm that contrasts with Cabo San Lucas’s vibrant nightlife across the corridor. This shoreline has held Blue Flag status for years and remains a favorite for safe ocean dips and relaxed days on the sand.  

The residential fabric blends iconic enclaves, including Villas Del Mar, Espiritu, and Palmilla Del Mar, around the One&Only Palmilla resort. The feel is refined and private, with gated access, professional security, and an emphasis on discretion. For many owners, this balance of beachfront ease and low-profile luxury is precisely the appeal.  

How to Access Palmilla: Entrances and Directions

Prime location along the Golden Corridor

Palmilla enjoys one of the most strategic locations in all of Los Cabos. Positioned along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, the community is situated less than ten minutes from the historic downtown area of San José and approximately twenty minutes from the Cabo San Lucas marina. This location allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds, quiet luxury inside Palmilla and seamless access to shopping, dining, and nightlife nearby.

Entrances to Palmilla

Palmilla is a prestigious master-planned community that features a variety of enclaves, each with its own character and level of access. While some sub-communities are fully gated with 24/7 private security, others are more open. The main entrance is directly off the Transpeninsular Highway (Mexico 1), just past the Palmilla bridge from San José del Cabo. A beautifully landscaped boulevard guides residents and visitors into the development, with clear signage pointing to renowned enclaves such as Villas Del Mar, Espiritu Del Mar, Caleta Palmilla, and the One&Only Palmilla resort. Within the master plan, additional security gates protect specific neighborhoods, ensuring both exclusivity and peace of mind, reinforcing Palmilla’s reputation as one of the most desirable and secure addresses in Los Cabos.

Directions from Los Cabos International Airport

Palmilla is approximately 20 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Travelers take the Transpeninsular Highway south toward Cabo San Lucas, passing through San José del Cabo before arriving at Palmilla. The drive is straightforward, with well-exits. Google map 

For residents and visitors, private drivers, luxury shuttle services, and ride-hailing apps provide easy airport transfers. Many homeowners also keep vehicles within Palmilla’s private garages, making local commuting secure and straightforward.

Directions from Cabo San Lucas

From Cabo San Lucas, Palmilla is about 20–25 minutes east along the Transpeninsular Highway. The route offers sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez and quick access to other luxury communities along the Corridor, including Querencia, El Dorado, and Cabo del Sol.
Google map

Accessibility highlights (Pros & Cons)

Palmilla’s central position is one of its strongest assets. The community offers unmatched convenience, located close to Playa Palmilla, world-class golf, and the cultural charm of San José del Cabo. At the same time, easy access to the highway means occasional road noise and busier traffic during high season. For most residents, however, this trade-off is more than justified by the ease of reaching airports, marinas, hospitals, and shopping districts within minutes.

What You Need to Know

Palmilla is a master-planned community in Los Cabos, spanning over 1,000 acres of oceanfront land and blending luxury, nature, and exclusivity in a vibrant yet accessible setting.

Amenities You’ll Fall in Love With

• World-class golf: Three Jack Nicklaus-designed courses (Mountain, Ocean, Arroyo), ranked among the best in Mexico, are perfect for both play and enjoying panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.
• Private beach club: An exclusive oceanfront retreat with sun decks, watersports, and upscale dining.
• Spa and wellness: From luxury treatments to high-end fitness centers, Palmilla is designed for relaxation, connection, and renewal.
• Club Ninety Six & Club Espíritu (in Del Mar): One is a beachfront club offering water activities, while the other is a wellness hub featuring a gym, spa, and instructor-led classes.
• The Shoppes at Palmilla: A boutique shopping center with gourmet restaurants, cafés, unique shops, and an organic market—just minutes away by golf cart.
• Nature and open spaces: Scenic viewpoints like Mirador de la Cruz (with 360° vistas), walking trails, and landscaped areas for family time.
• Security and peace of mind: Controlled access and 24/7 security. The community also organizes family-friendly activities, including a kids’ club.

Palmilla Pros and Cons: What to Know Before Buying

Restaurants at Palmilla Los Cabos: What to Expect

Inside One&Only Palmilla Resort

• SEARED: Contemporary steakhouse by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serving premium cuts like Wagyu A5 and Kobe—order by the ounce. 
• Suviche: A playful, upscale fusion of ceviche and sushi using high-quality local seafood. 
• Agua (by Larbi): Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine on a clifftop—think sustainable seafood, handmade tortillas, tableside guac, and dreamy ocean views. 
• Breeze Café: Relaxed, all-day bistro serving comfort food with coastal flair. 
• One&Only Lounge: A stylish, cozy spot for post-dinner drinks. 
• Herb Garden: Herb-forward dishes served in a garden-inspired setting. 
• Pelican Beach Grill: Easygoing beachfront bites, perfect for sunny, relaxed dining. 

At The Shoppes at Palmilla

Just a short golf-cart ride away, these spots mix creativity, flavor, and local charm:

• Clase Azul La Terraza: Elegant Mexican fare, cocktails, immersive tastings, and a boutique with iconic Clase Azul decanters. 
• Señora Cocina, Casa & Cantina: Cozy cantina celebrating Mexico’s women and cuisine—regional dishes and crafted cocktails. 
• Chin’s Cabo: Chinese–Mexican fusion, seafood-focused with classics like Peking Duck; generous portions and good value. 
• Dr. Juice: “Food-as-pharmacy” concept with wellness-focused smoothies, juices, and superfood snacks. 
• California ranch market

Palmilla Dunes

• Il Splendido: Upscale Italian–Mediterranean in Palmilla Dunes. Expect a smart-casual, elegant setting with fresh, homemade pastas, Italian classics, select seafood, delicate cuts of meat, live music on Fridays, and a romantic vibe, perfect for special evenings.