Mexico is a powerhouse of colours, flavours and sounds. A sensory overload in the best way, this is where travellers come to party, eat, relax or be inspired. From its palm-fringed beaches to Mayan ruins, vibrant metropolises, dreamy cenotes and cactus-studded deserts, this soulful nation should be high on everyone’s bucket list. Whether it’s exploring ancient pyramids or stepping inside the home of Mexico’s most famous artist, read on for the ultimate list of things to do in Mexico.
We spent 4 nights here with our two young children and can’t recommend it enough. The property is stunning, it never felt crowded, impeccably clean, the rooms were the nicest we’ve ever stayed in, and the food and drinks were truly out of this world. At every restaurant! The pools were so lovely and family friendly (with lots of complimentary toys), and the beach was beautiful. But the thing that would make us return was the staff — so kind, so friendly, always going above and beyond, and a pleasure to chat with. Everyone at the pool, at the restaurants, the kids activities, and the housekeeping staff was just the best of the best. In particular, Martha at the pool — we always arrived early and she greeted us with a warm smile and by name, happy to chat with my kids and help in any way. And Yojan, also at the pool, was so helpful, always remembering our names and making our stay more fun.
10.0
Tyler P.
5 star and absolutely stunning from top to bottom. Resort was spotless and impeccable. From the service to the food, well done chileno bay resort, well done. My wife and I have been to a lot of nice resorts around the world and this may now be at the top of our list. Comal, was a food experience you must try if you stay here. Also, the beach on property is one of the only swimmable beaches is Cabo. Thank you all, for a wonderful stay. We are already planning our next trip back in December
10.0
Taylor G.
Had a wonderful experience here. The condos are gorgeous, the staff we friendly and helpful, plenty of options for activities from snorkeling, to pickleball, to golf, to a private movie theater. The food and drinks were excellent and the comfort station was convenient for quick on-the-go snacks. 10 out of 10 experience.
10.0
Laima B.
I don’t really leave reviews but had to for the Chileno. One of the best stays we have ever had, truly exceptional and exceeded all of my expectations. From arrivals, concierge, housekeeping, service at the restaurants (especially at breakfast), the staff and service are 5 star, everyone goes out of their way for you. A special thank you to Juan and his team at the pool for making our experience extra special.
Now the property…just stunning. Modern design with so much attention to detail. The room had everything we could have imagined. We loved the outdoor shower and even the binoculars for whale watching.
Thank you Auberge team for an amazing stay. We will definitely be back!
Celebrate Día de los Muertos: the Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos celebrations at One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos.
Mexico’s legendary Día de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead – is typically celebrated on 1 and 2 November each year and has its roots in ancient Aztec tradition. This colourful carnival may at first glance seem macabre, but in fact, it’s a joyous celebration of those loved and lost. Across the nation, the streets come to life in honour of the dead, with kaleidoscopic parades, altars laced with marigold flowers and offerings for the departed, and Calavera (those instantly recognisable, colourfully painted skulls).
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for this UNESCO Human World Heritage-listed holiday, choose a resort that fully embraces the tradition, such as Viceroy Los Cabos, Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa (which is currently offering special rates for five-night stays over the period) or One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, which offer a calendar of unmissable events.
One & Only exceeded our expectations in every way. The service was top-notch from start to finish, and having direct communication with our butler throughout the trip made everything effortless. The property itself is incredible day or night. I really feel like they undersell just how great this resort is. We can’t wait to comeback or try some of there other properties. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff!
10.0
Esther N.
Our stay One&Only Palmilla has been amazing! We are staying at the Junior Casita Suite with a view of the ocean from a private infinity pool, and needless to say, it is a true vacation. Excellent staff and room service is top notch! The grounds are full of greenery and beautiful florals and trees. But the biggest highlight for us has been Lucille’s Cafe and Lucille’s Kitchen at the Social Cub. It’s One&Only’s most undiscovered hidden gem due to having only been open for less than a year. It is about a 10 minute golf cart ride off the main property but TOTALLY worth it! It is one of the restaurants included in the Complimentary breakfast options as well. We were so impressed with the staff at both the Cafe and the Kitchen – Hector, Jonatan, Mario, Beto, Pablo, Irak, Apollo, Fernando, Chef Alexis, and so many others. Just amazing people! The restaurant has a nice view with a bar where you can watch the FIFA games from a pool. The food is outstanding from presentation to flavors. See photos. We have gone for breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner. I would highly recommend not just the hotel itself but Lucille’s cafe and also the Kitchen as part of your stay. You won’t regret it!
10.0
Kalyn W.
My husband and I are staying at One & Only Palmilla and it has been great! Everything from our rooms to overall experience has been amazing. Our guest experience people Ivan and Perla have made our trip easy and relaxing. We have been eating at Lucille’s kitchen for both breakfast and dinner and the service and food have been amazing! We had Mario as our server and his recommendations and service were amazing!
10.0
Nadia D.
My husband and I had an absolutely incredible experience at Lucille’s at One&Only Palmilla. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable and truly deserving of five stars.
A special thank you to Mario and Jesus, who went above and beyond to make our evening unforgettable. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout our visit.
The food was exceptional, the ambiance was elegant and sophisticated, and every aspect of the experience reflected the luxury and excellence that One&Only Palmilla is known for. The beautiful setting, outstanding amenities, and world-class hospitality created a truly memorable experience.
If you’re visiting Los Cabos, I highly recommend both Lucille’s and the One&Only Palmilla resort. The level of service, the quality of the cuisine, and the overall atmosphere are second to none. This is luxury at its finest, and it absolutely lives up to its five-star reputation.
From booking to check out, we were well taken care of. At check in we were introduced to our private concierge team who communicated with us via WhatsApp. They answered all of our questions and
booked our activities for us whenever we reached out. From the location of the rooms, the layout of the pool area, check in and out, and dining the little details were well considered in the design and running of this hotel.
10.0
AnonymousUS
Very beautiful property great service. Rooftop dinner was spectacular
10.0
AnonymousUS
I’m an auberge guest usually. We saw a deal for the viceroy so we took a chance. We are so happy we did. Best hotel experience we’ve ever had. Staff is amazing. The rooms are huge and clean and sleek. The hotel grounds were literal art. From the pools to the floating moats surrounding. Highly recommend.
10.0
AnonymousUS
The hotel is modern and the room was very clean. It’s located in the hotel district and is extremely convenient to local restaurants and the gallery district. Our hotel butlers, Victoria and Edin, were incredibly friendly and helpful—they even set up a surprise for our anniversary night, which made our stay extra special
10.0
AnonymousZA
Best destination ever🙌🏽
Explore the Teotihuacan Ruins
UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Teotihuacan.
Just 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Teotihuacan, a pre-Hispanic city built between the 1st and 7th centuries. Here you’ll find a complex of astounding pyramids set in one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas. See the two major pyramids that the site’s renowned for: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Afterwards, take a stroll down the Avenue of the Dead and imagine what life would’ve been like 2,000 years ago.
Visit Frida Kahlo’s House
Casa Azul (blue house), Coyoacán.
Art and culture seekers can’t miss the chance to visit the ‘Casa Azul’ (blue house) in Coyoacán, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Mexico City. This stunning cobalt residence was home to Frida Kahlo, one of the most famous Mexican artists of all time. Wander through the rooms and admire some of her easily recognisable paintings, among her other art and personal belongings. It’s a profound glimpse into Frida’s fascinating life and the stories behind some of her most iconic work.
It would be a traveller’s crime if you visited Tulum and didn’t take a dip in the crystal-clear ocean. Picture gentle swells of the most vibrant turquoise colour, lapping at pure white sand while preserved Mayan ruins stand nearby. This postcard-perfect scenario draws international visitors in droves, making Tulum one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. Hop between Playa Ruinas (close to the Tulum Ruins), Tulum South Beach (for cool beach club vibes), and Playa Paraiso (for palm-fringed paradise and snorkelling).
Ready to book your dream Tulum escape? Check out the all-inclusive Aloft Tulum.
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chichen Itza Mayan, Mexico.
If there’s one thing that says ‘bucket-list experience’ it’s visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chichen Itza Mayan ruins see around two million visitors each year, and for good reason. Believed to be over 1,500 years old, the ruins are made up of uniquely designed buildings that reflect the astronomy and architectural expertise of the Mayan people. See the Temple of Kukulkan, a pyramid with 91 steps on each of its sides, adding up to 365 steps (together with the temple platform) for each calendar day.
Discover a hidden gem – or should we say golden nugget – in Izamal, a small town along the Yucatan Peninsula. The first thing you’ll notice is the warm, yellow hue of the buildings and the striking Spanish Colonial architecture. Why yellow? No one really knows – some say it’s to honour the Mayan sun god, Kinich Kak Moo. Others believe it was painted in preparation for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993. While you’re here, take a stroll downtown and admire the architecture, visit Convento de San Antonio de Padua (one of the oldest Catholic monasteries on the Americas continent) and shop for handicrafts and folk art.
Get lost in a magical garden at Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Mexico.
There’s something so calming about being among greenery, and you can enjoy such leafy serenity at Vallarta Botanical Gardens, in the tropical highlands of the Sierra Madre mountains. Discover the country’s most extensive array of native orchids, breathe in the scent from the vanilla bean orchid, see huge species of succulent and watch as vibrant hummingbirds flit from flower to flower. You’ll also see cacao trees and blue agave – both integral plants responsible for some of Mexico’s most revered exports: chocolate and tequila.
