Celebrate the Holidays at Mexico's Most Magical Resorts
The holidays are coming, and they’re calling for something extraordinary. This year, let's skip the crowded malls and stressful travel. Instead of winter's chill, how about warm ocean breezes and twinkling lights that dance across Mexico’s palm-fringed beaches? One&Only Palmilla and One&Only Mandarina are transforming into winter wonderlands of their own, giving snow-covered destinations a run for their money.
These two exceptional Mexican resorts don't just offer a warm-weather escape from traditional holiday chaos. They create an entirely new way to experience the season. From gingerbread decorating sessions under swaying palms to midnight fireworks reflecting off the Pacific, every moment feels like stepping into a yuletide dream you never knew existed.
If you're ready to trade your winter coat for summer sandals this holiday season, here's everything you need to know about celebrating at these two remarkable destinations.
One&Only Mandarina
Festive, by Nature. Nestled within Riviera Nayarit's coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina creates seasonal magic that feels both enchanting and wild. This three-MICHELIN Key property spans over 640 acres of untouched natural beauty, where 200-year-old trees become the backdrop for your most memorable holiday celebration yet.
The resort's festive program transforms the jungle into a wonderland of twinkling lights and timeless traditions. Harvest ceremonies blend Mexican culture with seasonal celebration, while polo brunches offer an elegant twist on holiday gatherings. Tree-lighting events take on new meaning when surrounded by an ancient rainforest canopy, and Chef Enrique Olvera's show-stopping Thanksgiving dinner will elevate your dining experience to unprecedented heights.
Children discover their own slice of holiday cheer through gingerbread decorating sessions that taste as good as they look, while Santa visits feel extra special when he arrives by boat to this secluded coastal hideaway. Savor a New Year’s Eve dinner at Alma on December 31, included in your room rate. The shorefront shorée welcoming the New Year brings its own brand of cheer. Think champagne toasts with your toes in the sand and fireworks painting the sky above the Pacific.
ACCOMMODATIONS | That Whisper Holiday Comfort
Forget cramped hotel rooms during peak travel season. One&Only Mandarina offers 105 standalone treehouses and cliff-top villas that feel more like private jungle estates. Each treehouse sits nearly 40 feet above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of both the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.
Your treehouse becomes a holiday retreat complete with private terraces, plunge pools, and bathrooms that open directly into the forest. Earth-toned spaces blend seamlessly with the tropical landscape, making you feel like you're living inside a luxury nature documentary. The sound of waves mingles with tropical birds as you sip morning coffee from your elevated perch.
Cliff villas offer an equally stunning alternative, nestled in the heart of the rainforest with plunge pools and rooms that open directly into the jungle. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom let you shower while watching butterflies and tropical birds start their day.
Discover the magic of the Grand Villas and One&Only Private Homes – some of Mexico’s most exclusive and inviting retreats, perfect for families and friends looking to get away together. These beautiful spaces offer you plenty of room and complete privacy, all while treating you to stunning sea views. Relax on sun-warmed terraces, taking a dip in your own infinity pool, working out in a private gym, or enjoying a movie night in your personal cinema – everything you need for a truly special escape. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to bring the outdoors in, surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest so peaceful and untouched. Choose from cozy 1 to 3-bedroom Grand Villas or expansive Private Homes with 4 to 10 bedrooms, comfortably fitting up to 28 guests. Whether it’s a quiet family holiday or an adventurous friends’ reunion, these homes offer a warm, welcoming space.
ADVENTURE | Not Your Ordinary Traditions
Seasonal traditions take on new meaning when your playground spans 640 acres of coastal rainforest. Instead of mall shopping, spend your morning ziplining through emerald canopies or learning polo at the impressive equestrian center. Discover the spirit of Los Nietos, a new generation of sacred trees growing next to legendary 500-year-old La Abuela, on a hiking destination steeped in spiritual significance.
Explore the water like never before. You can paddleboard along pristine coastlines, ride the perfect waves, or unwind on white sandy beaches that feel like your own private paradise. The resort's Jetty Beach Club is nestled in a stunning, palm-fringed cove, giving you access to crystal-clear waters and captivating volcanic rock reefs just waiting to be explored.
After all the family fun, sometimes you just need a peaceful escape. For those seeking a truly restorative experience, the One&Only Spa draws on ancient spiritual healing traditions. We highly recommend the temazcal experience. This pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ceremony offers the ultimate detox from holiday stress and the everyday hustle.
DINING | Celebrating Mexico's Culinary Heritage
Holiday dining reaches new heights with One&Only Mandarina's exceptional culinary program. Carao offers high-altitude dining with authentic Mexican flavors that honor both tradition and innovation. Mediterranean cuisine at Alma provides elegant alternatives, while The Treetop Bar serves sunset cocktails, ideal for some adult time away, and welcomes guest bartenders from world-renowned bars for exclusive mixology takeovers.
Down by the water, Jetty Beach Club offers laid-back dining with the sea breeze in your hair and sand between your toes. You can't go wrong with local favorites like catch-of-the-day tostadas, freshly shucked oysters, and asian-inspired dishes.
Night on Us
Take your time to connect with the elements at One&Only Mandarina. Book a Treehouse, Cliff Villa, Grand Villa, or Private Home and enjoy four nights for the price of three, or seven nights for the price of five. Offer is valid on reservations through December 22, 2025, and includes the following exclusive perks:- Four nights for the price of three
- Seven nights for the price of five
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two per bedroom
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- $100 USD resort or hotel credit to be used during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
One&Only Palmilla
Holiday Elegance in Los Cabos. Believe in the magic of the holidays on the sun-drenched shores of the Baja Peninsula at One&Only Palmilla. This legendary resort, originally built in 1956 and later transformed by a stunning $90 million renovation, effortlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary luxury to create a uniquely festive atmosphere.
Twinkling lights dance in warm Baja breezes, casting palm-frond shadows across enchanted pathways as the essence of Los Cabos becomes infused with childlike wonder. The resort's seasonal programming includes culinary tastings and workshops, strolling markets reminiscent of European Christmas markets, and a seaside Santa's Workshop for arts and crafts that beats any mall experience.
Children experience their own winter wonderland at Laponia, the resort's magical KidsOnly club. At the same time, adults enjoy everything from Christmas Eve dining extravaganzas to Santa's Christmas Day parade and North Pole Pool Party.
ACCOMMODATIONS | Steeped in Tradition
One&Only Palmilla's 174 oceanfront guest rooms, suites, and private villas wrap you in privacy and Old-World Mexican charm, creating the perfect setting for your family's cherished traditions. Each space combines locally inspired décor, handcrafted woodwork, and curated Mexican ceramics with contemporary luxury amenities, offering a warm and inviting escape.
Spacious patios and balconies offer uninterrupted sea views, providing a front-row seat to stunning sunsets, whale sightings, and refreshing ocean breezes—perfect for relaxing evenings with a blanket or a cup of cocoa. For a more intimate experience, the new Palmilla plunge pool category, located on the ground floor of the resort, invites you to start the day with a refreshing dip as the sun rises over the Sea of Cortez. Meanwhile, Villa Cortez and Villa One deliver ultimate comfort and exclusivity for larger groups or families seeking a place to come together. It's just like home, only better.
The recently renovated Villa Cortez, styled as a traditional hacienda, features four bedrooms, a private gym and spa, a 12-person theater, an infinity pool, and direct beach access. It's the ideal place to share stories, exchange gifts, or enjoy a meal by the sea. Villa One, perched on the resort's highest point, offers breathtaking panoramic views, a private spa treatment room, an infinity-edge pool, and a fire pit - perfect for evenings spent under the stars, reminiscing with loved ones. Every detail invites you to embrace the spirit of the season in comfort and style.
AMENITIES | Designed for Holiday Relaxation
Enjoy two incredible infinity pools, including a peaceful adults-only retreat with jaw-dropping cliffside views. Relax with poolside service that includes chilled sunscreen, waterside massages, and plenty of shaded spots to unwind completely. For those looking to stay active, the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course offers stunning views of the canyon and ocean. You’ll also receive exclusive access to the private Mountain and Arroyo courses.
This season, you can now book a private One&Only yacht anchored in Palmilla Bay, just steps away from the resort. The seamless experience can be booked for a private whale watching tour, romantic sunset cruise to El Arco, or a leisurely day at sea with activities for the entire family. To ensure everyone enjoys the holidays, family amenities are thoughtfully designed. The complimentary KidsOnly club keeps children aged 4 to 11 engaged with age-appropriate activities while parents enjoy adult relaxation time.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the award-winning One&Only Spa offers a tranquil retreat. Featuring 13 private, open-air villas, guests can indulge in ancient traditions such as the Temazcal steam bath guided by resident shamans. Each villa includes its own private courtyard, plunge pool, and garden sanctuary, creating an intimate oasis for rejuvenation.
DINING | Savor Mexico's Festive Spirit
One&Only Palmilla is the perfect place to celebrate and savor the country’s rich culinary traditions with the people you love. At Agua, you’ll enjoy traditional and modern Mexican cuisine celebrating the country’s vast regions, flavor profiles, and culture. Pair it all with incredible Mexican wines while soaking up breathtaking sea views. The intimate 28-seat Hoshi offers a seasonally inspired omakase experience rooted in Japanese tradition.
For a special night, head to SEARED for perfectly aged steaks, Wagyu A5 and wood-fired grilled delicacies or explore the property’s newest dining destination, Palmilla Social Club. The dynamic culinary and social destination brings to life the concept of “Rooted in Baja” across three distinct outlets featuring all day dining at Lucille’s Kitchen, freshly baked goods at Lucille’s Café and a spirited 19th hole bar and lounge inspired by Palmilla’s golden age.
Prefer something more casual? Breeze offers open-air dining all day, from leisurely breakfasts to poolside bites with a Mediterranean twist. No matter where you dine, every meal is made for sharing moments with friends and family.
Suite Escape
Framing uninterrupted sea views, One&Only Palmilla's expansive suites offer a welcoming retreat for all ages. Book a stay in one of our suites and enjoy exclusive benefits including resort credit based on suite category. Offer valid for all room types except One&Only Casita Suite, Villa One and Villa Cortez for stays through January 6, 2026 and includes the following perks:- Up to 5% off your room rate
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- Complimentary rount trip airport transfers
- $150 USD resort or hotel credit for Jr Suites & One-Bedroom Suites
- $200 USD resort or hotel credit for Casita One Bedroom Suites
