We’re celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary and want a luxurious beach week in Cabo. No kids, but we really care about great food, good service, and beautiful rooms.
What do you think about Montage versus One & Only? Please share your thoughts!
Have you considered Las Ventanas? One & Only was a letdown for me. Bad food and service. My butler took ages to reply on WhatsApp. The adult pool was super crowded, and I had to fight for a chair. This really turned me off the One & Only brand.
I figured that might be it! Chileno Bay has a beautiful, calm beach that’s perfect for swimming! If you’re not set on dates or budget, I highly recommend looking into Auberge. You should also book through a travel agent who can get you perks at whichever hotel you choose. These perks usually include complimentary breakfast, resort credits, upgrades, and early check-in or late check-out, but they vary by property!
I absolutely LOVE Las Ventanas! It’s perfect for a romantic couple’s trip. Montage or Esperanza are also great choices for a romantic getaway (no kids). One & Only is okay, but it’s more family-friendly. If you have questions or need help with booking, just let me know!
Both One & Only and Montage have great food and service, but the atmosphere and room styles are quite different. One & Only feels more tropical with its lush surroundings and traditional Mexican decor. Montage, on the other hand, has a modern, desert look with sleek concrete designs. At One & Only, the ocean is for viewing only, but the sand is nice for walks. Montage’s beach is swimmable (though it was full of jellyfish when I went), but it’s pebbly. They both have adult-only pools; One & Only has a separate one, while Montage’s is integrated. We had a great time at Montage with our kids, but I prefer One & Only when it’s just me and my husband. You really can’t go wrong with either option or other resorts others have mentioned. Enjoy your trip!
One & Only Palmilla is classic and gives off vibes of rich travel from the 70s. It’s a bit older but very well-kept. I’ve heard some complaints about the golf course conditions though. My favorite is Las Ventanas. I’ve also stayed at Four Seasons East Cape and Chileno Bay. If you’re up for a 60-90 minute drive, check out Todos Santos; we absolutely love it there. Most hotels are adults-only, like San Cristobal, Villa Santa Cruz, and Paradero—they’re all really cool and chic. A new boutique hotel just opened downtown—Hotel Todos Santos—and it has a fantastic cocktail bar. If you love farm-to-table restaurants, this area is a gem. I recommend spending 2-3 nights in Todos and the rest in Cabo if you can. If you need help with any of this, my wife runs Scouted Travel, and we’ve spent a lot of time exploring hotels in Baja California. Feel free to ask any questions!
I work in luxury travel, and here’s where we send our adult clients for the ultimate beach experience:
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is all about exclusivity. Guests enter through a private tunnel, and every room has a plunge pool with stunning ocean views. Don’t miss dinner at El Farallon—it’s a magical seafood experience on the cliffs. Plus, the tequila and mezcal tastings by the fire pit are perfect for a romantic evening.
Montage Los Cabos is another favorite. It’s located on one of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches, Santa Maria Bay. The pool area is top-notch, and private cabanas are a must for a relaxing day. Guests rave about the modern feel and Mezcal restaurant for its creative Mexican dishes. The spa is fantastic, especially the couples’ treatments.
One & Only Palmilla is timeless and iconic. The personalized butler service is incredible. But if I were your travel advisor, I’d suggest considering the other two options if they have availability. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Let me know if you have questions or need assistance!
I wasn’t aware of any construction, so I called my contact there. They’re on night shift, but the concierge said there’s construction next to the resort, not at Montage. There might be some noise starting around 9 AM, but it’s not completely disruptive. I’d recommend starting with Waldorf if you can. Grand Velas is also a great choice if you want to mix things up. Let me know if you need any more help!
Got it! If that’s a must, here are some options I recommend for Cabo that have swimmable beaches:
You could take a small chance and go for Montage. It’s a fantastic resort.
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is on one of Cabo’s best swimmable beaches. It’s a beautiful resort with spacious residences overlooking the water. The pool area is lively, and their COMAL restaurant is a hit. The beach is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
While not luxurious, Hilton Los Cabos is on one of the few swimmable beaches, Tequila Cove, and always provides great service. It’s a 5-star resort with modern, spacious rooms, many featuring ocean views and private balconies. The Eforea Spa is fantastic for couples’ treatments, and the beach cabanas are a must for a relaxing day by the water. Dining at Vela offers elevated Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, while Talavera is great for a romantic dinner. Check out this itinerary: Babymoon in Cabo - Best of Los Cabos.
I’m here to help if you need assistance with your itinerary or bookings. Trust me, this is a good problem to have! You can’t go wrong with these choices!