Palmilla Social Club Review: Insider Look at One&Only Palmilla
Some places imprint themselves on you instantly, and One&Only Palmilla has always been one of those places for me. But on my recent visit, I stepped into something entirely new—the official soft opening of the Palmilla Social Club, a project Palmilla residents have been anticipating for years and one that guests are only now beginning to discover.
Being there on opening day felt like getting a privileged glimpse into Palmilla’s next chapter—one that honors its iconic heritage while creating an elevated new gathering place for guests and homeowners.
Arrival: A Courtyard That Sets the Tone Instantly
Walking through the archway into the Social Club for the very first time, I felt that familiar Palmilla exhale.
The courtyard is striking in its simplicity—arched colonnades, palms swaying against a crystal-blue sky, and a sculptural fountain anchoring the space. Beyond it, the fairway rolls toward the Sea of Cortez, framing the entire scene in that unmistakable Palmilla calm.
Even on opening day, the space felt lived-in—residents chatting near the fountain, golfers drifting toward Sala 56, staff greeting guests with the warmth Palmilla is known for. It already felt like a natural extension of the resort.
Thoughtful, Local, and Unmistakably Palmilla
The design feels graceful and intentional—open-air, natural stone floors, warm woods, and lounge seating arranged for conversation rather than formality.
Nothing competes with the sea or the view.
The Social Club was created to feel like a living room for Palmilla’s community, and that philosophy carries through every space.
And just opposite the golf shop, there’s a brand-new retail space that remains unoccupied—a small mystery, but given Palmilla’s track record with curated partnerships, I’m confident it will become something special.
Lucille’s: A Love Letter to Palmilla’s Golden Past
My first stop was Lucille’s, the Social Club’s signature restaurant, named for actress Lucille Bremer—who, with her husband Abelardo Rodríguez, built the original Hotel Palmilla in 1954.
The homage is soft but intentional.
Lucille’s legacy sets the tone: timeless glamour, unhurried luxury, and a sense of belonging.
Inside, the textures are warm and layered—rounded booths, sculptural planters, and a soothing palette that blends beautifully with Baja light.
I ordered the tempura-fried fish taco, prepared by a chef trained in Japanese technique, and a margarita topped with ginger foam—bright, aromatic, and unforgettable. Everything tasted impossibly fresh and deeply rooted in Baja flavors.
Sala 56: Where Golf Culture Meets Golden-Hour Glamour
A few steps away sits Sala 56, the Social Club’s open-air cocktail lounge. “Sala” translates to lounge; 56 marks 1956, the year Palmilla opened to the public.
The layout is airy and anchored by a sweeping wraparound bar, surrounded by teak lounge seating and views that stretch from the fairway to the sea.
Late afternoon at Sala 56 feels unmistakably Palmilla.
Golfers drift in from the course, settling into the patio chairs or circling the bar—laughing, replaying putts, and sharing stories with that easy camaraderie that seems to come naturally here.
It’s relaxed, sun-drenched, and genuinely lively.
But when golden hour hits, everything shifts.
The breeze softens.
The light warms.
The pools beside the patio turn glassy and still.
And suddenly, Sala 56 becomes a glamorous evening lounge—an effortless, open-air space perfect for martinis, Baja sunsets, and long conversations that stretch past dusk.
The Moment I’ll Never Forget
As I settled into a seat overlooking the fairway, conversations drifted around me—stories of villas in Amalfi, yacht weekends, babies just welcomed, families popping down for a quick visit, and others who have retired to this coastline completely.
It struck me then:
this is what the Palmilla Social Club is designed to be—an anchor for a global community that returns to Palmilla year after year because it feels like its own world.
What Guests of One&Only Palmilla Can Access Today
While the private pool and locker rooms remain exclusive to residents, hotel guests now have access to:
- Lucille’s
- Lucille’s Café
- Sala 56
- The golf shop
It’s the perfect complement to Palmilla’s beaches, restaurants, and iconic service. Guests will arrive via shuttle from he resort.
A New Layer to the Palmilla Experience
For loyal Palmilla travelers, the Social Club adds something meaningful:
- A new dining destination- which will also host a Sunday Brunch
- A lively cocktail lounge that evolves with the day
- More programming
- Additional places to relax between the resort and course
- A deeper connection to Palmilla’s heritage
It doesn’t replace anything—it enriches what already makes Palmilla unforgettable.
Considering a Stay at One&Only Palmilla?
As a Virtuoso travel advisor specializing in luxury Cabo travel, I offer clients:
- Preferred rates
- Daily breakfast
- Resort credits
- Upgrades when available
- VIP welcome amenities
- Personal planning for dining, celebrations, and family stays
If you’re dreaming of a Palmilla escape—or returning to a place you already love—I’d be honored to help plan a stay that feels seamless, thoughtful, and beautifully tailored.
Pro Tip: The historic chapel on property continues to hold mass, and soon, guests will be able to follow it with a leisurely Sunday Brunch at the Palmilla Social Club.
📩 Ready to plan your Palmilla stay? Let’s begin.
Here’s a peak at the opening menus:
