Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best One&Only Resorts in the world
One&Only is one of my favorite hotel brands in the world. One&Only was created in 2002 exclusively for the luxury resort market by Solomon Kerzner – a South African accountant and business magnate – and now features some of the highest-rated resorts in the most idyllic spots in the world, such as the Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, Rwanda and Cape Town. Each resort in the One&Only collection not only offers a unique design and ambiance which embraces the local surroundings, but also an unparalleled commitment to the finest experience on every possible level. Luxurious accommodation is complemented by impeccable service, exclusive wellness sanctuaries, lively entertainment and a host of activities, as well as exquisite culinary adventures from some of the world's most accomplished chefs. Here's my selection of my 10 favorite One&Only Resorts in the world.
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slide show. Which one is your favorite One&Only Resort? Leave a comment.
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This urban chic resort, located in an enviable spot in the city's fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, set a whole new standard for South African hotels when it opened in 2009. One&Only Cape Town speaks to international travelers and discerning locals alike, proffering tropical seclusion near the city's hotspot area for dining and entertainment. The hotel impresses its guests upon arrival with breathtaking Table Mountain views through the massive windows of the spectacular lobby. There are two sections in the hotel, one being the Spa Island (built on a man-made island and centered around a lagoon-shaped pool) with 40 suites and the other the Marina Rise with 91 rooms. All rooms feature oversized bathrooms and are adorned with fabrics and furnishings recalling the warm, muted tones of Africa. Offering a laid-back resort vibe, One&Only ethos and warm hospitality, the property is also home to Africa's only Nobu restaurant.
- Hotel website: One&Only Cape Town
- Other accolades: One&Only Cape Town also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Cape Town.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of One&Only Cape Town here.


Chic and glamorous, One&Only The Palm is an exquisite low-rise boutique oasis located on the lush, landscaped private peninsula of the Palm Island crescent. Blending Moorish and Andalusian architecture with contemporary chic interiors, the property consists of 90 rooms and four exclusive beachfront villas. At One&Only The Palm, you can hide away from the everyday and soak up the sun beside shimmering pools and the private, white-sand beach; capture the calm of the day in the Guerlain Spa, set amidst ponds, fountains and open courtyards; and tantalize your palate with an enviable selection of bars and restaurants under the culinary guidance of three-Michelin-stars Chef Yannick Alléno. Across the water is One&Only Royal Mirage, the property's equally stunning sister resort, where the world's most discerning travelers are also assured of a warm welcome, understated luxury and discreet, attentive service.
- Hotel website: One&Only The Palm
- Other accolades: One&Only The Palm also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Dubai.
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one dinner for two).


Unspoilt wild flora, lush rainforests and a secluded coastline of pristine golden sands await at One&Only Desaru Coast, the first One&Only resort in Asia. Nestled on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia and designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, One&Only Desaru Coast celebrates the destination's architectural heritage with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian 'kampung' ('village'). Spread across 128 acres, the resort has an intimate collection of just 42 junior suites, two expansive two-bedroom grand suites and an exclusive four-bedroom villa one. All boast private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, decadent bathrooms and thoughtful Malaysian-inspired design features. Guests have access to world-class restaurants, a secluded spa, spectacular infinity pool, and a buzzing beach club.
- Hotel website: One&Only Desaru Coast
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one dinner for two).


One&Only's debut resort in Greece is situated in the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Glyfada, ensconced within a serene 21-hectare beach and forest reserve. Overlooking the sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea, the hotel evokes the essence of a private island, just 30 minutes from the ancient marvels of Athens. The resort boasts a collection of rooms, bungalows, suites, residences and villas that redefine the concept of al fresco living. Expansive outdoor living spaces offer unparalleled peace and seclusion, featuring private pools, fragrant gardens, and atmospheric showers and fireplaces. Bathed in sunlight, the architecture pays homage to mid-century design with local marble, native timbers, woven leather details and muted tones. One&Only Aesthesis blends historic treasures, world-class culinary experiences, and transformative wellness in an elegant beachfront setting. The glittering coastal hideaway recalls the 60's vibrant Hollywood Grecian era, that Glyfada is most known for.
- Hotel website: One&Only Aesthesis
- Other accolades: One&Only Aesthesis features in my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2023.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD resort credit).


Situated at the edge of the Baja Peninsula, the iconic One&Only Palmilla resort has been long known as one of the world's most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts. Originally built in 1956 as a 15-room luxury hideaway by Don Abelardo Rodriguez, son of the then-President of Mexico, the resort officially became One&Only Palmilla in 2004 following a $90 million USD refurbishment and continues innovation at the resort. Naturally designed for seclusion, majestic suites open onto expansive al fresco living spaces, while award-winning service ensures every desire is catered to, leaving guests to discover enriching cultural experiences, chase adventure on land and sea, or relax in complete serenity. An abundance of outdoor activities such as surf lessons, whale-watching, fishing excursions, and Jeep safari desert tours inspire an active mindset, while private cabanas and floating daybeds – on one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos – are restful sanctuaries.
- Hotel website: One&Only Palmilla
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $150 USD resort credit).


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