I have given in to luxury. I decided this after my 60-minute massage in a fluffy cotton robe lounging in a private cabana in a lush tropical garden sipping orange water. I returned to my ocean front terrace, sipping tequila on an oversized chaise lounge with the sight, sound, and smell of the ocean overwhelming my senses. This was not an easy realization for me to come to - such opulence makes me uncomfortable. My travel style began in the back of the car with my brother and sister driving to the Western United States, continued with backpacking in Europe, then living and studying in the former Soviet Georgia. My honeymoon trip was to Peru, which of course has a luxury of its own in culture and adventure, but not in a beach-side resort way. I arrived in Los Cabos on a sunny warm afternoon (I think all afternoons are here) and dodged a frenzy of men slinging condominium time shares to find the welcoming face of my One & Only Palmilla driver. In the transfer car, excuse me, Hummer, with built-in Wifi, snacks, bottled water, and other items to freshen up after a long flight, I had the chance to quickly let my loved ones know I made it safe and sound, and then, more importantly make them green with envy of the warmth and impending Mexico luxury. The One & Only Palmilla has a comfortable luxury, no pretension - yes, sure you have a butler at your beck and call, personalized aromatherapy, free tequila, fruits, and chocolate in your room, complimentary spa treatments, poolside foot massages - but the staff is warm,welcoming and graciously assists. They all greet you with their right hand over their heart, a gesture that shows their welcome comes from the heart. This genuine thoughtfulness is for the guests' comfort, and it put me at ease to just enjoy the stay!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.