Follow the Sun
Flee the sharp winds of winter: escape to an ultra-exclusive One&Only resort tucked away in the world’s most dreamy seaside destinations
Dine on the freshest flavours. Swim in the clearest waters. Relax in the most serene of spas. The exceptional is standard at One&Only, a collection of one-off resorts and private homes located in the most desirable destinations across the globe.
For more than 20 years, One&Only resorts have been raising the bar and redefining luxury, inviting discerning travellers to immerse themselves in the world’s most beautiful and fascinating places. True to the name, each One&Only resort is unlike any other, paying homage to the unique nature, culture and cuisine of its location while offering an array of curated experiences and an abundance of space, comfort and privacy.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the brand’s collection of breathtaking oceanfront resorts, each a sun-soaked refuge beckoning travellers with its own distinct array of enchantments.
On Mexico’s western coast, for instance, one can choose between two outstanding escapes. One&Only Palmilla is a Los Cabos legend, commanding its own secluded slice of the Baja Peninsula overlooking one of the region’s few swimmable beaches. Lush tropical gardens and hacienda-style architecture are complemented by two ocean-view infinity pools and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, as well as prime whale-watching on the Sea of Cortez.
Further south on the Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina peeks out from below the emerald canopy of one of Mexico’s most captivating coastal rainforests. The sustainably designed, low-density property is at one with its tropical landscapes, which can be explored by ziplining, surfing, hiking or taking to horseback with the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club. Private pool villas and suites, spiritual wellness at One&Only Spa and treetop dining by star Chef Enrique Olvera round out the remarkable offerings.
In Greece, guests can bathe in the last rays of the European summer at two new additions to One&Only’s extensive portfolio. Presiding over the shores of Glyfada in southern Athens, One&Only Aesthesis exudes the high style and glamour of the region’s mid-century heyday, with its chic beach bungalows featuring room-height windows and vintage details. A day here might begin with a sailing excursion on the Aegean Sea followed by a rejuvenating ritual at Greece’s first Guerlain Spa, ending over a dinner of exquisite Mediterranean dishes at Ora by Ettore Botrini – one of the country’s most decorated chefs.
In under an hour by speedboat from Athens, one can reach the shores of unspoilt Kéa Island and its all-villa One&Only Kéa Island resort. Go deep-sea diving to iconic shipwrecks, tour ancient temples and charming villages, or simply lounge by your private infinity pool that appears to melt into the sea. Bond Beach Club, set on a 100-metre slip of sand, is a prime destination for day-to-night indulgence; any excesses can be cleansed away later in the three-storey One&Only Spa.
If it’s the equatorial sun you seek, the Indian Ocean awaits with two iconic One&Only island locations. One&Only Le Saint Géran and its exceptional spa, set on a private peninsula at the northern tip of the Belle Mare coastline of Mauritius, are perennial recipients of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award. Between the turquoise sea on one side and the tranquil lagoon on the other, there’s more than enough untouched real estate for guests to claim as their own, whether for waterskiing, paddle-boarding and deep-sea fishing, or taking in the heavenly views from the white-sand beaches.
On North Malé Atoll, Maldivian escape One&Only Reethi Rah sets the standard for barefoot luxury. The all-villa resort designed by Jean-Michel Gathy proposes the choice between beach and overwater accommodations, each artfully angled to make the most of the astounding sea views without sacrificing an ounce of privacy. When they’re not free diving, sailing and swimming with sharks, guests can drift between the 12 bone-white beaches, enjoy a Thai massage over the sea or savour a seven-course dinner in a private treetop sanctuary as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Divine.