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One&Only is one of the most expensive hotel brands in the entire world. Its exotic locations are focused on offering an off-the-beaten-path retreat in pure luxury at some of the world’s most mystical locations. So if you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further than One&Only.
Its portfolio consists of 12 properties in 10 countries. Both Dubai and Rwanda each have the privilege of hosting 2 One&Only properties.
In this complete article, we’ll walk you through our favorite One&Only hotels and resorts in the entire world.
What Is One&Only?
One&Only is a collection of hand-picked hotels and resorts that promise to “take you where few will ever go.” Its goals are to immerse you into each unique environment, offer authentic cuisine, tailor unique excursions, and offer spectacular spaces to simply “be.”
Sol Kerzner, a South African businessman, started One&Only in 2002 to deliver unforgettable experiences to the ultra-wealthy. In fact, there’s such as an aura to this brand that most don’t realize its relatively small footprint — that’s because its global reputation exceeds its reach.
In this guide, we’ll show you how One&Only delivers wherever you are in the world, whether you’re in an urban escape, eco-sensitive resort, or a private island oasis.
But first, let’s talk about credit cards and how to get the most from your booking.
How To Maximize One&Only Stays With Credit Cards
One of the key mantras at Upgraded Points is that we strive to help you get the most from your credit cards, points, and travel.
Whether you’re enjoying discounts on paid stays, using points for free award stays, or just getting more perks and benefits, there’s tons of value in using the right websites and credit cards to book your stays.
Considering One&Only doesn’t have a dedicated loyalty program and these properties are often extremely expensive, you’ll want to pay attention closely to this section.
How To Use Points for One&Only Stays
Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
If you have one of the best Chase credit cards, you will earn Ultimate Rewards points on all your purchases. Additionally, when it comes time to use your points, you can book One&Only stays through the Chase travel portal.
When you book a One&Only hotel stay using points via AmexTravel.com, your bookings mayqualify as an Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts booking, getting you a redemption value of 1 cent per point. This is in contrast to its normal value of 0.7 cents per point.
You’ll also enjoy luxury Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits, which we’ll talk about shortly.
Redeeming Citi ThankYou Points
You can also redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards Points through the Citi Travel Center for flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and more.
When you do so, you’ll get a flat redemption value of 1 cent per point.
Redeeming Capital One Miles is similarly easy — by going through the Capital One Travel portal, you can book One&Only stays using your hard-earned points.
You’ll get a redemption value of 1 cent per point here.
Book via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
If you book a stay at specific properties through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, you’ll enjoy the following perks:
Daily breakfast for 2
A space-available room upgrade upon arrival
Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
Noon early check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
A property amenity valued at a minimum of $100, such as a food and beverage credit or a spa credit
Don’t have an Amex Platinum card or Centurion card? Not to worry — bookings made through Virtuoso do not require any special credit cards.
You’ll get a similar suite of benefits, including:
Daily breakfast for 2
A space-available room upgrade upon arrival
Late checkout (subject to availability)
Early check-in (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
A Virtuoso amenity, such as a $100 food and beverage credit or a $100 property credit
Virtuoso is usually slightly less attractive than Fine Hotels & Resorts in terms of perks — for example, the late checkout is subject to availability with Virtuoso, while it’s guaranteed for 4 p.m. with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
That said, you might often find Virtuoso rates to be slightly lower than Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts rates.
All One&Only properties participate in Virtuoso.
Using the Citi Prestige® Card Fourth-Night Free Benefit
Citi’s ultra-premium credit card, the Citi Prestige card, affords a unique and interesting benefit for hotel stays, known as the fourth-night free benefit. Although this card is not open for new applicants, existing cardholders have access to this perk.
On bookings of 4 consecutive nights or more, you’ll receive your fourth night free when booking through the ThankYou Rewards website or via phone at 800-THANK-YOU.
You can use this benefit up to twice per calendar year as a way to save up to 25% off of your booking!
And with how pricey One&Only hotels are, this 1 benefit could easily save you thousands of dollars.
Book Directly for Exclusive Offers and Packages
One&Only has a landing page for exclusive offers that can get you extra benefits during your stay, provide discounted room rates, or group activities and amenities into packages for convenience.
Some examples of offers include nightly resort credits, complimentary boat transfers, resort credits when booking villas, photography workshops, and extended stay discounts.
The Top 9 One&Only Hotels & Resorts Properties
We’ve just outlined all of the major ways you can get discounts or added benefits for your One&Only stay.
Regardless of which avenue you go through, you’ll still want some inspiration as to which One&Only property you should visit.
Remember, One&Only’s footprint is just 12 properties large, so choosing wisely shouldn’t be that difficult.
In this next section, we’ll show you the best One&Only properties in the world. Are you as excited as we are?!
One&Only Palmilla is arguably the most popular property, especially amongst U.S. travelers. This easily accessible resort in Los Cabos is a short flight away from many U.S. airports and is just 2 miles from Acapulquito Beach and 5 miles from the art district.
The legendary property has rooms, suites, and villas, each starting at 600 square feet large and boasting a furnished patio/terrace, a Bose speaker system, a flat-screen TV, a spacious sitting area, a choice of 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, views of the Sea of Cortez, 24-hour butler service, a full bar, and tea and coffee machines.
The travertine bathrooms are appointed with double vanities, a deep-soaking tub, a walk-in rain shower, a water closet, and glorious bath amenities.
Here, you can savor a variety of dining options prepared by world-class chefs, including a signature steakhouse by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a cliffside seafood restaurant, a sushi bar, and a poolside alfresco venue. Breakfast is complimentary.
Activities include a 27-hole golf course, a full-service spa, a gym, 2 infinity pools, a surf school, and watersports. Kayaks and fitness classes are offered complimentary to guests.
This slice of paradise in Cabo can be yours for as little as $1,225 per night during the low season. Average room rates are around $2,000 per night, while the high season commands a $2,500 nightly rate.
One&Only Royal Mirage. Image Credit: One&Only Resorts
Looking for an exotic Arabesque hotel experience? The One&Only Royal Mirage is one of our absolute favorites. Located on a private beach just outside the Palm Jumeirah, this exceptional property epitomizes the perfect Dubai resort stay.
When you stay here, you’ll find elegantly stylish rooms with private, sea-facing balconies. Each of the rooms is 538 square feet large with a choice of either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. The room contains Italian bedding and linens, a separate sitting area with couches and lounge chairs, coffee and tea machines, a minibar, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
In the marble bathroom, a deep-soaking bathtub awaits you, as well as a walk-in shower, a double vanity, a granite bench, and much more.
There are a total of 8 dining options, plus 5 bars and lounges, each offering a unique experience, ranging from rare Arabic coffee tastings to relaxed afternoon tea.
This property has a Moroccan spa with a traditional Oriental hammam, private beach access, 4 temperature-controlled swimming pools, a kids’ club, tennis courts, and endless facilities, including meeting and event space.
To stay at One&Only Royal Mirage, you’ll spend around $750 per night during off-peak dates, $1,075 per night during standard dates, and $2,000 per night during peak dates.
The One&Only Nyungwe House is a legendary, intimate lodge nestled in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest Reserve. It’s situated on a tea plantation and is surrounded by endless rainforest, while also being on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
These chic rooms allow you to savor Africa’s unspoiled natural beauty while providing an opulent oasis to relax and rejuvenate. Here, dining and selected beverages are included in your stay, plus 2 signature resort experiences daily.
Each of the standard rooms starts at 473 square feet large and makes for the perfect headquarters for a once-in-a-lifetime Rwanda trek. You’ll find 4-poster beds with cream drapings, locally crafted furnishings and artwork, a choice of 1 king or 2 twin beds, a furnished balcony overlooking the forest, a plush lounging area, coffee and tea machines, a flat-screen TV, and more.
The spa bathroom boasts twin vanities, a deep soaking bathtub, a walk-in shower, and bathrobes, slippers, a bidet, and luxury bath and body products.
Here, you’ll find a restaurant serving up authentic Rwandan flavors, as well as a tea lounge serving local teas and casual snacks. Lastly, the open-air deck is where master mixologists craft alcoholic elixirs.
This magical property includes an Experience Guide to help design a program of activities during your stay. Choose between rainforest hikes, chimpanzee treks, tea plantation tours, stargazing, bird’s eye tours via helicopter ride of the National Park, or spa treatments featuring an epic jungle backdrop. There’s also an outdoor infinity pool and a gym.
One&Only Nyungwe House is bookable for $2,225 per night on average. However, low season rates go as low as $1,800 per night and high season rates skyrocket to as much as $9,000 per night!
One&Only’s only resort in Montenegro is certainly one of the most glorious. Located on Montenegro’s western coast, this property is located nearby Boka Bay along the Bay of Kotor and is just 10 miles from Tivat Airport (TIV).
The standard rooms measure around 710 square feet large, including a 118 square foot terrace. These inventive rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed, a set of coffee and tea facilities, a sitting area with a lounge chair, a minibar, a desk, a fireplace, and a daybed.
You’ll also find that the bathroom has a chaise lounge, 2 separate single vanities, each with its own magnifying mirror, a walk-in shower, a water closet, a make-up vanity, and a separate, deep soaking bathtub.
4 dining options are located around the property, including a refined Italian restaurant, a destination dining spot on Boka Bay’s shores, a Japanese poolside fusion spot, and a resident cocktail bar with fantastic views.
On-property activities include a tennis club, an indoor pool, 5 outdoor pools, a private beach, a marina, a kids’ club, and a spa with a steam room, a sauna, and signature Chenot Espace wellness programs.
One&Only’s prestigious Montenegrin property can be had for $500 per night during off-peak dates, $550 per night during standard dates, and $1,500 per night during peak dates.
Besides the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, the One&Only Mandarina is the most popular property in the One&Only portfolio due to its secluded and accessible location in Nayarit, around a 35-mile drive from Puerto Vallarta (PVR).
Once you’re here, the indulgent guestrooms feature a mythical treehouse setting 40 feet above ground level, each of which is 854 square feet large internally and has a 301 square foot outdoor terrace.
The room includes 1 king bed, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a sitting area with armchairs, and a private terrace. The floor-to-ceiling windows are openable to the terrace, featuring immersive jungle scenery with an infinity plunge pool and a double lounge chair in the forest’s backdrop.
There’s a full, spa-like bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, a separate soaking bathtub, bathrobes, slippers, a water closet, double vanities, and pure opulence.
To dine, choose between the high-altitude restaurant by Enrique Olvera, the international open-air restaurant, or the beach club serving the fresh catch of the day. You can also check out the treetop bar with sustainable cocktails and light fare.
Here, you’ll find a kids’ club, a polo and equestrian club, a full spa, event space, 6 pools, and private beach access.
This popular resort costs $1,400 per night during the low season, $2,150 per night during the standard season, and up to $4,500 per night during the high season.
The Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a legendary resort attracting only the most well-heeled travelers in Australia.
Just a few hours drive from Sydney, this high-end property is located on a nearly 7,000-acre conservation and wildlife reserve within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Each unit at this all-villa property features a private 23-foot pool and terrace, 893 square feet of space, a 4-poster king bed or 2 twin beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, plenty of sitting areas, a desk, a double-sided stone fireplace, a minibar, and coffee and tea machines, as well as free Wi-Fi.
The en suite bathroom has a walk-in rain shower, a separate soaking tub, a double vanity, bathrobes, slippers, and a water closet.
There’s a signature restaurant showcasing local flavors, as well as a seasonal restaurant filling in the gap with all types of casual dining options. Lastly, you’ll find a bar and terrace serving gin cocktails and hosting tasting sessions of Wolgan Valley gin!
Here, you’ll find a family pool, a spa with a sauna and steam room, archery and tennis, and endless activities and programs, including safaris, horseback riding, bush walks, campfires, 4×4 drives, heritage tours, and much more.
This incredible getaway is bookable for as little as $2,250 per night, as much as $4,000 per night, and an average of $2,350 per night.
If you’re someone who isn’t happy on vacation unless you’re in crystal-clear blue waters and near a white-sand beach, you’ll love the One&Only Reethi Rah. This private island resort in the Maldives is accessible via a 75-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport (MLE).
Each of the thatched-roof villas is lavishly furnished — the entry-level room is a beach villa with direct beach access, 1,453 square feet of space, a choice of 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, private sun loungers, butler service, a villa valet, a minibar, lounging areas, coffee and tea machines, and a private deck.
This villa has a full-sized bathroom with an oversized terrazzo bathtub, a walk-in rain and jet shower, double vanities, closet spaces, and more.
Dining options consist of 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a beach club, private dining, and room service.
Elsewhere, you’ll find 4 miles of beach, a spa with hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, plus 3 outdoor pools, kids’ and teens’ clubs, watersports, and a dive center.
One&Only’s Maldivian resort costs $2,250 per night during the low season, $2,650 per night during the standard season, and up to $6,000 per night during the peak Christmas and New Year’s season.
One&Only Cape Town is a waterfront property with views of Table Mountain that’s just a short 9-minute walk from Cape Town Diamond Museum!
Each of the chic rooms has a private balcony, mountain and/or marina views, a 678 square foot floor plan, a choice of 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a furnished balcony, a sitting area with a daybed and a lounge chair, and Nespresso coffee and tea facilities.
The bathroom has double vanities, a deep soaking tub, bathrobes, a walk-in rain shower, a water closet, slippers, and much more.
There’s a restaurant by Nobu, a poolside restaurant, a breakfast dining room, a lobby bar and lounge, and a 700-variety wine cellar.
On the property grounds, amenities include a spa, outdoor infinity pool, a gym, a kids’ activity program, and more.
If you want to book a stay here, expect to spend $620 per night on the low end, $1,150 per night on average, and as much as $2,100 per night during the high season.
The final property we’ll include is One&Only The Palm, which, unlike One&Only Royal Mirage, is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah’s sandy beaches.
Each of the plush standard rooms has a balcony with garden or gulf views, a minimum of 700 square feet of space, an abundance of indoor seating and workspaces, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a Nespresso machine and tea, and free Wi-Fi.
Ornately designed bathrooms have double vanities, deep soaking tubs, a water closet, make-up vanities, bathrobes, and slippers.
This property has a signature restaurant by Yannick Alleno, a lobby lounge, a poolside terrace restaurant, and a seafood restaurant with Arabian Gulf views.
You’ll notice that there’s private beach access, a marina, 2 pools, tennis courts, a spa by Guerlain, a gym, a kids’ club, and meeting/event space.
Room rates fluctuate wildly here; if you stay during the off-season, you’ll pay as little as $800 per night. On the other hand, if you book during the holiday high season, you’ll be charged as much as $5,000 per night. Standard season room rates, though, sit at around $2,500 per night.
Final Thoughts
Overall, One&Only is one of the grandest brands of hotels out there. With some of the most aspirational locations out there, these hotels and resorts are destinations in and of themselves.
This small collection of properties doesn’t have a dedicated loyalty program — instead, if you want to redeem points here, you’ll need to do so through a flexible rewards currency on a bank’s travel portal, such as the Chase travel portal or AmexTravel.com.
And if you book a paid stay, be sure to either use Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, or even book direct if you see a solid promotion you want to take advantage of.
Whether you’re staying in Cabo, Rwanda, or Dubai, you should consider giving One&Only a shot if you’re in the mood for a splurge.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
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