Position Desired; Spa Maven
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Slim Paley photo
“Spa cuisine” Room Service at The One & Only Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas
I remember flipping through a magazine some time ago and reading an article in which several different contributors weighed in on their favourite get-away spots. What caught my attention was actually not any of the destinations (I wanted to go to everyone of them- no surprise there) but rather, one contributor was credited as being a “Spa Maven“- An expert, if you will, in the art of critiquing spas.
Could there possibly be, on the planet, a cushier occupation? Is there a school where one learns such discerning skills and if so, what’s the cut off age because, next to being a world renowned “nose” in the perfume industry, this is definitely what I want to be when I grow up. Not to sound big headed, but I’m pretty confident I possess all the skills required;
First and foremost, precious little makes me roll my eyes more than when people say “I can’t just sit around on holiday. It drives me batty. I have to be doing something”
WTF?! What part of HOLIDAY did you not understand?!
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Slim Paley Photo
Our little infinity pool for two on the terrace of The Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas
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Slim Paley Photo
There are books to be read!
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Unusual floral arrangements to be studied
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Restaurant reservations to be made…
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and very heavy cocktails to be lifted.
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Slim Paley photo
There are age old questions to be answered, such as “What came first, the salt or the lime?”
(as well as “why am I ‘doing’ tequila shooters like it’s 1989 , 1979 well, like it’s not going to hurt in the morning?”)
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Slim Paley photo
There are vistas to be appreciated
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And even a little chapel to repent for your tequila- fueled transgressions
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Just strolling through the grounds of The Palmilla can be a visually exhausting experience
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Thankfully, more spa cuisine awaits, along with freshly squeezed orange and pineapple juice.
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The beach is gorgeous and the sea beckons, but no swimming right here… the signs say the tides could be dangerous.
Quick- get back to the pool!
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The original property dates back to 1956, when it was conceived as a 15 room luxury hide-away by the President of Mexico’s son, so there are many spectacular specimen trees and lush vegetation for finding shelter from the sun.
That being said… a little vitamin D never hurt anyone 
Slim Paley photo
Studying my toes while cracking the books for my “Spa Maven” applications
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Slim Paley Photo
A bed and a cup of tea to unwind after your full body scrub and hot stone therapy
OK, So just me? Or do any of these thoughts cross your mind while getting a massage;
-I’m going to get a massage more often. Seriously. Life is short, this is good.
-I wonder if she can see my cellulite in this light?
-This is the longest I’ve gone in the presence of someone else without talking. Very much.
- Shit, those stones are hot.
- Would it be such a crime to walk back to the suite in the spa robe? I’m too tired to put my clothes back on.
- I wonder where she got those cute shoes?
-I should play this music in traffic.
-What should I have for dinner?
-I wonder how long before the creases from this face doughnut will be gone from my forehead?
My forehead never used to get doughnut hole creases….
I can’t breathe in this position much longer…hey- being a Spa Maven is hard after all…
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Spa Maven at work
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Slim Paley photo
Slim Paley Photo
Slim Paley photo
Nos vemos, Palmilla friends …
was voted #1 out of the top 35 Resorts in Mexico 2010 by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
Turn down service comes with little plant descriptions each night, along with incense and aromatherapy request cards.
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Needless to say .. your having a wonderful time?!? Cool tequila bottle. very cool. xoL
I can’t take it. Did you at least pocket an ash tray- a known spa maven trick!
what totally lovely photos….You capture the magic of that place….it is exquisite!
I wasn’t sure if it was still magic!
It is!!
Thank you so much for that post…..
We love that place…..OMILORD 22 years ago…..we had 70 people for my husband Adam’s 50th birthday party. We started Tuesday…..there were 6 (party was saturday and by Saturday 70)
Wednesday morning we got a call…..”way too noisy…..we need to move your party away from the dining terrace……down to the beach”…..fine. Every night for the rest of the week! what great fun that was!
We love your post!
Penelope
Incomparable lovely place….my mother went in 1957! When it opened!! Nothing like it!
You’re right, Mame: “Life’s a Banquet and most of us poor suckers are starving to death!” I, too, believe in sitting around, talking (I’ve yet to ever put a television in a living room), reading, and, in general, doing what my Yankee descendants would most assuredly have described as ‘goofing off’.
I back your spa maven aspirations, Slim.
Another fabulous post.
Oh My God, I want to go!! And your inner thoughts while getting a massage are right on! Truly made me LOL, Slim.
We have the same toes !! I totally get doing next to nothing on holidays. I leave the 10 day treks and climbing the highest mountains to some of my friends and enjoy looking at the photos when they return over a cocktail or two !!!
Can you adopt me? Gorgeous place , always wanted to go there and am so craving Vitamina D!
The thoughts that cross my mind are hilarious and so spot on!
This was really a ray of sunshine for me today.
Looks idyllic! I think the same too when having a massage ‘Where did she get those cute shoes?’ Great to see the blue sea photos on a grey day here in Croatia.
You crack me up….I love a mother who can use both “WTF” and “face doughnut” in the same post. Thanks for starting my day with a laugh!!
I am sure you will get hired Slim, but not if I grab the job first! Where do we apply? Enjoy the job while it is yours. XO
Stunning, Gorgeous, Elegant! I wanted your photo’s to go on forever.
I’ve decided my son does not need to attend private school next year, instead I’m spending his tuition money on me!! Up here in New England we’ve had epic snow storms and I need to warm my bones.
You discovered paradise!
Its funny. Im a massage therapist and its quite hard for me to receive massages because I get so caught up in the mechanics of it. I imagine Spa Maven would probably have the same problem. Also, getting too many massages or treatments can sometimes cause a person’s immune system to kick into high gear, causing any illness that might be lurking to raise its screaming head. BTW…I just started reading your blog on a regular basis and you have given me so much marvelous food for thought
thanks
Yes Lee, on occasion I have noticed that if you are fighting something, a massage does tend to bring it on full force.
So happy you are enjoying the blog
Love this place and they do an amazing job with weddings—or did a few years back. Where did everyone go?
I left the spa in my robe after some encouragement and ran into everyone I know, of course. I was so relaxed I just giggled little hellos and let it go.
hi slim,
thank you for including a photo of yourself, you should do that more often!
ah, the days of loving spas…they are over for me as i now work in them instead, and let me tell you i’m ruined…for life.
xo
janet
My husband and I were at The Palmilla last week celebrating his 50th. Most amazing resort! Your gorgeous photos took me, however briefly, back to that beautiful place and away from our 33 degrees and overcast skies here in Chicago. Thanks Slim!
P.S. keep working on those Spa Maven applications
I am booking my flight now
when I get a message my nose feels
as if it is growing
Love Love Love this post! you crack me up
Congratulations on your new position; you deserve it and you are very good at it. Thank you for the beauty and laughs. I’m going to save this post and look at it often. I am in Mexico too right now for a few months, but our digs here cost less than $400/month. You probably are paying that each minute! jeje. Worth every peso; obviously. Stunning.
I think I just relaxed a good bit in looking at these pictures! So blissful.
THANK YOU so much for sharing. I can not say how much the virtual vacation time was needed right now.
Love it.
…dialing my travel agent as I type!
Karen
Amazing Place,so peaceful!
I’m a massage therapist and every time i’m ready to do a massage i have to make sure my toes are in perfect condition because i know my client will look …(I do massages barefoot).
I loved the post!
With love
Carol
Ah Cabo! It looks wonderful! I would definitely give you the Spa Maven job!
My first comment on your site, which I love! While an inveterate Las Ventanas girl (here now, in fact), I have always wondered about Pamilla. Thanks for the peek and have a fabulous time!
Argh…typing on this thing is too hard! I meant to write “Palmilla”. And I definitely have quite an overlap with your thoughts scoring spa treatments.
Ah- A Comment Virgin! Welcome CB!
I hear Las Ventanas is also beautiful.
Can blissing out be an occupational hazard for a spa maven?
So happy you had a wonderful treat. Short but sweet.
As usual a brill blog,ox
How cruel!! While us working gals slave away at our desks in front of our computers!!!!
I am jealous!
But you did, for just a moment, create a zen feeling in me and for that I am grateful!
Enjoy!!
Aaaaaaaaah! As we wait, huddled under cashmere throws, for snow to descend on the San Francisco Bay Area. Yes. S.N.O.W. Good lord.
Salut Slim….Gorgeous photos!!!!…I went few times to Cabo with my family and I will never forget this light, this beach, this rocks….I wish to be back more often!!!!…All your comments and your pics are so precise!!!!….Bravo!!!!…Enjoy your resting time with your moitie….
PS: Everyday, driving in Paris in front of LaDuree shop and I am thinking to stop by!!!!!….
Carry on to post some great reports…Good vibes….
I can see you were hard at work indeed prepping for your new job. All that reading, drinking, studying, eating, swimming, did I say drinking? You must be exhausted!!
Dear Slim, I want to be a spa maven too!! Your photos are stunning. What a beautiful place and fabulous views while eating breakfast. I am dying to go on holiday now!
I used to have a massage every week. I have this brilliant Chinese guy who comes round, I’ve introduced him to lots of friends and they all agree he’s amazing. He used to bring his own massage bed on wheels but I felt sorry for him dragging it around so I bought a full size one on Ebay. Luckily it folds up and fits neatly under the bed. I only manage one massage a month or so now but always think I should have them more often.
I must show my boyfriend your pictures as we haven’t decided where to go yet. He is filming until the end of May then we can go. I can’t wait!
Have a wonderful time and have a tequila for me xx
WOW!!! Sounds amazing….and is that color on your toes DRAGON by CHANEL?
Hi Tonya
No, it is “Ruby” by Estee Lauder
I’d be laying on the table getting my massage and wondering if drug lords were going to jump out and grab me!
HOT Drug Lords??!
Gorgeous photos and so funny…yes, I’ve had those same thoughts while getting a massage.
Did you happen to notice my A_ _ imprint in the sand? Love The Palmilla…your photos did it
the justice it deserves.
P. S.
Do you need an assistant for your new job? Just asking.
Well, it just so happens I MIGHT need an assistant with an A– that leaves a good imprint
THIS is how much power you have: We were planning a ski vacation but I’m going to make an executive decision to change it to the new Regent Palm in Turks and Caicos (a quicker trip from NY and yes, SPA is the operative word here).
Ha! Wait til he finds out where he’s going!
I have been to La Palmilla twice. It is quite lovely. However, on both visits, the sea, which is why I go to a seaside “resort”, even at these elevated prices, is too rough to swim, lots of sea weed and obstacles in the water directly in front of the hotel. For a spa, yes. Would rather go to Switzerland for that, and not worry about undertow! Heads up to prospective visitors!
I agree with Ali. These pictures just took me on my own private vacation, relaxed feelings and all. Love your blog!
Well if the Spa Maven position doesn’t work out you could always “resort” to luxury vacation photographer
The photos!! Seriously!! I don’t even need a vacation after looking at those images.
Thank you!
you’ve got me beat on the Spa brat! Think I’ll take your place over Canyon Ranch anytime. Although the Ranch WAS perty nice. You forgot one thought about the massage. (this is if you get the 120 min one) OMG I’VE GOT TO GO PEE! and once you start thinking about it, that’s it for the massage! I wanna be a Spa Maven too!
The weather has been so miserable here in the Northeast for soo long, I think I felt a tear run down my cheek : )
those pictures are fabulous! i’d like to apply for the assistant position too…i don’t know the first thing about mixing drinks…but i promise i’m a quick study!
First time in Cabo… 1982 with future husband. Our trip was a bit different, he being 25 and a surfer dude went for the full “surf trip”… ya know… cheap motel at the tip, drinking lots and lots of Caronas and surfing… I don’t surf!! Our room had a fan right over our bed that sounded as if it would come off and decapitate us… well I have to say I had the time of my life and I’ve been married for 28 years now.
By the way, Cabo was a lot different back then… just as beautiful, only a little wilder.
Our most favorite get away ever! From the minute you are picked up at the airport and transported to that magical oasis your are pampered by their top notched staff. We have had many happy times at Palmilla usually for my husbands birthday hmm ok my birthday is in Aug (sucky weather time). The last time we were there we took 2 couples and stayed in the gorgeous 5bdrm Villa and were spoiled beyond belief. It was soooo hard to leave. Your photos evoke the need to get back down there soon.
Adios! Time to phone the airlines……..
Oh, that Cabo light. Much needed on this dreary East-Coast day. I think the Palmilla will be swamped with reservation requests after this post.
LOVE Cabo and La Pamilla. Sounds like a great job, and if you need an assistant to help hold your camera while you order us both a drink…I’m in! Great post, wish I was there.
Have you visited Todos Santos at all? About an hour drive, but fabulous art, real Mexican vibe and some great places to stay as well. I know you want to just relax, but it is fun, promise. I had a project down there about 2 years ago. While we bought everything up here and had it shipped, it was great to find art and accessories in Todo Santos.
Great post!
Haven’t been to Todos Santos Irene, but will definitely put it on the list for the next time!
S.P.
some time ago you mentioned your new camera that you love. I can’t find that past post, if you wouldn’t mind, could you tell me the camera and what model.
Thank you so much for all that you do to inspire and entertain.
Thank you
Annie
Annie,
I must have asked SP seven times what camera she uses, and I finally wrote it down:
Panasonic Lumix HD Model DMC-ZS7
(That’s it unless she has a new one!)
Beautiful photos, as usual. I’m ready to register for Spa Maven University now.
Honest to goodness….you have the most adorable toes!
I just returned home from a work trip to Montreal. If only I could be in Cabo San Lucas in the snap of my fingers. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
i hope your spa stay was as relaxing and rejuvenating as the photos…
Yes — you will be the perfect Spa Maven. Can I be your assistant? I will go into turbo-training immediately!! One {small} qualification: I take shots of my toes when lounging in a splendid setting.
Reggie is feeling unpleasant, envious thoughts, sitting at his kitchen table reading this with five freshly fallen inches of snow having dropped yesterday, alternating with freezing rain, on top of what was already there, all now rock hard with ice. I spent a delightful week just along the coast from you at Las Ventanas el Paraiso, and have heard raves about the One and Only. Looks divine. Must go there. Next year.
OMG…..THANK YOU for the absolutely gorgeous visual getaway! SOOOO stunning, can’t wait to go to Cabos (going in Nov) and cannot wait! I have been craving a tropical getway for a looooong time now, our last vacation was to Paris so I cannot complain but I miss the beach, hot sun, warm waves….your pictures are incredible. Truly a visual getaway and feast for the eyes. My fave is the one with your toes looking out onto the infiinity pool and ocean beyond, PERFECTION. Great blog here…will be back. Plesae visit me at my new one, about the building of our new home and my love for design/decor.
http://www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
SP,
You have no idea how much I appreciate this post! Really! I’m stuck with so much snow here in Canada and so annoyed with this weather. So, seeing your post was a mini-vacation for my brain! I even feel a little happier!
I love your nail polish! So pretty!
By the way, I just have to tell you that you’re a very special person… it’s amazing how much “light” you give to your readers. Thank you for taking the time to make your posts.
Enjoy your weekend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Thank You Luciane
Dear Slim,
OK this is definitely on my bucket list of places to go too! DD just came in and said “Oh Mexico. I’m so going there.” Yeah right Miss 19 year old you’ll have to wait I’m afraid cos Mummy’s going first!
This post is very timely as I am taking a spa break in the near future. I just found out I have 201 hours of paid Long service leave (they don’t tell you its up to you to enquire) and I am so going somewhere on my own to spa!!! Husbs can’t come as we had a big vacation last year and all my GF’s can’t either but I’m happy to go on my lonesome as I adore my own company (well someone has to.)
Chiva Som is my destination but I suspect it wont be up to The Palmilla but that’s OK.
Now about massages, I have found I have got more particular about them as I have gotten older. I cannot abide the hot stones and don’t get me started on the crystals and drumming which I have also endured.
I like a good firm massage and believe it or not I like to talk and never drift off to sleep.
I plan to have a mix of toe gazing as well as doing stuff on my spa escape but for some reason since I had my children I can’t bear to have facials. I get all claustrophobic for some reasons. It must be some Jungian primal mother thing I guess but any hoo it will give me more time to look at my toes.
Kate Bx
Chiva Som has always been on MY Champagne Bucket List!
As for drums…SO not what I’m looking for in a good massage.
How aspirational and reminiscent these (beautiful!) photos are! We were there this time last year for the HOTY’s birthday. Hope you had a divine time!
PS – I bet some of that tequlia could wipe out a few FBC cells!
YES! i always wonder if the therapist can see my cellulite!! and i wonder about my dinner as well and much more… its comforting to see that we all think alike!
love your blog
How does the Spa Mav critique the Palmilla??
I give The Palmilla Spa high marks Criscal, though I haven’t quite worked out my “rating system” yet.
Still pondering…and waiting for the Spa Maven Invitations to roll in
OMG, you are making me want to go back to La Palmilla- heaven on earth! We were there with another couple a few years ago. I napped in that hammock, I got a massage at that spa, I swam in that wonderful saline infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez. We did absolutely nothing but eat, drink and sunbathe! When it was time to leave, my friend and I cried! Don’t you love how they greet you with their hand over their heart? I have to go back now!