What are some special touches that bring a space to life?
The overall aim is to create a feeling of cosiness; of ‘home’. The special touches that create this homely feeling are found in the details – in those special touches or accents. At One&Only Palmilla, we bring these special touches into everything that the eye might not usually focus on. Think of things like a vase of fresh flowers on top of the fridge, a beautifully framed picture hanging on the back of the door, a vibrant and colourful pillow on a decorative surface. This is how to see with a butler’s eyes, to look at the details that others might not see.

What is a special One&Only Palmilla touch that guests always remember?
The number one thing our guests remember is the signature scent of One&Only Palmilla. We have a beautiful and fragrant aroma of oak incense that fills our gardens and patios. Oak incense is special because it has a natural and familiar smell to it, that just makes you feel at home. Most guests don’t know exactly what the smell is at first, but it’s something they never forget. Many of our guests even purchase oak incense from our store before they leave.

How important is it to have an organised space around you?
Having an organised space means having an organised mind. For a fresh perspective and an injection of new energy, I’d recommend taking the time to rearrange your space. Even just a minimal change works wonders. Try moving your bed to face a different direction, or maybe rearrange your kitchen cabinet space. This can change the way you see things, and that’s the beauty of life.

How much time do you recommend people spend on arranging and organising their space, and how often?
You should do this everyday if you can. Whenever you notice something is out of place or needs attention, try to dedicate the time it needs to fix it. In my own home, I practice this daily but love to properly dedicate time on Sundays to cleaning, organising and decorating. I love the ritual of this. We know perfection doesn’t exist, but we can try to reach it, everyday, as best we can. Everyday is a new opportunity to change something or do something differently.

How can people do this with kids at home? What would you recommend?
To teach my daughter to be organised and responsible, I must set an example. Your kids will copy what you do. Show them how to pick up their toys by putting away your things when you’ve finished an activity. Teach them how to put away their dishes by doing this yourself. We all want the best for our kids, and it’s a challenge with young children – but it’s completely worth it.

Do you have any recommendations for planning a special dinner?
My daughter and I are planting our own vegetables. She’s especially excited about our tomatoes and avocados! She’s three years old and even has her own mini tools. Once our vegetables are ready, I’ll teach her how to harvest what we’ve grown, and how we can prepare a beautiful meal to serve to her mother. I love teaching my daughter how to give and provide for others, and this is a special time to show her how to put this into action.

What’s your number one secret to bringing magic into people’s lives at One&Only Palmilla?
The secret of One&Only Palmilla is happiness; everyone at One&Only Palmilla is inspired by this magic. Once you have it, it’s with you forever. And the key to this happiness is to never forget your roots; to never forget where you come from. In plants, the root, the bit you cannot see, is the most important part. It’s what makes the plant grow. This is the magic of One&Only Palmilla. I call One&Only Palmilla my school; everything I’ve learned in life, I’ve learned here. And whatever I learn from One&Only Palmilla, I bring home with me. Now I teach this to my daughter and to my family. The secret is humility, and generosity. Humility will open so many doors, and is very important at a time like this, when we all must rely on each other.

You come from a long line of butlers. What important lessons have your family taught you about taking care of others?
The most important lessons I have learned from my family is to be who you are, and to always be generous and giving. Do this, and good things will always come to you. Often, people are only concerned with what someone else can give them, but this is the wrong attitude. You must focus on helping others, and this must come from a genuine place. When you take care of others; and when you truly look at another person and see their heart and soul, this is a beautiful thing. When you do this, the universe will return the favour to you, and this leads to happiness. Then it doesn’t feel like work because every moment you spend with others feels magical; like paradise.

Any final thoughts?
The world is part of one family. We must act like a family and treat each other as one. As a Mexican, I love being surrounded by my family. In Mexico, we are very family-oriented and love being close to each other. I encourage everyone to look at the world in this way, and make the world an even more beautiful place.

Inside One&Only