Palmaia—The House of AiA is a newly constructed, progressive, wellness retreat offering its guests one-of-a-kind immersive jungle and beach experiences on the coast of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The all-inclusive resort is nestled between the sandy shores of the Caribbean and the lush jungle, an hour south of Cancun International Airport.
Palmaia was conceptualized without disturbing the original landscape of nature. The team took its time building the 234-oceanfront-suite property to ensure that the natural landscape of jungle and cenotes was not damaged. Palmaia’s spa, Atlantis, is secluded in the jungle and offers treatment rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a fitness center, a Temazcal, a natural cenote, and meditation spaces, all located between wild mangroves and century-old rock formations in the heart of the Mayan jungle.
Sustainability is a strong passion for owner and founder, Alex Ferri. As meat consumption is a large contributor to climate change, Palmaia—The House of AiA offers its guests signature plant-based menus with optional protein (including animal protein) additions at each of its food and beverage venues, plus all its 234 suites are vegan friendly, containing no animal products or byproducts in the furnishings or amenities.
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- Palmaia – Double Room
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- Palmaia – Living Area of Suite
In addition to Palmaia’s plant-based offerings, the beach enclave also stands apart with its Architects of Life and Rituals of Sound programs. The holistic Architects of Life program invites guests to participate in mind and body wellness experiences. This includes sound healing, gravity control, multi-musical vibration, vipassana, various practices of yoga, and natural art classes. Music is a key component of the Rituals of Sound program. On a daily basis, the resort also hosts a line-up of deep fusion electronic DJs, live acoustic artists and interactive music acts in its Mykonos-inspired beach club. Guests who prefer tranquility and silence will find meditation hideaways scattered throughout the resort.
Guests enjoy complimentary access to 24-hour room service, unrestricted access to restaurants, a rotating food truck serving the chef’s choice of the day, premium beverages, pool and beachside service, bike sharing, holistic practices and rituals, and nightly turndowns. All guests at the wellness retreat are also assigned a Nomadic Guide who looks after their individual needs during their stay and can assist with anything from securing dining and spa reservations, to being a local resource for activities both on and off the property.
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- Palmaia – dining
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- Palmaia – Gathering Space
Palmaia is open to all types and ages of travelers—from those looking to grow spiritually or eat healthier, to couples or people celebrating a rite of passage. The resort is also very family-friendly. Waldorf educators lead its children’s program and there is a wide variety of accommodation options for families, including in-room bunks or connecting rooms with bunks for older children.
Palmaia invites all guests to reconnect with nature and with their inner self while on the property. The Architects of Life practices such as vinyasa yoga, sound healing, and pranayama pair well with clients seeking a yoga retreat, and people looking to improve their overall health and wellbeing will find plenty of healthy options on Palmaia’s plant-based menus. Those looking to rest and relax will find solace in the Atlantis spa menu, which is designed to treat both emotional and physical pain. With the aim that guests will leave the spa feeling better not only on the outside but also on the inside.
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- Palmaia – Beachfront
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- Palmaia – Spirit of Nature
Even foodies will find customization and a plethora of dining options at the wellness sanctuary. At the resort, quality is not defined by price. Guests can let go, be pampered, and not think about the bill at the end of the night. Palmaia is the first resort of its kind to prepare all of its menus with full, plant-based ingredients, while still offering non-vegan options.
Palmaia—The House of AiA is open year-round. Temperatures in Playa del Carmen typically range between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal place to travel any time of the year.
PROS:
- Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
- Wellness Programs: Extensive holistic activities like yoga and meditation.
- Dining: High-quality, plant-based cuisine.
- Service: Personalized and attentive staff.
- Design: Modern and luxurious accommodations.
- Beachfront Location: Beautiful beach with stunning views.
- Tranquility: Peaceful and serene atmosphere.
- Family-friendly: Amenities and activities for children.
CONS:
- Cost: Expensive compared to other resorts.
- Limited Nightlife: Focus on wellness over entertainment.
- Dietary Focus: May not appeal to those preferring meat-based diets.
- Location: Somewhat isolated from Playa del Carmen’s main attractions.
- Wi-Fi Issues: Reports of inconsistent internet service.
- Language Barriers: Occasional difficulty with non-English speaking staff.
- Check-in/Check-out: Limited availability for early check-in and late check-out.