Wander With WHIT To: Palmaïa The House of AïA in Playacar, Mexico
Most all inclusive resorts elude visions of overcrowded buffet lines, stalking beach chairs to snag open space and children running amok in the shallow end of the pool. We’ve often attempted to steer clients in other directions in the past, until we discovered Palmaïa The House of AïA in the Riviera Maya’s upscale Playacar district.
This secluded sanctuary is holistically wellness-focused, and is like no other all inclusive we’ve ever experienced. In fact, they actually don’t use that term on property. The resort prefers the term “gifting lifestyle” and all dining and many experiences from yoga to mixology are "gifts” to guests who stay with the property. Featuring locally sourced primarily plant-based dining options, a private, powdery white sand beach, multiple infinity pools and jungle pathways connecting guests around the resort, Palmaïa is a truly special experience.
Each touch of your stay is thoughtful and designed to help you begin relaxing the moment you arrive. The towering marble lobby is light and bright and you’re immediately welcomed with a cool compress and chilled herbal tea to ward off any post-airport stress. You’re then whisked away by golf cart to your suite’s building, with a brief tour of the property as you zoom along the winding path. You’re also paired with a Nomadic Guide who will serve as your contact during your stay, and who can assist with any questions or requests you have during your time on property.
The innovative property was founded by Alex Ferri, with the intention to create a community of holistic wellness that respects and protects the environment around it. Palmaïa hopes to one day become carbon-neutral, and with a cruelty-free approach and no plastics on the resort, they are well on their way.
STAY
With just over 300 suites, Palmaïa seems as though it should have a larger resort feel, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The property’s four buildings are allocated to adult guests or families traveling together. Each suite features ocean views, double vanities and some have unique features like a large workspace and private spaces for meditation.
Swim Out Suite
Completely cruelty-free with zero use of leather and feather-free bedding all of the property’s suites offer king or double queen beds with outdoor space and boasts over 500 square feet. Located on the ground floor, Palmaïa’s swim-out suites offer king beds and private terraces that lead directly out to the resort’s shared infinity pool.
Family Master Suite
Perfect for families with kiddos or friends traveling together, the Family Suites offer parental privacy with a separate room and ensuite for older children. The suites are located right in the center of the resort in a kid'-friendly building, great for meeting friends during your stay.
Meditation Suite
Our absolutely favorite accommodation on property, the Meditation Suites offers indoor/outdoor living with a spacious terrace overlooking to an unobstructed view of the the Caribbean and open bathroom. Off the suites’ entryway is a smaller secluded space perfect for morning meditation or afternoon yoga, along with its own private ensuite.
SNACK
With more plant-based options, this resort is a vegan-traveler’s dream. While the resort is mostly plant-based, even meat-eating guests aren’t likely to miss what’s excluded. However, for those who are only casually interested in plant-based foods, and for families with children, the property offers a selection of animal, fish, and aviary options as well.
The level of presentation and innovation with all of Palmaïa’s dining options is truly impressive. Dining options are centered around a complete alkaline system, and are created to align with Palmaïa’s wholistic approach to wellness. Everything on property is crafted with intention, and the locally inspired menu rotates with the changing season. Many of the team’s Executive Chefs come from Michelin-starred background and training and goodness does it show.
Su Casa - Open from breakfast through dinner, and set just steps away from the Caribbean, Su Casa offers a rotating menu featuring local specialties and familiar comforts all plant-based. The food is delightful, but the view is what’s difficult to tear yourself from.
Lek - This native Mexican-inspired restaurant celebrates traditional flavors with an artistic flair. Only open for dinner a few nights a week, Lek is a special treat. We especially enjoyed desert and the bohemian environment here.
Health Cafe - We found ourselves here more than once during our stay. The steaming cups of espresso brought us in, but the gluten free baked goods and green juice had us back that same afternoon.
EXPERIENCE
One of the best parts of Palmaïa is the dedication to wellness and the array of experiences offered to guests during their stay to support their unique journey. Appropriately named, Architects of Life, the included wellness program dives into exploring the mind, body and spirit. A schedule of rotating complimentary mind and movement classes is available for all guests to enjoy. We took part in the art classes held on the sand and a few of the guided meditation classes held in the property’s ritual deck, and highly recommend both.
Some of the offerings include:
Tai Chi and Chi Kung
Hatha, Vinyasa and Therapeutic Yoga
Art and Creative Classes
Meditation and Pranayama
Palmaïa also celebrates the “encounter between nature, mind and heart” through various ceremonies and rituals that are included and those that can be arranged on demand for an additional contribution.
Some of the offerings include :
Tibetan Bowls & Sound Healing
Cacao Ceremonies
Deep Stretch Therapy
Temazcalli Ceremonies
SPA
A retreat within a retreat, The Palmaïa The House of AïA Atlantis Spa offers another level of healing. Nestled in the lush jungle behind the main buildings of the property. The spa has just five completely private treatment casitas which are connected by cobblestone paths that part through the dense vegetation. Each casita features a secluded view of the jungle foliage with floor to ceiling windows and was carefully designed and constructed as not to disturb the delicate surrounding ecosystem.
During our massage which was infused with essential oil and hot stones, we have never felt more serene, relaxed and surrounded by nature. It was so lovely we actually fell asleep! After their treatment, guests are invited to take a moment to enjoy the spa’s natural cenote, an underground limestone cavern filled with cool, clear rainwater. Which we highly recommend.
The entire spa experience is so perfectly curated and tranquil, we elected not to share photos of our experience, as we believe it is something you must experience yourself for the first time without expectation.
Preferred Partner Amenities
When you book a stay at Palmaïa The House of AïA through WHIT Travel Co. you’ll have the following complimentary amenities automatically added to your reservation.
Suite upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 spa services credit, to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Special chef’s treat welcome amenity
Ready to wander to Palmaïa House of AïA (or somewhere equally fabulous) on a trip of your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you ready to go!