Opened in January 2020, 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.   

Guided by the philosophy that connecting with nature is the path to personal growth, 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.  

What are the main points of distinction?

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 biproducts in the furnishings or amenities. “Eating plant-based is not a sacrifice and, in fact, it can be a culinary experience within itself,” said Ferri.   

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 including sound healing, gravity control, multi-musical vibration, vipassana, various practices of yoga, and natural art classes—all led by the property’s on-site healers. 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.  

What new health & safety protocols and procedures have been implemented?

Palmaia’s location and design allows it to naturally promote social distancing and encourages guests to explore the nature that surrounds them. Architects of Life practices inspire guests to connect in a safe manner. For all of Palmaia’s Health & Safety procedures related to COVID-19, see here.   

What types of activities/programs are offered?

Palmaia actively participates in a “gifting culture” and all guests enjoy complimentary access to 24-hour room service, unrestricted access to restaurants, and the rotating food truck serving the chef’s choice of the day, premium beverages, pool and beachside service, bike share, 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 or off property.  

What types of clients does the property typically cater to and what clients would feel most comfortable at the property?

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.   

What client goals/intentions might be achieved by selecting this property?

Palmaia invites all guests to reconnect with nature and with their inner self while being on 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 was 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 in the inside.  

Can programs be customized to suit clients’ needs?

If there is a certain goal that a client wants to achieve, Palmaia has a wide variety of personal growth practices that clients can chose from in order to achieve their goals. Due to the number and variety of Architects of Life activities and Rituals of Sound programming, a stay could be customized by the guests themselves without added fees.   

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.  

What is the best time to travel?

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 anytime of the year. Also, Mexico is currently open to travelers from around the world.