Palmaïa The House of Aïa is a hotel like no other! With its wide range of holistic wellness activities and predominantly plant-based cuisine, you feel at one with nature. In a landscape that’s “Instagrammable” to perfection, it’s easy to forget urban stress and enjoy this paradise-like setting. White sandy beaches, turquoise-blue oceans and tropical plants galore provide the ideal backdrop for a week of total relaxation. We were fortunate enough to test this hotel, located just an hour from Cancun, to be able to recommend it to you. Read below the story of Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club.
Palmaïa, all-inclusive wellness resort
I was impressed by the strong identity of this hotel, which is unlike any other I’ve visited in the 5 years I’ve been traveling the world in search of the best wellness hotels. The very heart of The House of Aïa ‘s project is undeniably holistic well-being, with a great deal of open-mindedness and joie de vivre. Aïa is the energy within us that connects us to nature and the universe. To remind us of this, a majestic wooden statue stands enthroned in a large cenote (natural water-filled abyss), right in front of the beach, with a Burning Man feel.
The concept is very particular: we’re not talking about a butler here, but a “Nomad Guide”, or a yoga teacher, but an Architect of Life. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s music played at aperitif time by a different DJ every day. These are soft electro sounds mixed with ethnic tones that fit surprisingly well with the “barefoot luxury” spirit of the resort The entire Palmaïa team is dressed in long, light, casual clothes. Far from the 5-star cliché, there’s a pleasant closeness to the smiling staff.
Luxury takes on a whole new dimension at this resort, with its unique All Inclusive concept called Gifting Lifestyle. Absolutely all hotel guests can participate in holistic activities at no extra charge. Likewise, meals and room service are included, whatever the dish you choose, as are drinks (including alcohol and the wonderful cocktails served at the beach club). Only spa treatments and private holistic sessions cost extra (and they’re well worth it).
As soon as I arrived at reception, I was greeted by a delicious tamarind cocktail accompanied by the invaluable program of activities offered by Architects of Life. Every day, five to six holistic sessions lasting around an hour are offered to immerse yourself in well-being. No need to reserve your place. Everyone can spontaneously choose to join the session, which is much appreciated.
As the use of disposable bottles is incompatible with Aïa’s values, I was delighted to receive a pretty Palmaia isothermal bottle at check-in. Respect for nature is central to the concept of The House of Aïa. Our products are natural, vegan and biodegradable. You’ll find them not only in your room, but also in the many bathrooms scattered around the resort.
Likewise, no drinks with chemical sweeteners or other soft drinks in the minibar. Only local kombucha, organic coconut water, natural fruit juices and sparkling water. Yes, the mini bar is included too!
After receiving my pretty key bracelet, my Nomadic Guide took me to my room in an electric golfette. It was also he and his team who sent me a message on Whatsapp with the week’s program of activities. I loved the simplicity of communication and the close relationship with the Nomadic Guides team. To request room service or for any other question, simply send them a message, and in just a few minutes you’ll hear the doorbell ring. For example, I had forgotten my sun cream in the car, and within 5 minutes it was delivered to my room.
The hotel is mainly for adults. The clientele is relatively young, with an average age of maybe 40, from the USA, Canada, India and Europe, not forgetting the Mexicans of course. However, with a swimming pool specially designed for children, tasty, healthy menus, and above all a large area entirely dedicated to them, the youngest guests love this hotel as much as their parents. The Awen space offers a different program every day, based on manual, creative and original activities. They can learn to cook, dance, observe wild animals… The only thing they’re not allowed to do is use electronic devices. During their stay, they leave their phones and computers behind and get back to nature. What a great idea!
The best spot on the coast
Set right on the edge of the jungle, the resort is well stocked with tropical plants, and you can spot monkeys leaping from branch to branch and iguanas basking in the sun . The setting is absolutely heavenly, with its long white-sand beach and turquoise-blue sea.
The House of Aïa is beautifully located at the end of Playa del Carmen’s hotel peninsula, and has the best spot on the coast. To the right, all you see is wilderness, lush vegetation and the Caribbean Sea as far as the eye can see. Having tested 4 hotels along this coast, I have to say that Palmaia had by far the most beautiful beach.
The resort is vast, with a wide variety of spaces scattered around the estate: a paddling hut, a restaurant opening onto the beach, a cosy open-air bar, a gym surrounded by tropical vegetation, with plenty of deckchairs. Although everything is within easy walking distance, bicycles (for adults and children) are available throughout the resort.
Suites with magnificent views
Although the exterior architecture of the buildings isn’t particularly beautiful (it was originally destined to become a Sandos hotel, an all-inclusive chain), the interior design of the accommodation is charming . Spacious, with wooden elements and a few touches of turquoise color, the suites are beautiful! I stayed in an Ocean King Suite with an open-plan bathroom featuring a shower and bathtub. Like all accommodations, my suite had a cozy little lounge area, right next to a large bay window opening onto an ocean-facing balcony. The vivid color of the water is reflected in every corner of the suite, beckoning you to revel in the scenery over and over again.
The five buildings housing the suites all feature large swimming pools of varying depths, surrounded by attractive vegetation. Some suites even have a terrace on the water’s edge, giving them direct access to the pool. However, I recommend taking a room on a higher floor to get a better view.
The Atlantis Spa, a true marvel!
One of a kind, Atlantis Spa is superbly integrated into nature. It consists of several small huts dotted between trees and cenotes. These little “sacred wells” were created naturally, and most of them are linked by underground caves. It is said that swimming in the cenotes helps to purify oneself. At least, that’s what I was advised to do before enjoying a spa treatment. An exceptional moment that I loved!
The treatment cabins are joined by small stone paths. Featuring an all-glass front overlooking nature, the treatment cabins are original. As we pass through the wooden door, the magic happens: incense perfumes the room, candles light up the little alcoves on the walls, and a few rays of sunlight dance towards us. With the jungle at our backs, the massage with natural oils and herbs can begin. Time seemed to stand still…
The spa offers treatments with a strong focus on holistic healing, drawing on ancestral practices. All treatments are based on the energy centers. For example, to care for your heart, your 4th chakra, we offer a Phyto Sensations massage based on reflexology, acupressure and Ayurvedic techniques. The most popular treatment is the union treatment to activate intuition and the third eye. It plays on temperature contrast and the intensity of the pressure rhythm. In addition to individual treatments, several traditional rituals can be organized in small groups, such as Temazcal, a Mayan ceremony very popular in Mexico.
I loved my Fire Ceremony session. Since the beginning of humanity, fire has been considered a sacred element with the capacity to purify and transform all things. A fire ceremony is a powerful ancient practice for releasing negative energy from your mind, creating space for new, purer intentions. At Spa Atlantis, this ritual is performed in the middle of the jungle, accompanied by a shaman. Mine was Ruben, who was very friendly. After burning my negative emotions written on a piece of paper, I was able to focus on all the positive emotions I want to experience. What a thrill it was when shaman Ruben started singing!
I also had a Biocharger session, like I had at Clinique Nescens. By producing magnetic, light and electrical impulses, the BioCharger NG acts as a “kick-start” for dysfunctional biological systems suffering from energy blockages. Basically, it stimulates the appropriate signal flow and system operation by serving as an exogenous source of energy fields. This was one of Palmaia’s surprises: being able to combine technology with much more traditional treatments!
A wide range of holistic wellness activities
Holistic activities come to life at the Ritual Deck and Mangrove Deck, which are actually wooden platforms immersed in the vegetation. During the various sessions, we’re lulled by the sound of palm leaves in the wind, birdsong and the movement of distant waves. Not only is the setting pleasant, but the speakers are passionate about what they do, making the experience exceptional.
The Architects of Life activities are grouped into three categories: those linked to consciousness (meditation, mantras, art classes…), those linked to movement (tai chi, ancestral dance, qi gong…) and rituals (Tibetan bowls, cocoa ceremony, transmutation ritual). I found the variety of activities very interesting. For example, I was able to take part in a “Circle Soul Reading” where a shaman channeled my soul to help me move forward in the difficulties I face in my life… Interesting. I also loved the Gong Bath.
Our trainers are experts in their fields, and adapt to the level of experience of each participant. The atmosphere is peaceful and very friendly. There’s a great sense of harmony among both the team and the guests, which I think is a great asset.
The Architects of Life activities are a real highlight of The House of Aia, with five or six different activities every day. During my stay, I chose to take part in yoga classes. Yoga is usually the first session of the day, at 8 o’clock, which I think is great. I usually do yoga on an empty stomach or at least some generous time before or afetr any meals, which is recommended by many athletes and specialists. The quality of the course was really excellent, with a very charismatic Angel teacher. The setting is truly idyllic, with trees all around and birds singing. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful yoga platforms I’ve seen in my life.
A vegetarian cuisine
It’s great to see plant-based cuisine at the top of the list! Indeed, all dishes here are primarily vegan, but can be adapted with meat and fish of choice for those who wish. I was blown away by the variety of dishes, everything is 100% plant-based.
Whether it’s the pastries and “butter” at breakfast, the various “cheeses” or the desserts, everything is vegan and homemade! The textures are well crafted, the flavors delicious and the aesthetics very appetizing. I’m convinced that a few days in Palmaia could change the clichés about vegan cuisine, and even make fervent carnivores fans of plant-based gastronomy, why not?
The hotel has a greenhouse where aromatic plants and fruit and vegetables are grown. In addition, the chefs source their produce from local and organic producers. The products are fresh and chosen according to the season. Nature’s cycle is respected, which is very important not only for the environment, but also in terms of energy for the body. The chef, a specialist in plant-based cuisine, and his second-in-command, an expert in nutrition, make a great team. Their two areas of expertise combine perfectly to create gourmet menus that are balanced and rich in nutrients.
For dinner, there’s a choice of four restaurants covering flavors from all over the world: Ume for Asian fusion cuisine, Mar de Olivo for Italian gastronomy, LEK for Mexican chili and finally the main Su Casa restaurant serving international cuisine. I enjoyed my dinner at Ume, with sushi, vegetable curries…
In my opinion, Su Casa is the most charming restaurant. Set on the beach, just a few meters from the turquoise waters, this is where breakfast and lunch are taken in front of a breathtaking view… For breakfast, I chose a delicious slice of sourdough bread with avocado. I also got to try some vegan pancakes with almond milk and chia seeds. The next day, papaya bagel, chia bowl, fresh fruit salad… Everything was generally fine and beautifully presented.
Finally, a word about service and staff. The friendliness of the staff makes for a very pleasant atmosphere.
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Our verdict
Palmaia’s dream setting is enough to make for an excellent vacation. Add to this a myriad of wellness activities led by real enthusiasts, an all-inclusive, predominantly plant-based cuisine, and an extraordinary spa surrounded by tropical vegetation, and you’ll understand that this is an exceptional wellness hotel that is already in our top 10 worldwide! It’s hard to come back to real life after such a restful, rejuvenating stay in paradise…
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates : From around 500 euros per night in low season, all-inclusive (full board and activities)
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
