A plant-based, spiritually-infused, family-friendly wellness resort that's nothing like anywhere else!
I've been lucky enough to spend over a week at Palmaïa in February 2022 and another five days in October 2023. This place holds some of my most cherished memories. Here's what makes it so special.
— Victoire
A Place That Changed Everything for Me
I should start with a secret: Christophe and I renewed our vows at Palmaïa with a shamanic ceremony. It was profound, intimate, and completely unexpected. That's Palmaïa in a nutshell. You arrive thinking it's a wellness resort, and you leave having experienced something that touches you much deeper.
This wellness destination in Mexico is extraordinarily special, and I keep finding myself drawn back.
Let's Be Clear About What This Place Is
Palmaïa isn't for everyone, and I mean that as a compliment.
Expect laid-back, easy-going vibes. Amazing plant-based food that will surprise you even if you're skeptical. Comfortable rooms with views that make you forget to check your phone. The beach is absurdly beautiful: white sand, water so clear and blue it looks fake. I could spend entire days there if there weren't so many other things calling my attention.
Here's what you need to understand: this is not your typical luxury resort. It's not the most luxury place you'll find in this part of the world. It's honest, efficient luxury, nothing over the top. But it's first and foremost a wellness experience in paradise.
Alex Ferri, the owner, is a true visionary. He wants to change the world, and Palmaïa is his proof of what's possible.
If you're looking for opulent luxury with marble and chandeliers, this isn't your place. Palmaïa is about a different kind of richness.
What Actually Happens Here
Beyond that paradise beach, Palmaïa offers an almost overwhelming list of included activities. You can pack your schedule if you want: yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, sound baths, movement classes, sacred geometry, art classes, cacao ceremonies. The variety is impressive, and the quality is there in each and every activity.
They also welcome special guests - visiting practitioners you're unlikely to meet in any other wellness resort. During one of my visits, a shaman led a Rapé ceremony. But not any shaman: the shaman from the tribe which has the strongest, most authentic rapé tradition! Strong. Authentic. Not for tourists. And yet so approachable. Really transformative and progressive in the same time. A unique balance.
The team is exceptional. The shaman Balder, Iva the art teacher, so many caring people who genuinely want you to have a transformative experience, at your own pace. Though I have to admit some of my favorites have moved on, too.
The spa is stunning, offering truly holistic practices. There's a sacred cenote right in the middle of the resort, and something about it resonates deeply with most guests. I had special connections there. But not all stories can be written.
Heaven for Families Who Value Wellness
One of Palmaïa's greatest strengths is how genuinely welcoming it is for children. The Waldorf-inspired kids club and its activities program is exceptional. My daughters loved it so much they'd rather spend their day exploring with new friends than hanging out with us. And they were really well taken care of, learning things, having fun on the beach or under the palm trees ...
The hotel offers two types of family rooms: one with bunk beds integrated into the suite, another with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Both work beautifully depending on your family's needs.
The Honest Truth About the Weakness
The front desk is the property's Achilles heel. Check-in and check-out don't match the rest of the experience. The team there isn't as warm or helpful as you'd expect from a luxury wellness destination.
But you don't get to see this team much: after you check in, the front desk is physically separated from the resort. You only see them again at checkout - which is not the most fluid experience, but it's OK. So while it's frustrating, it barely impacts your actual stay.
What I Love Most: Chef Charly
Besides the paradise beach and the profound wellness program, Chef Charly might be the greatest treasure of this property. I genuinely adore Charly. He's authentic, warm, skilled of course, and his food is simply extraordinary.
Did you know he started with a vegan tacos food truck in Tulum? He became so famous that everyone wanted to try his tacos, whether they were vegan or not. His food is so delicious people came from all over the world just to taste it. Alex Ferri gave him his chance, and it was a perfect match.
The property is completely plant-based, though they do offer animal proteins (eggs, fish, meat) for those who want them. It's quietly listed on the menu.
The Food Experience at Palmaïa
Palmaïa has a beach restaurant for casual all-day dining, plus three gourmet restaurants: Asian (my absolute favorite), Italian, and Mexican. There's also a café where you can grab and go throughout the day.
My daughters lived for the croissants. The mango tapioca pudding and smoothies were what I'd order on my last day on earth. And of course, you can get tacos at Charly's food truck on the beach. I'll be honest, that's where you'll find me at lunch.
One important note: even though it's all-inclusive, Palmaïa isn't a buffet-style place. This is laid-back luxury wellness, not a cruise ship.
Your Own Path, Your Own Pace
Except for spa treatments, everything at Palmaïa is included. That very long list of activities, classes, therapies, and holistic sessions. They even quote prices including taxes, which is rare in Mexico. Unless you're getting facials and massages every day, there are no surprises on your bill.
The value for money is exceptional. You can truly find what you're looking for: a wellness vacation at your own pace with some yoga and classes, an intense sport and detox retreat, a memorable family holiday, or a deep spiritual experience.
Each guest follows their own path. So if your partner prefers to spend the day drinking cocktails by the adult pool, that's completely fine too. No judgment. No pressure.
Who This Place Really Serves
Palmaïa is for people who want something different. Something real. Something that might actually change them a little.
It's for families who value wellness and want their children to experience a different kind of vacation, of freedom, in a super safe space. It's also for spiritual seekers who are tired of surface-level experiences, but not necessarily ready for an ashram, or not with the same people. It's for anyone exhausted by conventional luxury and ready for something more meaningful.
It's not for people who need everything to be polished and perfect. It's not for skeptics who roll their eyes at shamanic ceremonies (I see you! haha). It's not for those who need their luxury to announce itself loudly.
My Real Take
My stays at Palmaïa were profound. Both for me personally and for my family. The memories we made there, the connections we felt, the way we all shifted a little bit... that's what this place offers.
I highly recommend Palmaïa to anyone looking for a unique wellness vacation experience. But only if you're ready for something genuine. Only if you're open to being surprised. Only if you understand that real luxury sometimes wears flip-flops and serves tacos from a food truck.
It's not for everyone. But if you're looking for a place to deeply relax, to disconnect from the world, to experience something different, then you should absolutely give it a try.
Sending you the beautiful light from Mexico,
Victoire
Questions about Palmaïa? Let's talk. Maybe it's your perfect retreat, or maybe I'll suggest somewhere else that fits you better. Sometimes the honest answer is that a different property will serve you better, and that's okay. Finding the right match is what matters.