I have been lucky to spend over a week at Palmaïa The House of AïA in February 2022 as well as 5 days in October 2023. Here are the main insights from my experience there. I hope you'll enjoy reading!
A Wellness Haven Filled with Dear Memories
This wellness destination in Mexico is very special and I have many dear memories there. I should start by sharing a little secret: my husband Christophe and I renewed our vows there with a shamanic ceremony. What a truly wonderful experience!
Palmaïa isn't just another luxury resort - it's a place where transformative moments happen, where connections deepen, and where wellness becomes a lived experience rather than just a concept.
Who Is Palmaïa For?
Expect laid-back, easy-going vibes, amazing plant-based food, and comfortable rooms with breathtaking views. The beach is simply gorgeous: white sand and crystal-clear blue water. I could spend my whole day there, if there wasn't so much more to do.
When considering Palmaïa, it's important to understand that more than a luxury resort, it is a wellness experience in paradise. Palmaïa is not designed for everyone. This is not the place for people looking for opulent luxury with marble lobbies and formal service.
Alex Ferri, the owner of Palmaia, is a true visionary. He wants to change the world, and Palmaïa is his way of showing what can be achieved. His philosophy permeates every aspect of the property, from the plant-based cuisine to the holistic programming to the connection with nature.
What to Do During Your Stay
Beyond the paradise beach, Palmaïa The House of AïA offers a long list of included activities throughout the day. You can have your agenda packed if you want: from yoga to Qi Gong, from meditation to sound baths, from movement classes to sacred geometry, from art classes to cacao ceremonies.
Palmaïa also welcomes special guests and retreat leaders from time to time. When I was there, a renowned shaman from an Amazon tribe came for a Rapé ceremony. These unexpected experiences add layers of depth to an already rich program.
The team is exceptional and caring. I was particularly moved by the shaman Balder and Iva the art teacher. Their dedication to their crafts creates genuine transformation for guests.
The Sacred Cenote
The spa is stunning, and Palmaïa offers experiences with truly holistic practices. There is a sacred cenote in the middle of the resort, and it resonates strongly with most guests. I experienced special connections there—though not all stories can be told or written.
A Heaven for Wellness Seekers with Children
One of the greatest strengths of Palmaïa is how children are welcome. The property offers an exceptional Waldorf-inspired activities program that my daughters absolutely adored. They loved it so much that they would rather spend their day outside discovering the world with their new friends than spending time with their parents.
The hotel offers two different types of family rooms: one with bunk beds in the room and another with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. This flexibility makes it easy for families of different sizes and preferences to find their perfect setup.
The Honest Truth: Areas for Improvement
In all honesty, the front desk is the true weakness of this property. The arrival and departure experience lags behind. The front desk team is not as warm or helpful as you would expect from a luxury wellness destination. On the other hand, the front desk is actually away from the resort, so after check-in you're not going to see them again until check-out. Once you're settled in, this becomes a non-issue.
What I Love Most: Chef Charly's Magic
Besides the paradise beach and the exceptional wellness program, Chef Charly may well be the greatest gem of this property. I truly love Charly. He is really nice and authentic, and his food is simply amazing.
Did you know that Chef Charly started with a vegan tacos food truck in Tulum? He became really famous with his food truck—everyone wanted to try his tacos, whether they were vegan or not. His food is so delicious that people from all over the world would come just to experience his creations. Alex Ferri gave him his chance, and it was a perfect match.
The Plant-Based Culinary Experience
The property is completely plant-based, though for those who are reluctant, animal proteins are available: eggs, fish, and meat are listed on the menu.
Palmaïa has a beach restaurant for casual all-day dining, as well as three gourmet restaurants: an Asian (my favorite), an Italian, and a Mexican one. There's also a café where you can grab and go all day long.
My little ones absolutely loved their croissants. As for me, the mango tapioca pudding and the smoothies were to die for. And of course, you can have tacos at Charly's food truck on the beach—I must confess, this is where you'll find me over lunch at Palmaïa.
One last important note about the food: even though it's all-inclusive, Palmaïa is not a buffet-style place. Everything is made to order. Remember, this is a laid-back, easy-going luxury wellness hotel with a focus on quality over quantity.
Find Your Own Path
Except for the spa, everything at Palmaïa is included—and this means a very long list of activity classes, as well as therapies and holistic sessions. Palmaïa even quotes their prices including taxes, which is quite rare in Mexico. Unless you spend your days having facials and massages, there are no surprises on your bill at checkout.
Overall, the value for money is exceptional, and you can truly find what you're looking for: a wellness vacation at your own pace with yoga and a few classes, an intense sport and detox retreat, a memorable family holiday, or an in-depth spiritual experience.
Each guest is invited to follow their own path at Palmaïa. So if your other half prefers to spend the day drinking cocktails by the adult pool and chilling out, that's perfectly fine too. There's no judgment, no pressure—just space for everyone to experience wellness in their own way.
My Final Thoughts
As you can tell, my stays at Palmaïa were profoundly meaningful, with memorable experiences both for me and my family. I highly recommend Palmaïa The House of AïA to anyone looking for a unique and special wellness vacation experience.
It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a place to deeply relax, to disconnect from the world, and to experience something different, and perhaps to explore your spiritual journey, then you should definitely give it a try.
Whether you're seeking emotional transformation, family connection, food delight, or simply a beautiful beach to rest your soul, Palmaïa offers a space where all of these can coexist.
Sending you the beautiful light from Mexico,
Victoire