Wellbeing Escapes' founder, Stella Photi, visited in May 2025.
Location and design
When I first arrived at Palmaïa – The House of AïA, I wasn’t sure if it would feel like a true retreat. Set on a large stretch of land near Playa del Carmen, with a long white-sand beach and lush tropical greenery, it initially looks like a traditional beach resort. But it soon becomes clear that it offers much more. Despite its size, Palmaïa has a calm, grounded energy. It's open to families, but thanks to thoughtful design, you can always find peaceful corners — from adults-only beach areas to quieter accommodation blocks. The rooms are spacious and serene, many with glorious views over the turquoise sea. I also loved the décor — a luxurious, boho-inspired mix of natural textures and soulful details. It feels relaxed, elevated and beautifully in tune with its surroundings.
My wellness experience
At Palmaïa, wellness is woven quietly into daily life. From the moment you arrive, the warmth of the team sets the tone, and each guest is supported by a personal Nomadic Guide who keeps you informed about the daily Architects of Life programme.
The activities are wide-ranging and thoughtfully curated, changing daily. Those I experienced included morning yoga among the mangroves, Tibetan sound bowl healing, cacao and gratitude ceremonies, and creative drawing or painting sessions by the sea. Everything is included, allowing you to choose what resonates rather than follow a fixed timetable. I joined many of the sessions, with the drawing class and the gratitude ceremony standing out as personal favourites — the latter accompanied by beautiful music and a strong sense of shared presence.
The spa itself is built around natural cenotes and rooted in Maya healing traditions. This is not a high-tech spa, but a deeply holistic one. I experienced The Embrace of the Ancient Mother, a traditional Maya women’s massage inspired by treatments historically given by Maya grandmothers, and the cenote setting felt quietly powerful and deeply grounding.
The food
Food at Palmaïa feels generous, varied and refreshingly relaxed. While the overall focus is plant-based, there is plenty of flexibility — you can have eggs in the morning, and fish or meat if that’s what you fancy or what your body needs. Breakfast is usually taken at Su Casa, right by the beach, with open sea views that make slow mornings feel especially good. One of my personal highlights was the plant-based sushi at UME, which was genuinely some of the tastiest and most interesting I’ve ever had. The fine dining experience at LEK was also a real treat — beautifully presented, full of flavour, and so enjoyable you’d never imagine just how healthy it all is. However, my favourite of all was the taco van for lunch — Charly’s Vegan Tacos — packed with flavour and best enjoyed sitting on the beachside benches, toes in the sand and nowhere else to be!
Personal highlights
- Swimming in the cenote within the spa — peaceful, beautiful and deeply calming.
- Letting go of my long-held belief that I’m 'not good at art' and genuinely enjoying the drawing class (my drawing wasn’t half bad either).
- The daily programme of activities, which felt a little like being at a posh festival — but with luxury accommodation, great food and the freedom to dip in and out as you please.
Who's it for?
- Those looking for a wellness escape that feels intuitive and soulful rather than structured or clinical.
- Travellers who enjoy choice and flexibility, dipping in and out of daily activities depending on how they feel.
- People drawn to nature-led wellbeing, creative expression and gentle rituals, with a strong sense of place and cultural influence.
- Anyone who likes the idea of a retreat atmosphere that feels a little like a beautifully curated, grown-up festival — but with comfort, space and high-end accommodation.
Insider info
- Make restaurant reservations for the evening as soon as you can — it’s important. If you leave it too late, you may not get your first choice, especially at the more popular venues.
- The resort is spread out and can feel a little confusing at first, but it’s very easy to get around. Use the bikes dotted around the property, or simply hop on one of the buggies that are always circulating.
- If you enjoy meeting new people, the daily activities are a great way to connect. The retreat naturally attracts like-minded guests, making it easy to strike up conversations and form genuine connections.
Book Palmaïa – The House of AïA through Wellbeing Escapes and you'll receive $100 in spa credit. If you need more information about this retreat, or any other wellness retreats in Mexico, you can get in touch with our expert team here.
