A Wellness Retreat at Palmaïa, The House of AïA
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Palmaïa, The House of AïA Rituals Deck
Discover Palmaïa, The House of AïA: A Unique Luxury Experience
My guy and I recently had the chance to check out the brand-new Palmaïa, The House of AïA, which officially opened in July 2020. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Palmaïa is on another level of luxury. A harmonious blend of modern design and nature, this place is a dream stay for the right traveler. There’s simply no other resort quite like it, and I’m excited to take you on a deeper dive to see if it’s your ideal vacation!
A Holistic Retreat in Playacar
Nestled within the gated community of Playacar, Palmaïa offers a serene and safe environment just a few miles from the lively heart of Playa del Carmen. It’s the best of both worlds—you’re close to the action, but surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.
Dining with a Purpose
Our first impression was made at Su Casa, which wowed us with breathtaking views and a gentle ocean breeze. For breakfast, I enjoyed a meat-based omelet and pancakes, while Bob opted for a breakfast burrito. Every dish was not only visually stunning but also fresh and full of flavor. The chefs at Palmaïa prioritize the highest-quality ingredients, preparing them in the healthiest way possible to preserve all the nutrients.
One of the coolest things about Palmaïa is its plant-based menu with the option for non-plant-based add-ons. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or a meat lover, there’s something for everyone. The owner, inspired by his global travels, noticed many resorts lack vegan options, so Palmaïa focuses on plant-based dishes while catering to all dietary needs. You’ll never go hungry—and may even have a hard time choosing what to order!
But don’t be fooled—meat lovers, you're in luck too! Whether you’re craving a juicy burger or fresh fish, Palmaïa can satisfy all your carnivorous cravings, ensuring everyone’s preferences are met.
Here are just a few of the amazing dishes you can expect:
Popular Plant-Based Dishes:
- Vegan Burger
- Plant-based Poke Bowl
- Plant-based Ceviche
- Avocado Pizza
- Hummus and Tabbouleh
- "No-melette" (omelets without eggs)
Meat-Based Add-Ons:
- Add meat to your vegan burger
- Add fish to your ceviche
- Customize your pizza with sausage, ham, or bacon
- Add eggs or meats to your omelet
- Top your Poke Bowl with tuna
Wellness & Relaxation at Palmaïa
At Palmaïa, wellness isn’t just an afterthought; it’s woven into the fabric of the experience. Their “Architects of Life” wellness program offers three complimentary daily activities such as yoga, sound healing, and transpersonal astrology. They constantly evolve their wellness offerings, keeping experiences fresh and exciting for every guest.
Some of the wellness activities you can enjoy during your stay include:
- Meditation
- Tibetan Bowls
- Talks with the Shaman
- Tai Ch
- iAncestral Dance
- Pranayama
- Vinyasa Yoga
- Gong Bath
- Temescal
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Natural Art
- Vipassana
- Sun Gazing
- Drums Connection
- Tantra Hatha Yoga
- And much more!
Atlantis Spa: A Truly Unique Experience
Although I’m not usually one to indulge in spa treatments, the Atlantis Spa left a lasting impression. The treatment rooms, with floor-to-ceiling glass, provide an incredible view of the lush jungle surroundings. Plus, they use vegan and biodegradable products, making the experience not only relaxing but eco-friendly.
Family Focused with a Unique Kids’ Program
Palmaïa is also family-focused, with a one-of-a-kind kids’ program inspired by the Waldorf Education System. This program helps children reconnect with nature, the community, and their creativity. The kids are encouraged to engage with natural elements like seeds, wood, and fabric for art projects, and participate in outdoor activities like treasure hunts, jungle explorations, painting, singing, and baking bread—no video games, TV, or plastic toys involved.
A Resort Built for Nature
Palmaïa is thoughtfully built around the mangroves, which play an important role in the local ecosystem. The resort is designed to be minimally invasive to the habitat, so you can feel good about your stay while enjoying everything the property has to offer.
Beach & Nightlife
The beach here is a showstopper. Their half-mile of white sandy beach is one of the cleanest and most stunning I’ve seen in Mexico. As night falls, you can enjoy live music or DJ performances by the fire pit, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed evening.
A Peaceful Escape
From a sunrise walk along the beach to learning about ancient plant knowledge or exploring global rituals, Palmaïa helps you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s a truly mystical and immersive place that encourages you to focus on what’s most important—your health. A powerful saying comes to mind: “If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.”
Are You Ready for Palmaïa?
If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat where you can align your mind, body, and spirit, Palmaïa is the place to be. Let me help you plan your stay at this transformative destination!