A Wellness Retreat at Palmaïa, The House of AïA
(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't wa...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world?
Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!
From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura.
Wait, did you say you enjoy wine? They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know? Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more!
I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience.
I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up. If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.
The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!
After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.
If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia!
Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Palmaïa, The House of AïA Rituals Deck
My guy and I had the opportunity to check out the brand new Palmaïa, The House of AïA for the day which officially opened July 2020.
At merely first glance I immediately felt Palmaïa was a unique new of level luxury. With a harmonious blend of modern nature, for the right traveler this would be an absolute dream stay! There is simply no other resort in the world that is quite like it ... so together let’s explore in depth to see if this sounds like your next ideal vacation!
This holistic retreat is built around nature within the gated community of Playacar, a very safe resort. Just a few miles from Playa Del Carmen's hustle and bustle yet you're in a quiet serene setting. Here you will find the best of both worlds.
On to the food options … Su Casa was our first impression which wowed us with the incredible views and pleasant ocean breeze. For Breakfast I had a meat-based omelets & pancakes. Bob had a meat-based breakfast burrito. Every dish not only looked incredible, but was fresh & delicious! Their chef is always looking to find the highest quality ingredients while preparing in the healthiest possible way so not to lose the nutrients. They're even building a greenhouse to include herbs & vegetables expected to open sometime in 2021.
What's truly unique about your dining experience at Palmaïa is their menu is plant-based with the option of non-plant based add-ons. Thus creating several vegan & vegetarian options, and yet ultimately catering to your personal plant & meat preferences. The owner has traveled worldwide finding many resorts do not offer many vegan choices, vegetarian is always more prevalent. Palmaïa adapts to all dietary needs, with a strong focus on plant-based offerings therefore making this an exciting resort for all wellness travelers! No matter if you're a vegetarian, meat lover, gluten-free or vegan you'll not go hungry, you'll have a hard time deciding what to order next!
Here are just a few of the many cuisine options.
Popular plant-based dishes:
- Vegan Burger
- Plant-based Poke Bol
- Plant-based Ceviche
- Avocado Pizza
- Hummus and Taboule
- No-melette (Omelets without eggs)
Examples of Meat-based add-ons:
- Burger - You could add meat.
- Ceviche - You could add fish.
- Pizza - You could add any ingredients you like such as sausage, ham, bacon, etc.
- Omelets - You could add real eggs & meats.
- Poke Bol - You could add tuna.
While food is an important aspect, the resorts wellness program known as Architects of Life further helps you dive into the mind, body, and spirit. With 3 complimentary daily activities such as yoga, sound healing, and transpersonal astrology. The Palmaïa is continuously changing their wellness options to keep the experiences innovative for their guests.
Here are some Wellness Options that may be available during your stay:
- Meditation
- Tibetan Bowls
- Talk with the Shaman
- Tai Chi
- Ancestral Dance
- Pranayama
- Yoga Vinyasa
- Gong Bath
- Temescal
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Natural Art
- Vipassana
- Sun Gazing
- Drums Connection
- The Birth of Praia Ceremony
- Mandalas
- Multi-Musical Vibration
- Mind Control
- Tantra Hatha Yoga
- Caco Ceremony
- Mantras
- Yoga Therapeutic
- Chi King
- Gravity Control
Next … the Spa! While I admit, I'm not always a participant in the "Spa Experience", Atlantis Spa had no ordinary feel to it. Their treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass will leave you completely mesmerized with nothing but a serene jungle view. Their spa uses vegan & biodegradable products without chemicals.
Palmaïa is family focused with a unique kids program within the hospitality industry, inspired by the Waldorf Education System. It takes children away from everyday stresses by looking to reconnect them with nature, the community and to enhance their creativity. They have no video games, TV or plastic toys. Instead giving them natural elements such as seeds, wood or fabric for natural art creations. Plus outdoor activities such as Treasure hunting, jungle exploration, creativity such as painting, singing & baking bread. Making for a very enriching wellness program.
Palmaïa was built around the mangroves which is important to the ecosystem of the land, beach & ocean.
But wait! How's the beach & nightlife? Happy to say their 1/2 mile white sandy bottom beach is one of the cleanest most gorgeous we've seen in Mexico! Then when night falls you'll love their DJ/Bands alongside the fire pit.
From a sunrise gazing meditative walk silently along the beach, to learning about ancient plant knowledge or the endless rituals from around the world. This mystical minimally evasive to the habitat place will genuinely help you disconnect from your busy lifestyle and allow you to focus on something utterly important, your health. A powerful saying is, "If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness."
Are you ready to align your mind, body and spirit at this inclusive spiritual retreat? I can help!