An All-Inclusive Retreat to Wellness in Playa del Carmen
Photos courtesy of Palmaïa - The House of Aïa.
In Playa del Carmen, Mexico, sleep expert and wellness devotee Erica Huss finds an all-inclusive resort for travelers who like to chilllllllll.
In a rising sea of wellness resorts, I was delighted to find that Palmaïa - The House of Aïa stands out as one that truly walks the walk while others just talk the talk. Tucked away in a special area of Riviera Maya, Palmaïa features lush jungle on one side and crystal clear ocean on the other, with private cenotes and wildlife — like the spider monkeys and coatis who join you for breakfast. The family-owned and -operated resort strikes the ideal balance between a spiritual journey and a luxury getaway. Rooms are spacious and equipped for the wellness-minded traveler, down to the local kombucha in the fridge, and there's nary a single-use plastic in sight.
Music plays a major role in the Palmaïa experience, which was actual music to my ears as I’m a pretty tune-oriented person (a bad playlist can completely kill a poolside vibe for me). Happily, they take the sonic experience to the next level. Not only is there no overplayed list of Bossa covers of every major pop song (why can’t we do anything in moderation?), but there are frequent live performances and regular DJ sets on the beach that transport you to a happy place, even if your happy place is NOT the playa at Burning Man (only me?). Think less revved-up electronic music, more lush, organic sounds for the surroundings (ie: chilling with a cocktail/mocktail in the jungle or dancing by the bonfire). We saw a collaboration with a DJ and a trumpet player one evening, which was unexpected in all the right ways. The resort even released an album, AÏA Vol. 1, a soundscape of ethereal vocals by artist Layla Rehana, channeling the Palmaïa experience in sound.
Another highlight was, blissfully, the food. It’s common to see all-inclusive resorts emphasize quantity over quality with overloaded and mediocre buffets, but things are different here. The menu is plant-centric and entirely free of seed oils, which jives with the wellness ethos, but by no means does it feel like “spa” cuisine. The menus are hearty, creative, and varied in options (from pub-style burgers to Japanese omakase to elegant Mexican), and carnivores needn’t worry (proteins can be added to any dish: local eggs, grass-fed meats, the freshest seafood).
How about programming? No notes. You can sit on the stunning crystal blue beach and do nothing, or you can do everything from yoga, breathwork, and paddle sports to spa treatments, watercolor class, or a session with a spiritual guide (I have yet to experience this, but fellow travelers described it as life-changing).
Yes, Palmaïa is all-inclusive and also feels truly INCLUSIVE. Whatever level of wellness-curiosity you bring to the jungle, they meet you where you are. During my stay, nothing ever felt preachy or like a cool-kids club that required a secret handshake to get in. You do as much or as little as you want, go as woo-woo as you like or keep it classic beachy waves. This is my kind of wellness, and I plan to return many times.