Seeing Mexico through your third eye

From the moment you arrive at Palmaïa, The House of AïA, this is a hotel experience that hits extremely different. An hour’s drive from the Cancun airport, the remote resort in the Riviera Maya feels more like a closed community, where on stepping out of the car you’re handed a cool towel and an herb-infused water, while the greeter checks on your food allergies and restrictions.

You’re driven to your room, where a nomadic guide talks you through all the information about your new temporary home and its “Architects of Life” program, and settles you in. “It’s kind of like, the way you enter paradise?” laughs Raquel Reichard, author of Self-Care for Latinas, who was recently a guest at the resort.  

Where most resorts sell themselves on convenience, abundance and location (and this hotel certainly does have all of that), the 14-acre Palmaïa is focused on a somewhat loftier goal: a spiritual, consciousness-expanding stay that “connects your higher self to your true origin,” and leaves you transformed for the better. 

To this end, a full wellness program is available—more than 50 different activities take place each week, overseen by the hotel’s “Resident Architects,” including Balder, a local shaman. Reichard underwent “breathing sessions, watercolor painting, mantras, sound baths, and, my favorite, a cacao ceremony and women’s circle,” but stresses that the hotel avoided the common pitfalls of these places.  

“Honestly, that was my concern going into it: These places can sometimes seem a little ‘off’ for some folks, but it wasn’t that way at all.” she says. “I know that these trends can be co-opted and not feel so genuine. But I didn’t feel that way.” She points to the years of experience among the guides leading sessions, along with their deep connections to the local area, and the fact that local staff also have free access to the classes. “They brought a lot of their own cultural and ancestral practices into these techniques, which felt really nice.”  

With sessions taking place in the spacious, rug-strewn beachside tent or on the outdoor “Rituals Deck,” and split into four classifications—mind, movement, ceremonies and rituals (private sessions)— each day can bring a new chance to rejuvenate yourself. Most guests take advantage of the all-inclusive nature of the program, with Reichard explaining that she “was seeing a lot of the same faces between sessions. It was really interesting to build a sense of community between people who literally live all over the world, but are sharing a space with you here.”  

With a more conventional spa, a private beach, tranquil cenotes, and four restaurants (plus Charly’s Vegan Tacos truck) all majoring in plant-based ingredients, this is the kind of place where you leave feeling genuinely rejuvenated inside and out. The resort is also declared free of single-use plastics, with biodegradable toiletries and consciously designed, cruelty-free suites, so you can relax in the marble-and-stone surroundings without feeling like you’re impacting the neighborhood. 

“I felt rejuvenated, but also inspired to continue to incorporate some of those practices into my day-to-day,” says Reichard of her stay. “Everything—literally everything—felt intentional and rooted.” So why not check into Palmaïa, open your third eye, and see Mexico—and yourself—like never before? 

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What guests say

This hotel felt much more like a wellness retreat than a regular vacation resort. The facilities are absolutely pristine and not one single detail is overlooked. The staff are so kind and attentive, they treat you as if you’re the only one there. The food is out of this world even if you’re not a vegan. Every day was filled with activities to help you relax, recharge and reconnect. I’ve never loved a place so much. Will definitely be going back over and over.
Richard, 4-night romantic trip 


This place was like heaven on earth, for anyone, but especially for someone who is looking for a vegan/vegetarian-friendly option for their beach vacation in Mexico.
Luke , 4-night family trip 


The place is truly special. Thank you for the spiritual grounding, and the magical surroundings. Can’t wait to be back.
Masha, 2-night trip