Travel Matters Insight
Palmaïa, The House of Aïa
About…
In the Mexican Caribbean, on the Riviera Maya, you can find a haven where you get to experience a secluded sanctuary placed on the purest white sandy beach. This incredible location is home to a 5-Star wellness retreat with oceanfront swim-up suites, private terraces, a jungle spa, en-suite dining sets and gourmet restaurants. This is Palmaïa, The House of Aïa and their ethos is expressed in these core values;
“Nature surrounds all of us, it is a part of us and by discovering nature, you discover yourself!”
The House of Aïa, is Mexico’s premier award-winning wellness and spa resort. At the 5-Star hotel, guests are allowed to reconnect and re-establish the connection between mind and body. You can experience their Spa in the Jungle and Atlantis Spa, where you are urged to immerse yourself with spa treatments and massages inspired by the treatments inspired by ancient Toltecs. We would highly recommend utilising the spa therapies such as Energy healing therapies, Pampering for the skin therapies, Traditional Massage Experiences and Signature Massage therapies.
This 5-Star sanctuary has four exiting restaurants, which are all overseen by Michelin-Star trained chefs from around the globe. At Palmaïa, The House of Aïa, Restaurant Lek, you can experience native Mexican culinary wisdom and the food is enhanced by spices and herbs they have cultivated in their own greenhouses! On a separate evening, visit Restaurant UME, where you can explore and indulge in the hotel's entry point to Asia cuisine. Here, you will be served food with exotic flavours and a rich colour palette that will surely transport you another world. For a more casual dining experience, we suggest Mar de Olivo, where traditional Mediterranean cuisine is cooked to order. Finally, Restaurant Su Casa is a chance for you & your party to enjoy seasonal delights in a Caribbean-esque beach ambiance. The perfect option for those who want to enjoy fruity cocktails well into the evening! For those who are looking to graze between meals, you will be pleased to know that the retreat has its very own food truck; El Caminante. This Food truck serves Tulum’s famous Charly’s Vegan Tacos, which are renowned within the region.
When visiting the Palmaïa, do not forget to try one of their main pulls, which is their transformative ‘Architects of Life Program’! ‘The Architects of Life Program’ gives guests an amazing opportunity to reset their mind and body’s connection. Their programme consists of over twenty rotating classes, rituals and ceremonies; which all draw from the ancient practices and rituals of the region. Some of the experiences you can immerse yourself in are; yoga, meditation, water painting class, breath-work, awakening rituals, conversation with the Shaman, soul purification and Gong Baths & ethnic instruments. These intriguing classes can be broken down into four categories; which are Mind, Movement, Ceremonies & Rituals and Ancient Knowledge.
Palmaïa, The House of Aïa, consists of 234 suites, which are divided into different categories to best fit your needs and wishes. The resort offers Ocean Front Suites, Swim-out Suites, Meditation Suites, and Family Suites. You can choose between King or Queen beds, second bedrooms with bunk beds for children or sofa beds and luxury tubs, or showers. All suites include high-speed Wi-Fi, a minibar, a 50” smart television, an Insignia Coffee maker, vanity mirror, hairdryer, premium bathroom amenities, iron & ironing board, premium bedding, bathrobes & slippers, nightly turndown service, private terrace, Bluetooth music network, unlimited calls to Mexico, USA & Canada and a 24-hour room service.
Key Sustainable Features…
Palmaïa, The House of Aïa, is currently striving to become one of the first carbon energy-neutral resorts in the world. Palmaïa already use 50% less energy than the average resort and they are working on their sustainability in many ways, so here are some of our favourites:
The ‘Principles of Aïa’ - these include taking care of their ‘Natural Inclusion’, ‘Balance’, ‘Self-expression’, ‘Non-violence’, ‘Participation’ and ‘Absolute Respect’
Plant-based Travel is made easy, by offering all of its daily menus with full plant-based ingredients. Palmaïa’s restaurants also offer exquisite non-vegan options as well, where the produce is locally sourced
The resort’s 234 suites have been designed around cruelty-free materials (for example, a zero-use of leather policy and have feather-free bedding). All suites are free of animal products and animal-tested products
Palmaïa’ have implemented their zero plastic and plastic bottle usage by giving you a personal, limited edition vessel when you arrive at the property
All green areas throughout the complex are in their natural state, as if untouched by development
Room keys are made of wood and string
The resort generate energy from on-site solar panels and are using more & more renewable energy
Ultimately, Palmaïa aim to take great care to safeguard the property's natural landscape during construction, maintenance and preservation of their property.
Features & Experiences…
•24-hour Reception •24-hour Security •ATM On-site
•Babysitting Available •Beach Bar •Bicycles Available
•Butler Service Available •Children's Swimming Pool
•Communal Swimming Pool •Crèche•Diving Available
•El Caminante Food Truck •Fitness Classes Available •Garden
•Gift Shop •Gym •Laundry Service Available
•Massage Available •On-site Parking •Poolside Bars
•Restaurants’ Lek, Su Casa, Mar de Olivo & Ume
•Snorkelling Available •Swim-up Bar •Tennis Court
•Transfers Available •Yoga Classes Available
Travel Matters Highlights…
Guests are surrounded by tradition, history and remarkable terrain!
Palmaia, The House of Aïa, is placed on the Riviera Maya, surrounded by mesmerising nature. This nature haven is well worth visiting! If you are interested in re-connecting and re-establishing your mind & body with mother earth, this is the resort for you! The Palmaïa is a pioneer when it comes to its sustainability practices, so when visiting the resort, we recommend you take part in their ‘Architects of Life Program’ and make good use of the experiences that are on offer.
Being on-top of an ancient civilisation, it’s important that you put some time aside to explore Chichén Itzá and the city of Tulum, in order to bear witness to the remains of the Mayan Empire.
Please do not hesitate to send us an inquiry. We can assist with all requests!
Map & Location…
Palmaïa, The House of Aïa, is located on the Riviera Maya. It is just a 15-minute car ride from the city of Playa del Carmen and sits in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. The Riviera Maya is also known for its 75 miles of sandy and stunning shorelines.
To access this phenomenal resort, you can take the airport shuttle service, which only takes 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport. The property offers a paid airport shuttle service, just to make your life a little easier. Being so close to the city of Playa del Carmen, we suggest take the opportunity to put some time to one side for a day visit – you will be spoilt by museums, local architecture & relics, street food, restaurants and markets.
When visiting Palmaïa, we do recommend visiting the Chichén Itzá, which is one of the largest and best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in the world. To arrive at Chichén Itzá, you have to take a 2-hour 30-minutes drive from the resort. This is one thirty-five UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Mexico, but I certainly one of the more beautiful examples of the Terminal Classic period. For closer visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve takes 1-hour 15-minutes by car and comprises of tropical forests, mangroves, marsh land and a glistening marine area.
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