A holistic approach to wellness on the Riviera Maya.
I wasn’t sure how receptive my body would be to the sound-healing session at Palmaïa, the House of Aïa, a new resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Living with anxiety for many years often left my mind wandering. However, I am always open to new approaches to self-care, and I thought, Why not give it a try? Being at a wellness retreat naturally suggested a focus on effective self-care practices.
As I lay on the ground outside, supported by pillows, I absorbed the natural sounds of water, wind, and birdsong. Additionally, the resonance of chimes, horns, drums, and gongs vibrated through my body. For more than an hour, my normally tense figure experienced a state of extreme calm. Therefore, the positive energy transcended the session, establishing an uplifting atmosphere for my stay at Palmaïa. I realized that even after departing, the good vibrations would linger with me.
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Residing on a pristine Caribbean beach in the upscale Playacar area of Playa del Carmen, Palmaïa adopts an eco-conscious approach to luxury. Founder Alex Ferri was intentional in every aspect, including the name, which refers to the palma chít, an endangered tree native to the Riviera Maya. The intent is to eventually achieve carbon neutrality, with no plastic water bottles in sight. Consequently, Ferri views wellness holistically, targeting not just guests but also the local communities and surrounding flora and fauna.
Upon my arrival, a “nomadic guide,” one of Palmaïa’s roving butlers, welcomed me in the high-ceilinged lobby. I was offered a refreshing nonalcoholic drink made of fresh mango and ginger, accompanied by a beaded wristband that served as my key. The resort features 314 guest rooms, primarily constructed with locally sourced materials like bamboo and palm, dispersed across five buildings named after the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters of Greek mythology. Each first-floor suite boasts swim-up access to one of the property’s four infinity pools. Daily, I relished the sensation of sand beneath my toes and swam in the crystalline, cobalt-blue water mere steps from my room.
Although meat is available upon request at Palmaïa’s five restaurants, the menus prominently feature plant-based options to inform guests about sustainable eating practices and illustrate the diversity of vegan cuisine. Additionally, meals are crafted to support gut health. Executive chef Eugenio Villafaña, trained at both Michelin-starred establishments and raw-food venues, prepares nourishing dishes such as charcoal-grilled carrots, plantain and jackfruit empanadas, and classic chips and guacamole. Furthermore, all garnishes are grown in-house, with straws made from lemongrass stalks.
Another essential component of Palmaïa’s wellness offerings is the “Architects of Life” program, which provides structured activities designed to foster spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being, grounded in both Mayan and Ayurvedic principles. I engaged with a personal growth guide known only as Balder to explore my wellness objectives. I participated in various activities including yoga, drum circles, and cleansing baths in the cenotes scattered throughout the property. Eager to learn techniques for better anxiety management, I was particularly enthusiastic about working with Balder on improving my meditation and deep breathing skills.
A stone pathway through the jungle leads to Palmaïa’s Atlantis Spa, designed with a low-impact approach to minimize disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. If fortunate, guests may observe a family of spider monkeys inhabiting the area from their glass-walled treatment room. Moreover, guests are not limited to a standard treatment menu; they can collaborate with a master healer to create a personalized experience. When I began a treatment session consisting of 90 minutes of aromatherapy, hot stones, and leg and foot massage, the essential oils enveloped me in calmness. Breathing in the fresh, salt-tinged air laced with the scent of lush greenery, I felt deeply connected to nature. The session aimed to enhance immunity, alleviate stress, and improve sleep, which proved effective as I indulged in a rejuvenating two-hour nap afterward.
To learn more: thehouseofaia.com, doubles from $900 all-inclusive
A version of this story first appeared in the April 2021 issue of GoTravelDaily under the headline Room to Grow.
