This five-star resort is redefining the meaning of all-inclusive.
I will admit, I have high standards when it comes to hotels.
When I picture all-inclusives, I often envision bland buffets, cheesy entertainment, and sunburned tourists drinking excessively at early hours. Then I stepped into Palmaia, The House of Aia, a five-star all-inclusive that completely transforms that narrative.
Nestled on a beautifully lush stretch of Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline, where monkeys and iguanas wander and hidden cenotes await, Palmaia isn’t just a more appealing version of traditional all-inclusives. It reinvents the idea for travelers who prioritize wellness and cultural exploration.
Forget about plastic wristbands; the resort provides guests with exquisite wooden-bead bracelets that serve as room keys. Instead of uninspired buffet fare and overly sweet daiquiris, you’ll find six unique dining venues offering nourishing, plant-based meals (trust me, the options at Charly’s Vegan Tacos Food Truck could satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers). The kids’ club, Awen, stands out as well, embracing Waldorf education principles to promote artistic expression, imaginative play, and a deeper connection to nature. During my visit with my daughter, the absence of plastic toys was refreshing.
If you’ve returned from an indulgent trip feeling like you need another getaway to recuperate, Palmaia is the answer.
What impressed me most was Palmaia’s extensive program of wellness activities and rituals. Each morning, our “Nomadic Guide” sent us a WhatsApp message detailing the day’s offerings, ranging from yoga sessions and cacao ceremonies in the jungle to watercolor workshops on the beach and evening sound healing by candlelight. I was free to select experiences that resonated with me, creating a personalized health retreat covered by the nightly rate. For those interested in deeper explorations, additional wellness experiences, such as the Temescal sweat lodge ritual, Mayan-inspired spa treatments, and one-on-one sessions with the resort’s wellness experts, are available for an extra charge.
While Palmaia, The House of Aia promotes a lifestyle of wellness, it never feels restrictive or preachy. The menu thoughtfully lists optional animal proteins next to plant-based dishes for guests who prefer them. Likewise, the resort’s creative mocktails come with suggestions for spirits, catering to those who want to enjoy a drink while on holiday. My fondest memory is dancing with my husband and daughter at Eolo Beach Bar, mezcal cocktail in hand, while a DJ set the perfect vibe.
With Michelin-star-worthy yet health-conscious cuisine, stunning surroundings, our elegant two-bedroom suite, incredibly attentive service (they even decorated a cake for my daughter’s birthday), and a rich variety of mind-body-spirit wellness activities, I felt rejuvenated by the time we checked out.
