Country:
Mexico
State:
N/A
Geography:
Ocean, Jungle
Amenities:
Outdoor Pool, Spa, Hydrotherapy Circuit, Family Friendly, Restaurant, Vegan Option, Gluten Free, Daily Free, Fitness Gym, Cenotes, WIFI
Physical Activities:
Yoga, Swimming, Watersports, Fitness Classes, Private Training, Biking, Beach Walking
Health & Wellness:
Skin Treatments, Body Treatments, Dance Therapy, Aromatherapy, Breathwork
Mind & Spirit:
Meditation, Sound Healing, Ancient Ceremonies, Spiritual Counseling, Art Classes, Astrology, Intuitive Reading, Spiritual Awakening, Shamanic Healing
Gallery:
Personal Experience:
Yes
All Inclusive:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Resort/Spa Rating:
Resort/SPA Description and Personal Experience:
PalmaIIa, The House of Aia: Where Wellness Meets “Wow, I Needed That”
I’ve got to admit—Palmaïa was calling me long before I even knew it. It became my first true wellness retreat, a bold step into the uncharted territory of healing and self-discovery. I’ll be honest, the unknown was a little intimidating. But with an open mind and nothing to lose, I put on a brave face and fully immersed myself in everything this unique place had to offer.
I spent eight days there with a fellow traveler—who shall remain unnamed (but let’s just say his vibes were in serious need of a tune-up). And let me tell you, it was pure restoration, revelation, and a whole lot of realignment. That said, I’ll admit I left feeling a bit wiped out—not from the place itself, but from trying to do everything. Which, by the way, is borderline impossible in one stay. There’s just so much to choose from! From intense physical activities that’ll make you feel like you’ve survived a wellness bootcamp, to one-on-one meditations that’ll have your soul humming a brand new tune.
First Impressions
Tucked away in a secluded slice of paradise where the jungle meets the turquoise sea, PalmaIa is the kind of place that whispers, “Shhh… you’re safe now. Put down your phone, take off your metaphorical armor, and yes, we do have coconut water on tap.” The architecture is earthy and elegant—think modern minimalist with a touch of barefoot luxury. Everything smells like palo santo and serenity.
The Aia Vibe
This isn’t just a spa or a yoga retreat—it’s a house. A living, breathing entity that gently slaps your soul awake and then hugs it. It’s named after Aia, not coincidentally the spirit of Ayahuasca, although you don’t need to take the tea to feel like you’ve met your inner cosmic toddler here.
Whether you’re meditating in the jungle on one of the secluded decks, or you’re dripping in sweat halfway through a one of a kind circuit training class that was described as “light movement” (spoiler: it wasn’t)—every activity is steeped in intentionality.
Healing Isn’t Always Pretty (But It’s Worth It)
Now, let’s be honest. Healing isn’t all facials and green juice. Sometimes it’s ugly crying in a sound bath because a single gong hit you right in the childhood trauma. Sometimes it’s confronting your caffeine withdrawal demon while journaling about your future self in a hammock. But here’s the thing—it works.
You shed old skin at PalmaIa—emotionally, spiritually, and, in my case, literally thanks to the sun and an overzealous salt scrub.
The Food? Basically Edible Nirvana
The cuisine here is plant-forward, color-rich, and surprisingly filling. At some point, I became convinced the chef was channeling ancient Mayan grandmothers and Michelin-starred nutritionists simultaneously. Every meal felt like a celebration of “Hey! You’re alive! Don’t forget how magical that is!”
Final Thoughts
By the end of the week, I was lighter—not just in body (those sunrise movement classes sneak up on you), but in spirit. My friend, too, was glowing—radiant in that post-soul-detox, “I just deleted all my dating apps” kind of way.
What I, personally, did:
1. Reiki
2. Cacao Ceremony
3. Forgiveness Ceremony
4. Temazcal ceremony
5. Sound Bath
6. World Instrument Immersive Meditation
7. Beginner Mantra
8. Private Spiritual Session
8. Sacred Geometry
9. Watercolor Art Class
10. Morning Breath Work
11. Animal Flow Class
12. Gentle Yoga Class
13. Dance by the Bonfire
So if you ever need to press life’s reset button—whether you’re unraveling, reinventing, or just really need a nap that feels like it’s hugging you back—Palmaya, the House of Aya is your sanctuary. Just don’t be surprised if you return home with a new outlook, a better sleep schedule, and a suitcase full of crystals you swore you weren’t going to buy.
