Playa del Carmen is a quiet vacation paradise known for turquoise waters, white sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and a laid-back bohemian vibe. Playa del Carmen is located on the Caribbean Coast of Mexico in the Province of Quintana Roo and sits between Cancun and Tulum, approximately 35 miles from each.
Where to stay
Palmaïa, the House of AïA is a luxury wellness resort and spa and is one of the first resorts of its kind to offer a sustainable tourism model and a full plant-based menu. Meat and seafood options are still available for those who are not vegan.
This was a New Year’s Eve trip for us, and we went to reflect on our year as a couple, and to set intentions and plans for the year ahead. Our goal was 100% relaxation, renewal, and to start our year off refreshed and inspired. Palmaïa, the House of AïA definitely delivered on the vision we had.
We have not stayed at an all-inclusive resort in the past, but there has been an “upscale shift” for resorts that are redefining luxurious, all-inclusive experiences. Because we loved the vibe we read about at Palmaïa, the House of AïA, we decided to give it a go and had a wonderful experience.
All of the rooms are oceanfront, spacious, and modern. There is an adult-only building and others that are family-friendly. The biggest difference in location is that rooms located on the first floor have private terraces that swim out to one of the infinity pools. Our one and only desire for this resort would be additional pool options if your room is not located on the first floor. The other main pool area is highly focused on children, which is fantastic if you are traveling with little ones, but if you are not, the pool options can feel limited. We spent the majority of our time on the beach which was spectacular. There are day beds and loungers that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis with full-day food and beverage service.
Each room has a nomadic guide who is available 24 hours a day to help with reservations, spa treatments, salon appointments, water sports, transportation, and so on. They communicate via What’s App…so download it in advance to save time.
wellness
The House of AiA’s focus on wellness is top-notch. There are daily schedules offering numerous health and wellness classes to participate in, including meditation, beginner’s yoga, intermediate & advanced yoga, therapeutic yoga, hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, pranayama, gratitude rituals, cacao ceremonies, full body workouts, the geometry of power classes, deep healing mantras, sacred women’s circles, art classes, healthy cooking classes, and the list goes on. Also, during different times of the year, there are special events. For example, since we were entering the new year there was a New Year’s Eve party to reflect on the year and let go of the past, and a sunrise ceremony to bring in and celebrate everything the New Year has to offer. New Year’s Eve yoga and the cacao ceremony were definitely at the top of our favorites.
At Palmaïa, The House of AïA they understand the importance of sound and music as part of the wellness journey. Sound rituals are imbedded in the wellness classes and live music is played through different locations throughout the day. The evening ambiance, music, and fires were a highlight of the trip.
Atlantis Spa is the resort spa that sits in the jungle and provides a luxurious feeling of natural beauty and tranquility. On New Year’s Eve we did the Prehispanic Ritual, which was a two-hour couples treatment, that is used by Mexican ancestors to balance the mind, body and soul. The treatment begins with a ceremony in a private cenote and integrates copal smoke and herbs to cleanse the energy. We then went to the treatment temple and enjoyed body exfoliation, followed by an incredible massage with botanical aromas. At the end of the massage we were given the herbs used during our treatments and told to offer them to back to the earth through one of the four elements, wind, fire, air, or water. Later that evening, we reflected on our amazing day and year, then together, offered our bundled herbs to ocean to solidify our intentions for the year ahead.
onsite dining
Su Casa would be referred to as the main restaurant. It is a beautiful restaurant located on the ocean and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also has a dedicated space where cooking classes are held through the day. The bread and oil at dinner..OMG!
LEK – Serves a traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
Ume is the Japanese restaurant on site. The sushi was great, we did the non-vegan route here, but again all vegan options are available and taste delicious.
The Plantissa Cafe and Juice Bar is a spectacular spot for a wellness junkie. At any point throughout the day you can stop in for grab and go fruit, chia pudding, overnight oats, get a juice shot, espresso, smoothies, pastries (even gluten free options). It’s a great place to stop for a snack, but also just to relax and enjoy a beautiful atmosphere and view of the ocean.
El Caminante Food Truck – The food truck is located between one of the pools and the beach and offers quick snacks, street tacos, beers, kombucha and so on. Food can be ordered poolside or enjoyed at tables in the sand.
Mar de Olivo – This is the Italian restaurant onsite…we did not make it to this one, but have heard great things.
fun facts & Additional Info
Keep an eye out for your favorite Peloton instructors! Robin Arzón and Leanna Hainsby have recently stayed at the House of AïA!!
The room keys are quite amazing. You will wear a bracelet with a wooden charm on your wrist the entire time that allows access to your room…no key to remember, ever! Bikes are available to travel throughout the resort….such a fun way to explore it all!
For this trip we did not venture off the resort because we really were focused on relaxation. However, be sure to check out our blog on Tulum as it is 35 miles south and there is plenty to do there!
For offsite food – before we decided this was a trip where we were not going to leave the resort we had planned to eat at Harry’s. We do wish we would have because a great couple we met went, and said it was one of the best steakhouses they had ever been to…and the dessert…well….just check out the pics!
Travel Tip: If you have a travel debacle such as leaving your make-up bag, including your contacts on the plane, there is a vision store and makeup store within 10 minutes of the resort…the concierge will help get you there! #TrueStory