Palmaïa – The House of AïA

A magical resort- not your typical all inclusive. The meals are magnificent. They offer meats, seafood and cheese additions for non vegan. The presentation is remarkable. Hand crafted cocktails, heavenly views and sparkling pools all around. Unique spa experiences and yoga or meditation classes daily.

This was our second time going to Palmaïa, which is a very special place and experience. It’s not a regular “all inclusive” resort. It’s a magical wellness retreat. This time was unfortunately disrupted by parents that can’t control their kids and that were more preoccupied with the signature cocktails then respect for others. But the staff, as usual, went out of its way to try to make the stay as peaceful as possible. If you’re looking for a “fun party time” please don’t go there. You’ll ruin the experience for everyone. If you’re a decent human being that can control his well behaved kid, and if you yourself are not a self centred person, then you must absolutely visit Palmaïa. It’s like nothing else in the world. Go there with an open mind and heart and allow yourself to be submerged into the wellness state of mind. Wake up early, do the workshops that call you, talk softly, take time to breathe and listen to nature around you. You’ll be changed for the better. All this while enjoying unbelievably incredible service from the nicest people on earth! Delicious food and drinks, magnificent settings and all around peace and tranquility! Again, don’t spoil this treasure by treating it as a Riu, you’ll end up only cheating yourself out of the time of your life. We will 100% be back.

Overview
A lush, adults‑and‑family‑friendly all‑inclusive on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Palmaïa delivers a serene blend of jungle and beachfront, healthy‑focused cuisine, and boutique‑style rooms. Our family’s first all‑inclusive—and first time in the area—found it worth the splurge for peaceful pools, spacious accommodations, and plentiful plant‑based options, with easy access to the livelier Sandos resort next door. Pros * Seamless arrival & check‑in: Private SUV transfer booked through the hotel; prompt welcome with cold towels and drinks; golf‑cart orientation tour of the grounds. * Comfortable, well‑appointed rooms: Ocean‑facing suites with separate kid’s room, stocked fridge, large tub, and eco‑friendly toiletries. * Grounds & amenities: Uncrowded pools (though cool), shaded beachfront beds, jungle paths, cenote swim spot, and complimentary bikes (kids’ sizes too). * Healthy‑focused dining: Multiple restaurants offering predominantly plant‑based menus (plus fish/meat add‑ons), kids’ menu including some “classic” options, standout spots like Charley’s Tacos and Su Casa veggie burger. * Free room service: Available outside restaurant hours, offering quick, no‑extra‑cost meals. Green smoothie is a hit. * Access to Sandos: Enjoy the adjacent resort’s water park, teen club, late‑night café, sports activities, and more varied evening entertainment. * Relaxed vibe & courteous service: Friendly staff overall; some servers remembered preferences; no high‑pressure upselling on activities or tipping. Cons * Pool temperature: Feels cool—great for hot days but brisk for leisurely relaxation. * Limited self‑serve snacks: Outside the taco truck and café hours, options are room service only (though it’s free). Dries fruits and nuts provided in room. * Variable service consistency: A few beach/pool servers occasionally forgot orders despite tipping. * Nomadic guide system: All coordination via WhatsApp; no face‑to‑face. * No teen programming: Few on‑site activities for tweens/teens—most head to Sandos for evening fun. * Premium price tag: Worth it if you prioritize tranquility and varied plant‑based cuisine. Tips * Check around for best rates. * Reserve popular restaurants (and spa services) in advance via your guide. * Bring your own sunscreen and bike helmets if desired. * Don’t miss exploring the cenote and exploring some classes. Would recommend for families and couples seeking a quiet, health‑focused retreat—especially plant‑based diners—happy to trade a bit of nightlife for calm, uncrowded luxury.

I deeply deeply enjoyed my trip to this hotel and I recommended it to friends and family wholeheartedly! It was such a calming, lovely experience! There is so much to explore, they have such great facilities, every staff member is warm hearted and they take excellent care of everything! I will most definitely come back!

We stayed at the hotel for my husbands 40th birthday celebration, and will be going back this year with my parents. Often all-inclusive resorts don’t put peak attention into food but Palaïa restaurants blew us out of the water, they were so so delicious, and beautiful. Additionally the taco cart kept us going back each day as they offer really unique options and sitting on the beach is special. The only food that left us wanting more was the room service, the food we ordered to the room was lack luster. The spa is world class, award winning and MAGICAL. We did one or two services daily and are so happy we did. Massages, reiki, facials, energy ceremonies…. Each treatment was better than the last. The spa staff remembered us which made us feel welcomed and very much in community. We attended the free group sessions as well which just added to the experience, when we go next we plan to schedule time with the astrologer asap to make sure we can meet with them as well. Meals are vegan but you can very easily add dairy or meat.