Palmaia, The House of AiA

About us: we our world travelers, and thought we would try a ‘high end’ all-inclusive. We have stayed at Excellence hotels and many Iberostars with pretty good experiences. We decided to try this one based on its more spa/relaxing atmosphere and vegan cuisine. The good? Beach, room, food, housekeeping, and all servers were top notch. However, I think that for an all inclusive that is easily triple the price of other ones there really should be no glitches, and if there are, they should be taken seriously to help the guest asap. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. When a guest has an issue, management should immediately take over to ensure that the issue is resolved, to relieve the guest’s worries. That was not the case in any of these incidents—it was a really laissez-faire attitude to everything. The first, an unruly- smoking guest on the beach. The hotel did not enforce its no smoking policy and despite a heated argument with this angry man, staff never told me if he was spoken to about the non-smoking policy or offered any apologies to my family in terms of ‘hey-here are some flowers or room chocolates’ to make up for this bad experience. No follow up call or anything was provided as a resolution and at a small hotel, we continuously ran into this man. The second was having our books and clothing removed from a beach bed by hotel security?! after we went to lunch thinking that these things were stolen for over an hour, because our Concierge did not know what was happening, nor was there a sense of urgency with our panic to help. Only when I asked for the general manager were our things found within two minutes. I have never had a situation at a hotel that your things are removed when you go to lunch, and are held by security. Finally, we had issues returning to the airport with our transportation, and 1st our concierge, advised my husband to go to the hotel next-door (Sandos), and after spending over an hour over there, he learned no one over there could assist. When we were leaving and our airport transportation was late, again there was no sense of urgency with the front desk. I would like to give a special mention to Abraham, who was on the beach, who was very knowledgeable about Mezcal and really should have a class with him for Mezcal tasting. Eduardo was also terrific on the beach/pool. As for wait staff in the Su Casa restaurant, Pedro, Luis, Suzy, and Jackie were all fantastic. At the chosen restaurants for dinner Fernando was wonderful. Again, I cannot say enough about the food at this resort. The rooms were also stunning and very comfortable and clean. It was very nice to have bicycles to ride to the various restaurants and to see monkeys. Unfortunately, the Spa is simply taking advantage of you at over $400 USD per treatment. Overall, this was a beautiful property, and the staff was fantastic with the exception of our Concierge (“nomadic guide”) . I would not return because I would not pay triple the price of other all inclusives unless there was perfection.

Peaceful atmosphere, mouthwatering fresh food, cutest monkeys, amazing attentive guest service. The spa was exceptional and the meditation and different activities were very soul healing.

I never write reviews, but if you’re on the fence about booking Palmaïa The House of AïA, this might help. I was looking for a getaway to relax, unwind, and truly rejuvenate. I’m not vegan and I usually eat healthy high protein meals, but my partner is vegetarian. This was also my first trip down south in 3 years since I quit drinking alcohol, so finding a place that focused on health, wellness, and peace was important to me. I’ve stayed at many high end resorts and my expectations were high. I was also nervous about it not being adults only because the last thing you want at this price point is feeling like you’re not getting your moneys worth or being surrounded by chaos. This place exceeded every expectation. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and grounding. The food is out of this world. Honestly some of the best I’ve ever had in my life. The daily classes are beautiful (I did a nighttime sound bath and it was magic) and the gym is tucked into the jungle in the most stunning setting. I stayed in the adults only building and while I didn’t realize they had swim up suites which I usually book, the ocean view room was breathtaking. The service is impeccable. Warm, genuine, and consistent. I also worried that being sober for 3 years, going to Mexico might be triggering. It was actually the opposite. So many guests here don’t drink and it felt refreshing to be surrounded by like minded people who value health and wellness. The drink menu is entirely non alcoholic and delicious and they even offer non alcoholic beer which was such a thoughtful touch. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us home and I genuinely felt that energy. I’m already planning my next trip. For the first time ever, I didn’t want to go home. I also noticed a lot of single women staying here which says a lot about how safe, peaceful, and supportive the environment is. I would absolutely come back solo. Swimming in the cenote, moving through the hot and cold plunges, taking yoga and morning meditation classes, biking along the jungle paths… my heart hasn’t felt this calm in a long time. And the food — I cannot say this enough — is beyond anything I expected for plant based cuisine. I was worried I might not enjoy it… I was so wrong. Hope this review helps. I highly recommend this place. 🌿✨

Staying at Palmaia was a divine experience. Everything about it was amazing. The atmosphere, the food, the beach, the many delicious mocktails, the nature infused grounds. I very much appreciated the above and beyond service by my Nomadic Guide, Esteban. He was there for me for my every need. He was friendly, attentitive, informative and provided a daily dose of inspiration for my stay. I plan to come back!

⸻ Claudia is truly exceptional. She went above and beyond to make our child feel happy, safe, and cared for during our stay. Her warmth, patience, and genuine love for children shine through in everything she does. Our little one absolutely adored her, and we always felt completely at ease knowing they were in such capable hands. She creates a joyful, nurturing environment that makes the kids club feel like a second home. Claudia is a rare gem and a true asset to the hotel. The only truly sad part for us is the new policy regarding children under 4. As very loyal customers who always looked forward to returning, it breaks our hearts that we won’t be able to come back anymore. We will always be grateful for the care and kindness Claudia has shown our family.