A full recap of our spring break journey to Palmaïa, The Home of AïA, a luxurious resort that blends wellness, enjoyable and rest.
After months of our winter routine, and some icy snow storms (ie: not enjoyable snow days) in Richmond, we had been greater than prepared for a real spring break escape when March rolled round.
This yr we headed to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for per week keep at Palmaïa, The Home of AïA, a luxurious all-inclusive wellness resort nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
I used to be a little bit nervous to take our youngsters to a wellness-focused resort however it ended up being the right mix of rest, wellness and enjoyable for the entire household.
Why We Selected Palmaïa
Our journey agent, Laura Allen, had this resort on our spring break journey checklist two years in a row. She is aware of about my curiosity in wholesome residing and thought it will be a great possibility for us given the 2 bed room household suites, the youngsters pool and the well being and wellness focus!
Getting There
Palmaïa is about 50 minutes from Cancun Worldwide Airport. We booked a non-public switch by way of Mayakoba Expertise, and it was superb—they offered a spacious van with automotive seats already put in, which made every thing straightforward with the youngsters, in addition to, drinks (water, beer and juice containers) and a little bit snack. Extremely suggest this service!
The Setting: Pure Magnificence Meets Fashionable Wellness
From the second we arrived it felt like we had stepped right into a serene jungle setting. Palmaïa is designed to really feel like a part of its environment with lush greenery, tender sand and lovely ocean views throughout.
The resort’s structure blends trendy design with natural supplies, creating a chilled, elevated environment. And since it’s a wellness-focused resort, the vitality is noticeably completely different: peaceable, intentional and aligned with nature. I stored telling Isaac that the entire place felt very “vibey.”
Our Accomdations Household-Pleasant Luxurious Suite
We stayed in one in all their oceanfront grasp household suites and my in-laws keep in an everyday suite proper subsequent door. The household suite was good for touring with two little ones as a result of it has 2 bedrooms – one with a king mattress (the place we slept) and a separate bed room for the youngsters with bunkbeds and their very own rest room.
As a result of our youngsters are on the youthful facet, nobody slept on the highest bunk. Olivia took the underside bunk and we requested a pack and play for Tucker, which labored nice. After just a few days of sleeping in the identical room, Tucker began to have a tough time settling (he was a chatterbox) so we moved his pack and play to the bathe, which has loads of area – we simply needed to be quiet as a result of we left the bathe door open so it wouldn’t get too scorching and stuffy in there! Not tremendous perfect, however it labored for us and was significantly better than our closet expertise throughout your spring break journey final yr (extra on that later).
General, our room was spacious, superbly minimalist, and had a stunning ocean view from the fifth flooring.
I additionally cherished the eco-conscious touches in our room — boxed water bottles, regionally made bathtub merchandise, and no single-use plastics. And that the mini bar was full of wholesome choices like glowing juices, coconut water and kombucha, in addition to, nuts and dried fruit for snacks.
Holistic Wellness for All Ages
What actually units Palmaïa aside is their Architects of Life program—an ongoing schedule of included wellness actions like yoga, sound therapeutic, meditation and ancestral rituals. Every day, we might select from round 5-6 actions, which began at 7AM.
Since we had been there on a household trip we didn’t get to reap the benefits of as many courses as I’d have preferred however we had been capable of get pleasure from just a few. I cherished the yoga and sound baths, whereas Isaac tried a morning breath work class for the primary time (and cherished it!). And one evening all of us did a watercolor class on the seaside (even the youngsters).
Despite the fact that we didn’t get to do every thing, the category schedule was spectacular. They provide cacao ceremonies, girls’s circles, artwork courses, breathwork and a lot extra. You possibly can try the complete checklist right here to get a really feel for a way deep the choices go.
The Awen Program: Considerate Childcare
Overlook your typical resort youngsters’ golf equipment—Palmaïa’s Awen Program is impressed by Waldorf training ideas and encourages creativity, nature connection and free play. Nearly all of the toys are wood and there are not any screens. Our youngsters coloured with chalk, performed with blocks and a practice set, did a little bit gardening and even made bread, all beneath the care of heat, nurturing workers.
You possibly can ship potty-trained youngsters ages 3+ to the Awen program on their very own, however youthful youngsters and infants have to have an grownup with them or it’s important to pay to rent an on-staff babysitter. We did this as soon as and the youngsters had a good time. We additionally took the youngsters to play a pair instances and we simply stayed with them!
Meals That Nourishes
As a well being coach and meals lover, I’m all about having fun with scrumptious meals when on trip and I used to be actually excited to strive every thing that Palmaïa needed to provide. The resort is plant-based by default, however they do provide animal protein choices for those who desire. I’d say a lot of the restaurant menus are about 80% plant-based. Each dish we had—from contemporary smoothie bowls and vegan tacos (from Charly’s Vegan Taco Truck) to Thai-inspired curry—was vibrant, nourishing, and thoughtfully ready. Even our choosy eaters discovered lots to like.
Our favourite eating places had been Lek and Su Casa. Oh, and as a espresso lover, I’ve to say that I used to be actually impressed with the resort espresso. The shaken chilly brew was soo superb. I got here dwelling and instantly began making it. See my shaken chilly brew video.
There have been just a few desserts that weren’t our favourite, however general the meals was actually good!!
And I ought to word that each time you go to any of the eating places the workers asks if in case you have dietary restrictions or allergy symptoms so that they’re very aware about this and actually if you’re vegan or vegetarian, I doubt you could find a resort with the same expertise to this. It’s actually one thing particular.
Regardless of it being an all-inclusive resort, you don’t see folks going loopy with alcohol right here and the drinks they do serve are made with contemporary juices as a substitute of sugary mixes. There may be alcohol for many who wish to indulge, however each restaurant begins by supplying you with a mocktail menu. Though I’ll say the mocktail menu was the identical in any respect the eating places, which we discovered a tad boring.
No wellness retreat is full with out a spa day. Isaac and I did the ancestral circuit of their jungle spa (sure, it’s really within the jungle!). With this we received to a mini temazcal ceremony and swim within the spa cenote.
There are additionally quiet swimming pools, a cold and warm plunge and a small health middle on the property that we had been capable of get pleasure from.
Service That Makes You Really feel Seen
One factor that really elevated our keep was the service. Everybody on workers was variety, intentional, and genuinely invested in making our expertise nice. Our Nomadic Information (like a private concierge) helped us tailor our itinerary, e book wellness classes and make dinner reservations with ease by way of WhatsApp.
Why This 12 months Felt Totally different
Just a bit backstory, final yr we did our first spring break journey with the youngsters – Olivia was 4 and Tucker was round 20 months. It was their first time touring in another country and each of their first instances flying.
For that journey we stayed at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, one other luxurious all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and whereas it was a stunning trip, this yr was even higher for just a few causes.
We had been higher ready as a result of we knew what to anticipate touring with toddlers, the youngsters had been a bit older and fortuitously on this journey Tucker slept significantly better. At Grand Velas the youngsters didn’t have their very own room so we put their cribs within the closets. This labored fantastic for Olivia however Tucker didn’t sleep properly in any respect and wakened each morning round 4:45AM. We received one of the best pool loungers however waking up that early was fairly terrible.
Execs & Cons of Staying at Palmaïa, The Home of AïA
As a lot as we cherished our keep at Palmaïa, I do know everybody travels a little bit in a different way—so I put collectively this checklist of professionals and cons that will help you determine if this wellness resort is the fitting match in your subsequent trip.
Whether or not you’re planning a romantic retreat, a solo reset, or a spring break journey with youngsters (like us!), right here’s what stood out throughout our keep—plus just a few issues to remember.
Execs: What Makes Palmaïa So Particular
Wellness-Centered Environment
This isn’t only a seaside trip—it’s an entire vibe. Day by day yoga, sound therapeutic, meditation, and different holistic courses are included in your keep and led by superb guides. Whether or not you’re into breathwork or simply wish to decelerate, you’ll really feel so grounded right here.
Eco-Luxurious Setting
Tucked between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea, your entire property is designed to honor nature. It feels luxurious and aware. Given the jungle vibe, we had been capable of expertise some enjoyable animal sightings together with a lot of lizards and some monkeys, which the youngsters cherished.
Plant-Primarily based Gourmand Eating
The meals blew me away. A lot of the menus are plant-forward, however additionally they provide sustainable animal protein choices. Every little thing is superbly plated and scrumptious—even the espresso and smoothies felt next-level.
Household-Pleasant With out Feeling Overrun
Our youngsters cherished the Waldorf-inspired Awen program, and the pool with slides stored them entertained for hours. It was the right stability of freedom for them and peace for us.
Spacious, Considerate Rooms
We stayed in an oceanfront suite with bunk beds for the youngsters, and it had every thing we would have liked—loads of area, calming design, and eco-conscious touches. The one factor that was missing was closet area!
Peaceable, Uncrowded Vibe
This would possibly’ve been one in all my favourite components—no combating for loungers, no loud crowds. Even throughout spring break, it felt like we had the resort to ourselves.
Customized, Heat Service
You’re assigned a Nomadic Information whenever you test in, which makes every thing simpler. They’re there to assist with reservations, questions, and something you want with out being intrusive. Additionally they ship you the every day schedule of actions by way of WhatsApp for the next day each afternoon.
Cons: A Few Issues to Take into account
Premium Worth Tag
Palmaïa is a splurge, particularly for households. It’s not your budget-friendly all-inclusive, however the expertise actually does mirror the price.
Not a Typical All-Inclusive
Whereas meals and most actions are included, some high-end alcohol isn’t coated—and there aren’t many grab-and-go meals choices (and no buffet) like at bigger resorts.
Distant, Tranquil Location
The resort is about quarter-hour from Playa del Carmen, so that you gained’t be strolling to city or heading out for nightlife. It’s extra about being current and unplugged.
Quiet Evenings
There’s no flashy leisure or exhibits at evening—good for those who’re seeking to unwind, however perhaps not perfect for those who like nightlife or social occasions.
Plant-Primarily based Menu May Not Be for Everybody
We cherished the meals, however for those who or your youngsters are choosy eaters, it is likely to be a little bit of an adjustment. They’d actually good wooden fired pizza and yummy pasta however the choices had been a little bit repetitive for
Not Designed for Teenagers or Excessive-Vitality Youngsters
The vibe is mellow and aware, which was good for our youthful youngsters, however it might not attraction to teenagers or youngsters who need water slides and action-packed days.
What We Packed
Touring with youngsters all the time takes a little bit further planning. These are the issues we packed that got here in useful all through the journey.
- Garments – one factor that I actually preferred about this resort is that there isn’t a gown code so you might put on no matter you felt like for dinners. The entire resort had a really laid again, causal vibe which I cherished. Right here you could find my outfits, Olivia’s outfits and Tucker’s outfits.
- Pool toys – We knew from our journey to Grand Velas to pack pool and seaside toys and these helped to maintain the youngsters entertained for hours.
- Wholesome snacks – We introduced just a few favorites for the flight and journey days, and it made such a distinction. I shared a fast peek on this Instagram put up for those who’re curious how we packed.
- iPads with downloaded exhibits – We downloaded Bluey and some different exhibits upfront and used them principally throughout journey — we didn’t watch TV within the room in any respect.
- Sunscreen – Carry a ton of sunscreen. The solar in Mexico is intense. See my favourite sunscreen right here.
- Reusable water bottles – These had been nice to have for yoga courses and seaside days (simply bear in mind to deliver a option to wash them. I point out this within the suggestions part beneath!).
Ideas for Your Go to
After spending per week at Palmaïa, there have been just a few issues that basically made our keep simpler and extra pleasing. Hopefully these assist as you propose your individual go to.
- E book wellness classes and spa remedies upfront—they’ll refill rapidly.
- Pack gentle, breathable garments, yoga gear, and water footwear for jungle walks.
- Embrace the slower tempo and digital detox—the resort encourages mindfulness and connection.
- Obtain WhatsApp earlier than you go. Your Nomadic Information (concierge) will textual content you each afternoon with the schedule of courses and actions for the following day. It’s how they deal with most communication throughout your keep.
- Carry dish cleaning soap for those who plan to reuse water bottles—we introduced our personal however had no option to clear them within the room.
- Don’t drink the faucet water—filtered water is out there all through the resort, and it is a widespread security tip when visiting Mexico.
- In case you’re bringing a child monitor, be sure it doesn’t require Wi-Fi. The resort’s community isn’t password protected, and our Nanit screens didn’t join.
Ultimate Ideas + Low cost Code
Palmaïa, The Home of AïA, is a uncommon discover: a resort that delivers luxurious and wellness in equal measure, whereas nonetheless being actually family-friendly. In case you’re on the lookout for a trip that leaves you feeling extra linked, rested, and impressed—that is it.
This put up isn’t sponsored in any means however I reached out to the resort and was capable of get a reduction code I can provide followers for those who determine you wish to e book a visit right here in 2025. E book a minimal of two nights at Palmaia utilizing Promo Code EBF5 between now and June seventh, 2025, and journey till December thirty first, 2025, to get pleasure from the next advantages: a reduced fee of 5%. Restrictions could apply. New bookings solely. Can’t be mixed with different promotions. Black out dates October 31 – November 1 and Dec 21-31.
