The Best Wellness Vacation I've Ever Experienced: Palmaïa

by Maggie Gentry

From the moment my partner and I stepped into the cool Palmaïa lobby and were greeted with the most delicious welcome beverage, the tension began to melt away. Nestled amidst an affluent residential neighborhood, you surprisingly find yourself at Palmaïa, tucked at the southern end of the Playa del Carmen beaches, surrounded by nature. 

My visit to Palmaïa was the best wellness vacation I’ve ever experienced.

Here’s Why Palmaïa was the best wellness vacation I’ve experienced to date

Being at Palmaia felt like stepping into a serene oasis where every detail is not only designed with thoughtful intention but also stepped in purpose and meaning. The entire resort feels like an irreverent nod to Mother Nature and the Mayan culture. Natural cenotes are intact for you to explore (or swim in!). Mayan ruins are on the beach for you to examine up close. Mangrove forests are incorporated into the design, providing natural shade while in the pool, on the beach, and walking along the meandering pathways.

The Gifting Lifestyle

Palmaïa also deeply prides itself on what they call The Gifting Lifestyle. It’s their take on an all-inclusive resort, but it’s so much more than the mental image of the all-you-can-eat buffet you may be conjuring. While yes, your rate includes all meals and drinks, it also includes several holistic workshops they offer daily, including sunrise yoga and a variety of breathwork classes. All of this is with the express intention of giving generously with the hope that it initiates a cycle of reciprocity and giving that spirals out into the world from all who visit and take that spirit back home with them.

PalMaïa has incredible workshops and classes included with your stay

One of the highlights of my stay was participating in a workshop where we explored the vibrational energies of different essential oils with a local expert. This immersive experience allowed us to craft our own unique scent, tapping into the therapeutic properties of the oils. My personalized blend of copal, frankincense, and benzoin is a fragrant reminder of my time at Palmaia, capturing the essence of the resort's commitment to holistic well-being. Since I’ve arrived back home, I have begun the ritual of dabbing a drop of my scent on my third eye as I settle into my morning meditations, and I cannot deny there is something remarkable about having the visceral reminder of scent to bring me back to the feeling of being at Palmaïa and having that sense of calm translated into my everyday. 

The resort’s layout is meticulously designed to cater to both adults and children, with distinct areas dedicated to each—including a designated children’s play room with childcare available. They have ensured that adults can enjoy a tranquil escape while children have their own space to explore and play. This separation enhances the overall experience for families and couples alike, allowing everyone to enjoy their vacation to the fullest.

It is also a digital nomad’s dream with ample workspaces and high-speed internet. While I went with the express intent to unplug, I’m already dreaming up how to get back and stay for longer. Knowing they can accommodate remote workers like me is already making that dream seem more and more like a reality. 

And the food! #swoon

Palmaïa distinguishes itself with its strong commitment to a plant-based diet, though it ensures that those who prefer animal protein have plenty of options, too.

I’m gluten-free and had an abundance of options. Their on-site coffee shop even had gluten-free chocolate donuts, which was the most unexpected surprise and delicious treat! 

Palmaïa is more than just a resort—it's a sanctuary for the soul.

The combination of luxurious amenities, thoughtful design, and a commitment to wellness, generosity, and sustainability creates an unparalleled experience that I will not soon forget. They have set the bar quite high. Now that I know what is possible, I’ll be hard-pressed to find another resort that can match the level of care I experienced from every aspect and each encounter I had at Palmaïa.