There are some places that don’t just land on your travel wishlist—they quietly tap you on your shoulder, whisper your name, and somehow already feel like home before you even arrive. For me, that place is Palmaïa, The House of AïA.
At this stage in life, time feels more precious—and how I choose to spend my time is intentional. I’ve raised my son, built a life rooted in purpose, and now, every choice I make—from the food I eat to the places I visit is guided by whether or not it’s in alignment with how I want to walk through life. I’m not chasing trends or collecting passport stamps. I’m seeking depth, connection, and experiences that support the way I live: plant-based, wellness-focused, mindful, and a bit of adventure.
A Culinary Experience That Resonates
After more than 20 years of living plant-based, traveling can still be a challenge when it comes to food. I’ve sat through one too many dinners with side salads and French fries while everyone else feasted. But at Palmaïa, the entire culinary experience is centered around vibrant, nourishing, elevated plant-based cuisine. That alone made my jaw drop (in the best way).
Their chefs don’t just “accommodate” the lifestyle—they celebrate it. With four signature restaurants led by Executive Chef Eugenio Villafaña, the menus here are artful, inspired, and full of flavor.
- LEK: Reimagines traditional Mexican dishes using local, plant-forward ingredients.
- Mar de Olivo: Explores Mediterranean flavors, cultivating lesser-known traditions.
- Ume: Blends Asian fusion with bold, aromatic spices.
- El Caminante: Offers laid-back beachside bites that still feel elevated.
No corner-cutting. No boring tofu bowls. Just honest, thoughtful food I can’t wait to try.
Wellness Without Compromise
Wellness means different things to different people, but for me, it’s about taking care of myself and reconnecting with myself. It’s less about perfection and more about presence. Palmaïa’s Architects of Life program had me immediately intrigued. It’s not the typical yoga-retreat itinerary—it’s deeper.
We’re talking daily rituals like meditation, sound healing, breathwork, and ancestral ceremonies guided by experienced practitioners. This is the kind of wellness that lets your nervous system finally exhale.
Their Atlantis Spa is also completely plant-based and chemical-free. And that matters to me. Because let’s be honest, it’s hard to relax when you’re wondering what’s being absorbed into your skin. Here, I could receive a treatment and know it aligns with my values.
Accommodations That Honor Nature
From the pictures I’ve seen and checking out their website gallery (yes, I’ve zoomed in on every detail), the rooms at Palmaïa look like something out of a dream—natural materials, minimalist design, and a sense of calm that just radiates through the screen.
I can already picture myself on the private terrace, morning coffee in hand, listening to the waves and letting my thoughts flow. No rush. Just presence. I’d start my day with a Joe Dispenza meditation, soaking in the stillness before anyone needs anything from me. That kind of morning? That’s what I crave more of these days.
A Community of Kindred Spirits
More than anything, I’m drawn to Palmaïa because it feels like a vibrational match for me. I’m no longer interested in surface-level anything. I want depth. I want spaces that invite expansion. I want to be in a space where the vibe is already aligned—where I don’t have to explain my lifestyle or compromise my values. No loud parties, no chaotic energy. Just beautifully curated luxury, wellness woven into every detail, and the kind of atmosphere that supports deep rest, thoughtful conversation, and genuine connection. It’s the kind of place where everything feels intentional, elevated, and deliciously nourishin inside and out.
This trip wouldn’t just be a vacation—it would be a way to plug back into myself.
Why Palmaïa Speaks to Me
Palmaïa has officially made it onto my vision board—and into my manifestation journal. It’s the kind of place that reminds me what’s possible when you choose alignment over obligation. When you let your lifestyle lead, instead of constantly compromising to fit in.
Whether I end up booking it for my next birthday (I’ll be 60 in June!), a solo retreat, or a girls’ getaway, one thing’s clear: I’ll get there. And when I do, it’s going to be magic.
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