Palmaïa – The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen just snagged the top spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards list of the world’s best destination spa resorts—and we at The Cancun Sun aren’t surprised one bit.
Set between jungle and sea about 45 minutes south of Cancun Airport, Palmaïa blends plant-forward cuisine, rituals rooted in Mayan tradition, and a full slate of holistic programming into a truly restorative escape.
What Pushed Palmaïa To No. 1
Voters placed Palmaïa ahead of iconic wellness names across St. Lucia, Greece, Switzerland, and more—an emphatic win for the Mexican Caribbean. At the core is Atlantis Spa, a serene complex where therapies unfold in temple-like treatment rooms tucked into the jungle, combining ancient ceremony with modern technique. Expect options like sound therapy, energy work, and slow, sensory rituals that feel deeply of the place.
Beyond the treatment rooms, Palmaïa’s “Architects of Life” programming layers in daily movement, breathwork, meditation, and creative workshops—over 30+ included holistic activities—so your wellness journey doesn’t start and stop on the massage table.
That whole-journey approach, paired with chef-driven plant-based dining and a no-wristband, no-buffet vibe, is what sets this resort apart for travelers who want an intentional reset.
A Win For The Riviera Maya’s Wellness Scene
Palmaïa’s crown is also a milestone for the region. Several Mexico properties ranked on the same global list—including Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos (#3), Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe (#11), SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico in Costa Mujeres (#13), and Rancho La Puerta (#18)—underlining how strong wellness travel has become across the country.
For the Mexican Caribbean specifically, the rise of SHA in Costa Mujeres has been one of the clearest signals that travelers are choosing restorative over just relaxing.
We’ve been tracking this shift for months—from “jungle spa” experiences to destination-wide wellness itineraries—and Palmaïa’s win fits squarely with what we’re seeing on the ground. If you’re curious where to start, our look at why jungle spas are the Riviera Maya’s hottest trend and 5 reasons the region is surging as a global wellness destination will help you plan a health-forward getaway that still leaves time for tacos and toes-in-the-sand sunsets.
Practical Tips For Booking Palmaïa
Getting there: Fly into Cancun International (CUN) and transfer south to Playa del Carmen (about 55–70 minutes depending on traffic). We recommend pre-booking a reputable transfer, especially if you’re arriving late.
What’s included: Rates include a generous list of wellness activities (think yoga flows, breathwork, cacao ceremonies), à-la-carte dining across multiple venues (with excellent plant-based options), premium beverages, and 24-hour room service—ideal if you want to focus on your reset and not on logistics. Spa treatments are extra, so reserve your must-do rituals—like a sound bath or energy therapy—before arrival.
Who will love it: Couples seeking a cocooning, kid-light vibe; solo travelers leaning into personal growth; and wellness-curious friends who want an upscale, non-party Playa del Carmen base. If you like the idea of a quiet, design-forward resort where wellness isn’t an afterthought, this is the move.
When to go: Fall shoulder season brings value and calmer beaches; winter and spring offer the balmiest weather and the most robust activity calendars. For more hotel inspiration across the area (including wellness-savvy picks), check our guide to the top Cancun-area hotels for 2025.
Build A Wellness-First Itinerary Around Palmaïa
One of the best parts of staying near Playa del Carmen is how easily you can customize a wellness-centric week: pair your spa days with cenote swims, a sunrise beach run, or a half-day at a jungle-style hydrotherapy circuit.
If Palmaïa is booked on your dates—or you’re mixing resort styles—browse our roundups of unusual themed all-inclusive stays (Palmaïa is featured as the wellness pick) and top Playacar resorts to compare locations and vibes.
Bottom Line
Palmaïa’s new No. 1 title isn’t just a trophy for one resort; it’s a statement about what the Mexican Caribbean does best right now: transformational travel that feels luxurious without being loud. If a week of nourishing food, purposeful movement, and spa rituals under the palms sounds like your kind of vacation, this is the moment to book before word spreads even further.
See the full Condé Nast Traveler ranking for more context—and to appreciate just how impressive it is to top a list packed with global heavyweights.
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