Imagine waking up in Mexico to the sound of waves, walking to breakfast by the beach, and knowing every single thing on the menu is vegan.
That’s exactly what happened when Brighde and her friend Heather traveled to Palmaïa – The House of AïA, a luxury plant-based resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, they share what it was really like staying at one of the world’s most well-known vegan resorts — from beach days and margaritas to spider monkeys in the jungle.
Here’s the full story of their stay.
Why We Chose This Vegan Resort in Mexico
Brighde had known about Palmaïa for years. She even interviewed someone from the resort when it first opened around 2019.
So when it was time to celebrate a big birthday milestone, the idea came back.
Heather wanted to visit Mexico again, and Palmaïa seemed like the perfect place to relax after exploring Mexico City.
Palmaïa is located just south of Cancún, in the resort area of Playa del Carmen. After landing at the Cancún airport, the drive to the resort is about one hour.
When they arrived, the experience already felt different from a typical resort.
Instead of checking in at a large hotel lobby, guests arrive at a reception area and are then driven by golf cart through a jungle path into the resort itself.
From that moment on, the vibe felt calm, peaceful, and very special.
First Impressions of Palmaïa
One of the first surprises was the room.
Brighde and Heather discovered they had been upgraded to a swim-up suite, which meant they could step directly from their terrace into the pool.
Another thing that stood out was the service.
Each guest is assigned a concierge who communicates through WhatsApp. Their concierge, Esteban, helped with restaurant reservations, activities, and questions throughout the stay.
Instead of calling reception or visiting a desk, they could simply send a message.
It made everything feel easy and relaxed.
The Food: A Dream for Vegan Travelers
One of the biggest highlights of Palmaïa is the food.
Unlike many resorts where vegans must ask for special meals, Palmaïa is primarily plant-based by default.
This means guests can enjoy the full menu without worrying about ingredients.
There are several restaurants at the resort, each offering a different cuisine.
Some of the favorites included:
Charly’s Vegan Tacos
This casual taco-truck-style eatery sits right by the beach.
It’s open all day and serves comfort foods like:
- Vegan tacos
- Nachos
- Mexican street corn
- Fresh coconut water
- Kombucha
It quickly became a go-to lunch spot.
Mar de Olivo (Mediterranean)
This restaurant was one of the favorites of the trip.
Located upstairs with beautiful views of the ocean, it offers a Mediterranean menu with creative plant-based dishes and unique mocktails.
Every dish felt like something you would find in a high-end city restaurant.
Su Casa (Indian & Breakfast)
Su Casa became a favorite for breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast included options like:
- Smoothies
- Vegan waffles
- Mexican breakfast dishes
Dinner featured Indian cuisine, including a rare vegan treat:
gulab jamun, a traditional Indian dessert that is usually made with milk.
Finding a vegan version was a big surprise.
Ume (Asian Cuisine)
This restaurant serves Japanese and Thai inspired dishes in a beautiful, dimly lit dining room.
The setting felt elegant and romantic, perfect for a special evening.
The Beach and Resort Atmosphere
The beach setup at Palmaïa was exactly what you imagine when you think of a relaxing Mexico vacation.
Instead of rows of crowded lounge chairs, the resort uses shaded seating areas with large beanbag loungers facing the ocean.
Guests can spend the day:
- Swimming in the Caribbean Sea
- Relaxing in the shade
- Ordering margaritas from beach staff
- Walking along the sand
One thing that surprised them was how quiet the resort felt.
During their stay, the resort was only around 30% full, so it never felt crowded.
No fighting for beach chairs.
No noisy pool scenes.
Just peaceful relaxation.
Wildlife Around the Resort
Nature is a big part of the Palmaïa experience.
During their stay, Brighde and Heather saw:
- Brown pelicans
- Frigatebirds
- Iguanas
- Coatis (similar to raccoons)
- Spider monkeys
One morning they even went on a mission to find the spider monkeys after their concierge mentioned where they usually appear.
They eventually spotted them swinging through the jungle canopy above the paths.
It was a magical moment.
The Spa Experience
Another highlight was the spa.
Palmaïa’s spa has won awards and is known for its unique treatments.
Thanks to a gift from Brighde’s partner Seb, they experienced a 90-minute massage that cost more than $400.
The treatment included traditional steam rituals and took place in beautiful outdoor spaces surrounded by jungle.
There is even a cenote (a natural water pool) in the spa area where guests can swim.
Activities at the Resort
Palmaïa offers a daily program called the Architects of Life program.
These activities are included with your stay and include things like:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Sound healing
- Art classes
- Movement workshops
The classes take place in different outdoor spaces around the resort, many surrounded by jungle.
While Brighde mostly relaxed on the beach, Heather enjoyed joining a few of the sessions.
Was This Vegan Resort in Mexico Worth It?
Palmaïa is definitely a luxury resort.
But for Brighde and Heather, the experience was worth it.
Between the incredible vegan food, the peaceful atmosphere, the beach, and the wellness activities, it felt like a very special place to celebrate a milestone trip.
They both agreed they would happily return again in the future.
Places Mentioned in This Episode
Here are some of the places Brighde and Heather mention during their stay at Palmaïa.
Resorts
- Palmaïa – The House of AïA
A luxury wellness resort on the Riviera Maya known for its plant-forward cuisine, jungle spa, and holistic wellness programs. - Sandos Playacar Beach Resort
The neighboring resort that guests pass through when entering Palmaïa. It is part of the same resort complex area and has a very different atmosphere.
Restaurants at Palmaïa
- Charly’s Vegan Tacos
A popular beachside taco truck serving creative plant-based Mexican street food such as jackfruit tacos and vegan nachos. - Mar de Olivo
A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offering handmade pastas and coastal dishes in a beautiful ocean-view setting. - LEK
A fine-dining Mexican restaurant focused on traditional flavors and locally grown ingredients from the resort’s gardens. - Su Casa
A beachfront restaurant serving breakfast and dinner with global influences, including Indian dishes and creative plant-based desserts. - UME
An elegant Asian-inspired restaurant serving Japanese and Thai dishes in a dimly lit, atmospheric dining space. - Plantissa
A health-focused café offering smoothies, juices, bowls, coffee drinks, and baked goods.
Nearby Destinations
- Playa del Carmen
A coastal city on the Riviera Maya known for beaches, restaurants, and access to nearby Mayan sites. - Cancún
The closest major airport hub for travelers visiting the Riviera Maya.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde and Heather share their full experience staying at Palmaïa — including the food, spa, beach days, and their honest thoughts about the resort.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay at a vegan resort in Mexico, this episode gives you the full picture.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- What it’s like staying at Palmaïa, a luxury vegan resort in Mexico
- The fully plant-based restaurants and favorite meals at the resort
- The relaxing beach setup, wildlife, and nature around the property
- The award-winning spa experience and wellness activities available to guests
- Why Palmaïa is a unique all-inclusive destination for vegan travelers
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Mexico City | Tacos, Pyramids & Activism
- Retiring to Mexico – The whys, wheres, and hows! | Michael Dorfman | Ep 83
- Best Vegan City Food Tours – North America (US, Canada, and Mexico)
- S3 Ep 6 | A Vegan Culinary Tour of Mexico | Eddie Garza
- S2 Ep 17 | A vegan-friendly resort near Cancun, Mexico | Karen Collado
