Welcome to Palmaïa - The House of AïA

In early 2017, I laid the foundations for a new resort—one that was not yet Palmaïa. Prior to that, I had spent more than three years working on environmental permits to allow for taller buildings that would occupy less land. The original project—which by then was nearly fifteen years old—included plans for fourteen buildings. This design required leveling the land, eradicating the organic nature, and replacing it with the typical resort-style grass and palm trees. Once a hotel is built, people tend to forget what the original landscape looked like, and in doing so, we lose the authenticity of the land. I didn’t want that to happen. My permit changes allowed me to build seven taller buildings, reducing land use to just 35% of the total area. My goal was to create something that respected the local ecosystem, and I’m proud to say we achieved it. Once the entire project is complete with the next two phases, we will have occupied a maximum of only 5% of the land.

 

The project was well underway, and all buildings had their cement foundations when something unexpected happened. I received a call informing me that my architect, mentor, and friend, Carlos, had suffered an accident and was in a coma. It seemed impossible. We had worked on so many projects together over the past ten years, sharing countless laughs and incredible moments. I truly believed he would recover and wanted to wait for him before continuing. Sadly, nine months later, Carlos passed away, leaving a void filled with grief and disbelief. At first, I didn’t know what to do. I had created resorts alone before, but with Carlos by my side, the process had always been better and more enjoyable.

 

As reality set in, I began to envision something different. By mid-2018, time was running out. I needed to finish within a year. The easiest and least risky option would have been to complete the original project as planned. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to create something more meaningful—something that reflected my values and the lessons I had learned. I wanted to design a place that would inspire guests to adopt a healthier lifestyle. While I wasn’t entirely sure how it would work, I had a name—Palmaïa—and a vision of a luxury sustainable resort, but in my own way. The term “sustainable” has been overused and, in some cases, misrepresented. I wanted Palmaïa to embody true authenticity, offering a retreat that was not only as sustainable as possible but also a space where people could experience a new kind of luxury—one defined by inner well-being rather than outward appearances.

 

Through my travels, staying in some of the world’s most beautiful places, I noticed that many resorts, despite their aesthetic appeal, lacked soul. I wanted to create a place that had a pulse—a vibrant, living resort infused with the gift of life.

 

I gathered my team and shared my vision, providing broad guidelines to activate the project. Over the next twelve months, we pieced together something truly unique: the wellness resort that is now Palmaïa. The process was neither linear nor neat. During construction, my team would ask me questions, and I would respond with messy sketches on paper. Architects later transformed my crude drawings into proper plans. The project evolved organically through coincidences, travel experiences, and the people I met along the way. I spent endless hours on-site, directing builders and artisans, explaining how I wanted everything to look and feel. We experimented with countless samples of finishes to achieve the perfect textures and aesthetics. It was an incredible team effort that ultimately brought Palmaïa to life.

 

To this day, it remains the most complex project I have ever undertaken. Because of my unique background, I am one of the few people capable of transforming an indistinct idea into a fully realized hotel. I have always had a talent for turning vague concepts into tangible realities. Still, the final three months leading up to completion were the toughest of my life. I hope never to have to go through such an intense process again. Palmaïa is unique because the circumstances that led to its creation were unique.

 

If you are considering a visit to Palmaïa, I urge you to arrive with an open mind, ready to explore and be kind to yourself. We have created a resort designed to awaken something within you, offering experiences to enhance your health, form new habits, and satisfy your curiosity. All you need to do is immerse yourself in the experience.

 

We understand that changing habits isn’t easy. That’s why we don’t believe in restrictive systems. Instead, we offer you freedom. Do you want to lose weight, for example? Palmaïa may be the only place in the world where you can eat as much as you want and still likely weigh less by the end of your stay (Note: We do recommend following our AïA\Wellness guidelines, of course). There is truly no other place where health feels so effortless. Believe me, I’ve been around.

 

I hope you feel what many of us feel at Palmaïa. The energy here is unique and profound. I believe this is because we occupy sacred Mayan land, where three large underwater rivers converge in the mangrove area behind the hotel. These rivers flow beneath the Rituals Deck, past the AïA sculpture, and into the ocean—a perfect metaphor for what I know will happen to you when you visit.

 

Above all, I hope that Palmaïa offers you a beautiful experience and helps you embark on your own healing journey. The path to healing isn’t always clear or easy, but the most important step is finding the beginning. I feel like I have done so much work, yet my journey continues. Knowledge is endless, and learning never stops. I believe that everything happens in its perfect time because divinity loves us all, and love is eternal.

 

I have learned so much from the people I have met while creating Palmaïa—especially our guides. I have followed my innate curiosity to explore natural healing methods, always seeking solutions for our guests. Health does not need to be complicated. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your well-being rather than rely on external authorities. I firmly believe that if we live a healthy lifestyle, there is no reason to ever need a doctor or medication. Nature holds the answers to everything; we just need to observe, learn, and show respect.

 

I look forward to welcoming you to Palmaïa.