With modern living becoming more hectic, it’s no surprise half of all travelers are now looking to unwind and prioritize their physical and mental well-being while traveling. Palmaïa – the House of AïA, a wellness retreat in Riviera Maya, Mexico, recently became a place of sanctuary for those looking to connect with nature and themselves while healing the mind, body and soul. At Palmaïa, spirituality and personal growth are combined with nature for an experience like no other. This retreat nourishes travelers from the inside out with health-conscious food, natural treatments, organic music sessions and a holistic wellness program.

The Architects of Life Program

Palmaïa recognizes healing is not only a journey of mind, body and soul, but also one unique to everyone looking to try it. Alongside Palmaïa created a holistic program allowing each guest to explore their physical body and subconscious through a series of ancestral rituals and practices.

The Architects of Life program includes more than 20 classes, rituals and ceremonies, allowing any traveler looking to embark on a journey of personal growth to understand their connection to nature. The following practices comprise some of the many offered in this program to promote healing. Additionally, as part of the Gifting Lifestyle, all practices are included in the guest’s stay.

Mind Practices

• Gravity Control: A meditative mind game using rocks and other objects in nature to test and manipulate the force of gravity. Gravity control makes one focus on tactile sensitivity while controlling breathing.
• Mind Control: Meditative physical exercises to achieve the cessation of the internal dialogue and anxiety
• Gratitude Ritual: A ritual meant to honor ancestors in gratitude to those who preceded them. Guests raise their intention of healing for their entire lineage to heaven and prepare an offering to then deliver to the elements.
• Meditative Concert: For those with anxiety and stress, this class uses sound vibrations from multiple instruments and frequencies to put the mind and body in a deep meditative state. Multimusical vibrations heal the psyche and spirit, leaving guests feeling calm.

Body Practices 

• Hatha Yoga: A branch of yoga including the practices of asanas, yoga postures, pranayama, breathing exercises and more
• Ancestral Dance: A reserved space in the program to free the body, allowing travelers to explore movements to release everything that does not allow them to access their inner sacred place
• Chi Kung: Chi Kung or Qi Gong is a medicinal therapy of Chinese origin that helps support principles of channeling vital energy properly.
• Therapeutic Yoga: Combines restorative yoga with breathwork and guided meditation.

Soul

• Constellations: When a negative situation becomes repetitive or constant, it’s time to look inward to identify and transform such feelings into positive reactions. This activity lets guests discover and release the root of situations to improve in love, health, money and relationships.
• Deep Healing Mantras: Mantras come from India, where the ancient culture used sounds and frequencies, grouped into syllables, to create powerful effects of positive transformation in the human psyche. This meditation class uses mantras to help guests focus, concentrate and heal.
• Forgiveness Ceremony: This experience helps participants identify, recognize and release emotions and physical ailments through forgiving others, asking for forgiveness and forgiving themselves.