Palmaïa The House of AïA
Have you done this personally, and if so, what did you get out of it? While I haven't personally experienced a full-blown retreat (it's on the list!), I've definitely benefited from shorter wellness getaways. Think of them as mini-reboots. They always left me feeling physically refreshed and mentally clearer, ready to tackle things with fresh energy. However, I did notice something missing: that feeling of shared growth and connection. That's what inspired this retreat – to blend the restorative benefits of a beautiful setting with the power of community and personal development. It's about refreshing your body and your spirit.
Tell us about the destination, Palmaïa. The House of AïA.We’re traveling to a beautiful wellness resort in the Riviera Maya, between Cancun and Tulum Oct. 17-21. Half of the resort backs up to the jungle, the other to the ocean. The Atlantis Spa incorporates ancient Mexican healing rituals, and the food is plant forward, though you can add proteins to a lot of the menu items. There is even a taco truck on the property that has vegan tacos that you would never guess didn’t have meat in them. The food is outstanding and you will feel so good after you leave since there are no seed oils, refined sugar or flour in their kitchens. All drinks are included as well, so there’s no need to feel any guilt for that Aperol Spritz you’ll be enjoying at the end of the day. Mocktails and fresh squeezed juices are also available. There are beautiful pools, five restaurants, and daily classes that support the work we’ll be doing together. They also just received two Michelin Keys and are ranked as one of the best spas in the world in Conde Nast Traveler.
What specific classes will you be leading? Our daily sessions will be focused on helping you explore your inner landscape and uncover your best self. Think of them as guided journeys in self-discovery. We'll gently explore limiting beliefs and cultivate more empowering perspectives. Each day will have a different focus, building on the last. We'll use journaling prompts to spark some "aha!" moments and have discussions that are both insightful and hopefully, not too serious. The goal is to leave you feeling more connected to yourself and with some practical tools for growth.
Who should come to your retreat in Mexico? If you've ever thought there might be a slightly more awesome version of yourself waiting to be discovered, this retreat is for you. Whether you're a man, woman, a couple, traveling with friends, or enjoying some solo time, all are welcome. If you're feeling a bit stuck, a tad overwhelmed, or simply ready to invest in your well-being, consider this your invitation. And the fact that it's all-inclusive means you can truly focus on yourself without the stress of planning every detail. Plus, the resort offers a fantastic array of wellness classes in addition to our group sessions, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore what resonates with you.
What tools will attendees have when they return home? My aim is for everyone to leave with a personalized set of resources for continued growth. You'll have clearer goals, a better understanding of what truly matters to you, and some real-world strategies for navigating life's ups and downs. The journaling exercises will be there for ongoing self-reflection. But perhaps most importantly, you'll leave with a stronger sense of connection and the knowledge that you're part of a supportive community. It's about empowering you to keep that positive momentum going long after you return home.
More information and to book click HERE.
Jackson will lead a wellness journey to Mexico in July.
An outdoor lounge at Palmaïa The House of AïA
A spiritual experience at Palmaïa The House of AïA
Delicious, healthy dining at Palmaïa The House of AïA
From Your Site Articles
A cozy corner of the new Allegory Bar
If you haven’t spent much time in CityCentre lately, it’s definitely worth an immersive experience. And The Moran CityCentre, recently named a top-three Houston hotel by Travel + Leisure, is a bright, lovely homebase. Thanks to the Midway company’s multi-million-dollar reno, the property now touts a new front desk, lobby bar and terrace space, a prominent new ground level entrance, along with recently completed refreshed rooms and expanded meeting spaces.
The lobby bar is terrific. It’s called The Allegory Bar, and it overlooks CityCentre’s central plaza — a green space surrounded by killer shopping, cute patio restaurants, and an ice cream shop that stays busy. From Allegory, which mixes a sleek, marble bar with a cozier dining space that resembles a chic, urbane library, you can see all the action. And on breezy summer nights, there’s always a lot of action. (A stroll through the CityCentre plaza on a bustling evening should be on anyone’s up-to-date Houston bucket list, to be honest.)
At Allegory, beautiful Texas-y cocktails like the smoked Lonesome Dove (small-batch bourbon, pecan syrup and bitters) wash down apps like brisket-stuffed jalapenos and entrees such as redfish with wild rice and lemon cream. There’s also a smart new breakfast spot, Café Moran, just off the sexy pool deck, awash in natural light and billowing treetop views. Very pleasant.
The hip bar and accomplished new restaurant is only part of the redo. “All 244 guestrooms have been refreshed with stylish new furnishings, premium bedding, modern lighting, and technology upgrades,” notes a Midway rep. “Thoughtfully curated amenities, including chic bar carts stocked with Texas-based liquors, a selection of snacks and Illy coffee service, custom bath products, plush robes, and handheld steamers, further enhance the guest experience, reflecting the property’s dedication to comfort and luxury.”
Other perks include discounted day passes to the sprawling, upscale Life Time mega-gym across the way. This alone may be worth making a weekend of it, as Life Time is notoriously hard to access without member credentials.
And now seems like a great time to pull the trigger on a quick trip. The Taste the Weekend package has been extended through end of August; it’s available Fridays and Saturdays, offering a $199 classic king room with $100 F&B credit.
The Moran CityCentre overlooks the development's iconic central plaza.
The lobby bar
A new meeting space
The new front approach to the Moran
The terrace off the lobby with unique views of CityCentre
Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed
The real star of the evening? 6,500 pounds of crawfish, served up with all the fixings — plus Gulf Coast favorites like lobster fritters, seafood fondue, boudin balls and bread pudding with a boozy twist.
Guests got competitive during the live auction, which featured everything from Caribbean escapes to helicopter hog hunts. A chocolate lab puppy named Blue Bell stole the show — and a new home — with Cotton EVP Zinat Ahmed. He’ll be trained as an emotional support pup for visitors to Taylor’s Place, a retreat for families facing terminal illness that’s set to open this fall.
Closing out the night? A crowd-pleasing performance by country star Mark Chesnutt, who brought the house (or barn) down.
In the crowd was Pete Bell, Fady Armanious, Ellie Francisco, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Kristen Cannon and Heather Almond.
Bailey Bell Layne and Pete Bell
Opening Performance by Bayou Roux
Houstonians traveled to CrawFest at the Cotton Ranch in Katy
Stacey Lindseth, Fady Armanious, Ally Ehrman
Balloon Details
Crawfish