Palmaïa, The House of AïA, is a wellness-focused resort on the beach south of Playacar. For a session, the hour before sunset at the water's edge, or sunrise. Sessions start at 245 USD.
Playa del Carmen gives a session both the beach and a lively town. Here is how we plan one for guests of Palmaïa.
The Session at a Glance
- ResortA wellness-focused resort on the beach south of Playacar
- AreaPlayacar, south of the centre
- Beach facesEast, toward Cozumel
Where We Shoot
The water's edge. Away from loungers, with Cozumel on the horizon.
Around town. Parque Fundadores, with the Portal Maya sculpture and the ferry pier to Cozumel, is the classic Playa del Carmen backdrop, busiest in the evening and quiet at sunrise.
Sunrise or Sunset
Times for this beach on the 15th of each month in 2027.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:57 pm | 6:28 pm |
| March | 6:57 am | 6:29 pm | 6:58 pm |
| May | 6:11 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:08 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:16 am | 7:01 pm | 7:32 pm |
| September | 6:36 am | 6:22 pm | 6:51 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:36 pm | 6:08 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:38 pm | 6:10 pm |
The beach faces east toward Cozumel: sunrise lifts over the channel, and the hour before sunset is soft and even. If you can face an early start, from roughly October through February the sunrise appears from behind Cozumel.
How the Photographer Gets In
Access is simple for guests of Palmaïa. Put the photographer's name on your reservation at the front desk with the time of the session, and we meet you in the lobby. Resorts usually reserve their outside vendor fee for weddings, so a private session for a staying guest is very seldom charged, though we always confirm the current rule in writing first. Visitors who are not staying at the resort normally need a day pass; this guide explains how it works.
Sessions in the Riviera Maya, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios sessions along the Riviera Maya. They show our work in the area, not necessarily at Palmaïa.
Collections and Prices
All collections include full editing and a private 4K gallery, delivered within one to three business days.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |