These Best Mexico Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean Will Make You Forget the Maldives
Want to stay in an overwater bungalow in Mexico?
You’ve come to the right guide — because I live in Mexico — and I’m going to highlight the four best and only Mexico overwater bungalows for an unforgettable stay.
That’s right, there are only four overwater bungalows in Mexico, but they are all gorgeous options.
Don’t have time to read the full article? The best overwater bungalow in Mexico is El Dorado Palafitos, which has 5 Star service and amazing reviews.
As overwater bungalows need to be in calm waters, the tranquil Caribbean Sea is ideal. The El Dorado Palafitos on Maroma Beach is the only overwater bungalow in Mexico located in the Caribbean.
If that one’s not for you, don’t worry because there are three other options to choose from. Ready to discover all your Mexico overwater bungalow options?
Let’s get to it, starting with what many call the best Mexico overwater bungalow, the El Dorado Palafitos, which is the closest overwater bungalows to Cancun — and rival the bungalows in the South Pacific!
The Best Mexico Overwater Bungalows
1. El Dorado Palafitos All-Inclusive — Playa del Carmen, Mexico (Playa Maroma)
⭐️ best all inclusive overwater bungalows mexico ⭐️
For that WOW factor, no place in Mexico compares to El Dorado Palafitos Overwater Bungalows Mexico.
Located on Playa Maroma Beach, named one of the 10 Best Beaches in the World by the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel, you’re surrounded by natural beauty.
Worth every penny! Felt like royalty!
—Lizette (booking.com review)
Opened in 2016, and the first overwater bungalows in Mexico, perhaps the coolest thing at El Dorado Maroma are the glass floors!
That’s right, each El Dorado overwater bungalow has parts of the floor with glass panels, so you can see the turquoise Caribbean Sea below your feet.
🏝 Mexico Travel Fun Fact: The El Dorado Mexico Bungalows, a Karisma resort, are the closest overwater bungalows to the United States! With many cities offering direct flights to Cancun Airport, this resort is easy to access.
As an all inclusive Mexico overwater bungalow, you have full access to gourmet dining and drinks at all resort’s restaurants and bars.
There’s also 24 hour room service, with all requests taken care of by your private concierge butler service.
Of all Mexico over water bungalows, this is the only one located in the Caribbean Sea.
Their Overwater Bungalows and Elite Overwater Bungalows have a staircase that leads you right from room to sea, so you’re always only steps away from that famous crystal-clear blue water.
When you’re not in a kayak or on a SUP paddle board in the Caribbean Sea, enjoy the lavish pool area with swim-up bar. There’s also yoga classes and a fitness center.
The El Dorado Palafitos spa, Náaya, offers massages at shaded palapas right next to the sea.
El Dorado Palafitos Reviews
Words cannot describe the joy my husband and I experienced via our honeymoon. The level of customer service and professionalism was top notch. The food was amazing and the accommodations were romantic, spacious and alluring. —Diana
This resort far exceeded my expectations of what quality service is all about. —Allison
How to get to El Dorado Palafitos Mexico
You’ll want to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). ✈️ Check flights to Cancun.
From there, pre-book with Cancun Airport Transportation, the highest rated Cancun Airport transfer company! They have private shuttles, luxury SUV and limo service, and accessible options.
How far is Cancun to Playa Maroma?
The drive from Cancun Airport to Punta Maroma Playa takes 30-40 minutes in normal traffic. Distance-wise, it’s about 26 miles (41 km).
📍 Palafitos Overwater Bungalows Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulum, Km 55.3, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Google maps | Book now
best mexico overwater bungalows
2. Rosewood Mayakoba — Riviera Maya, Mexico
⭐️ most luxurious Over water villas mexico Has! ⭐️
Mexico huts on water these most certainly aren’t! The Rosewood Mayakoba Resort sets the gold standard in overwater bungalow luxury.
With the Caribbean Sea on one side, and tranquil mangrove lagoons on the other, you’ll have complete privacy in these lux overwater rooms.
As close to heaven as you’ll find.
—Maristella (expedia review)
The Rosewood Mayakoba Resort is one of the highest rated and most luxurious resorts in Mexico. In fact, Forbes Mexico named the Rosewood Mayakoba spa, Serene, the best spa in the world.
Located on it’s own private island surrounded by mangroves, it’s easy to see why.
There are 128 resort rooms, with 18 overwater bungalows called Deluxe Lagoon Suites. When booking, make sure you’re getting a bungalow, and not a resort room — though they aren’t too shabby either!
Note: Bungalows are adults only, but the rest of the resort is family friendly.
Each one of the exclusive bungalows sits on a mangrove lagoon, and has a heated plunge pool, private sundeck and an outdoor rain shower.
Inside, it’s luxury all the way with premium bedding, state-of-the art entertainment centers with Bose speakers, and a lavish sitting area.
Bungalow guests get a private, 24-hour personal butler and access to the rest of the property.
It boasts numerous restaurants and bars, various swimming pools, a fitness center with everything from Peloton bikes to yoga classes, horseback riding and a championship golf course.
Rosewood Mayakoba Reviews
The Rosewood Mayakoba is extraordinary. The individual residences, the grounds, the beaches, pools and restaurants are wonderful. Would return in a heartbeat! —Michael
This resort has the best service and the most awesome staff of any hotel I have ever stayed at. —Fran
How to get to Rosewood Mayakoba Overwater Bungalows
You’ll want to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). ✈️ Check flights to Cancun!
From there, pre-book with Cancun Airport Transportation, the highest rated Cancun Airport transfer company! They have private shuttles, luxury SUV and limo service, and accessible options.
How far is Cancun to Rosewood Mayakoba?
The drive from Cancun Airport to Rosewood Mayakoba Resort takes one hour in normal traffic. Distance-wise, it’s about 32 miles (51km).
📍 Rosewood Mayakoba Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km 298, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Google maps | Book now
best mexico overwater bungalows
3. Banyan Tree Mayakoba — Riviera Maya, Mexico
⭐️ most Eco-Chic of all mexico bungalow resorts ⭐️
The newest of all overwater bungalow resorts in Mexico, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located near Playa del Carmen, and next to Rosewood Mayakoba, which also has overwater bungalows.
It is known for its eco-friendly principles and design features that harmonize with nature.
Every detail about this place went above and beyond for exceptional service.
—Amanda (booking.com review)
There are only six Mexico bungalows on the water at Banyan Tree Mayakoba — so don’t hesitate on booking.
Each villa (listed as Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villa on booking.com) has two floors, and because of their design, a lot more privacy than most Mexico overwater bungalows.
The bungalows at Banyan Tree Mayakoba overlook the lagoon, and are located just steps from the Caribbean Sea and its white sand beaches.
Each villa has its own heated pool and outdoor lounge area — the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand 🍹
Guests in the overwater bungalows also have access to the entire Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort.
This AAA Five Diamond Resort and TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award winner, exceeds all expectations. From a PGA championship golf course, to 10 gourmet dining options, it’s all here.
One of the best things to do at Banyan Tree Mayakoba Mexico is the Ixchel Dining Experience.
Step onto your private trajinera (Mexican gondola boat) for a cruise around the Mayakoba Lagoon for breakfast or an unforgettable dinner under the stars.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba Reviews
Beautiful setting and very private. Staff was top-notch and helpful… Best service I’ve ever had at a resort. —Carol
Absolutely gorgeous property, amazing and friendly service and staff, rooms are immaculate. —Julia
How to get to Banyan Tree Mayakoba Overwater Bungalows
You’ll want to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). ✈️ Check flights to Cancun!
From there, pre-book with Cancun Airport Transportation, the highest rated Cancun Airport transfer company! They have private shuttles, luxury SUV and limo service, and accessible options.
How far is Cancun to Rosewood Mayakoba?
The drive from Cancun Airport to Rosewood Mayakoba Resort takes one hour in normal traffic. Distance-wise, it’s about 32 miles (51 km).
📍 Banyan Tree Mayakoba Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km 298, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Google maps | Book now
best mexico overwater bungalows
4. Centro Holistico Akalki Resort & Spa — Lake Bacalar, Mexico
⭐️ best value of any Mexico overwater bungalow
Located in the southern tip of Quintana Roo State, about 30 minutes from the Mexico-Belize border, you’ll find the Lake of Seven Colors in Bacalar, Mexico.
This is the second largest Mexico freshwater lake, and one of the best hidden gems in Mexico for travelers.
It is a super nice and quiet place. The lagoon is right in front of the cabins. Ideal to relax and enjoy as a couple.
—Paulina (Booking review)
Thanks to it’s crystal-clear blue and turquoise waters, Laguna Bacalar has earned the nickname, the Maldives of Mexico.
Unlike all the overwater bungalows in Maldives, there is just one resort with overwater bungalows in Bacalar — and that’s Centro Holistico Akalki.
As an up-and-coming and off the beaten path Mexico travel destinations, these overwater bungalows are much more rustic than the others on the list.
They also cost about one-fourth as much money, making these the cheapest overwater bungalows in Mexico.
Not only does Centro Holistico Akalki have some of the only overwater bungalows in Mexico, it provides complete, holistic wellness getaways.
They grow their own food to serve in the on-site La Botica by Akal Ki Restaurant, for true farm to table meals during your stay.
There’s also massages and facials at the spa, a temazcal (pre-hispanic sweat lodge), and yoga classes throughout the week.
The main attraction is of course, beautiful Bacalar Lake, so take advantage of the kayaks and SUP paddle boards you can use for free to explore the lake.
Centro Holistico Akalki Reviews
I’ve stayed with my other half for two days in Cabaña 1. What a beautiful place to be! The staff is super friendly and welcomed us perfectly. —Bruna
Loved the vibe, the bungalows and the food. I also took a massage and a reiki therapy, amazing!!!! —Vhesse
How to get to Bacalar, Mexico
There is a small airport near Bacalar in Chetumal, but it’s not easy to access.
The easiest way is to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), then book your private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation — which will cost $555 USD from Cancun to Bacalar.
How far is Cancun to Bacalar?
The drive from Cancun Airport to Centro Holistico Akalki takes 4.5 hours in normal traffic. Distance-wise, it’s about 32 miles (51 km).
📍 Centro Holistico Akalki Address: Carretera Federal 307 Km 12.5, Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Google maps | Book now
Mexico Overwater Bungalows: Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect from Mexico Overwater Bungalows
The Mexico overwater bungalows are all located near some of the best beach towns in Mexico, so you can expect exceptional natural beauty!
They all cater to luxury travelers, so you can also expect impeccable service. Most of all, you’re in for an unforgettable bucket list trip.
best mexico overwater bungalows
How much do Mexico overwater bungalows cost?
OK, let’s talk price. Everyone knows that staying in an overwater bungalow costs a lot. The majority of options on this list cost about $1,500 USD per night.
Now, that does come with a lot of perks, like a 24-hour butler concierge service, access to 5 Star resort amenities, and more.
💸 Mexico Travel Tips for overwater bungalows
To offset the cost of the overwater villas in Mexico, you can opt for just 1-2 nights in the bungalow and the rest of the time at a more budget friendly accommodation.
There are plenty of cheap hotels in Mexico, and you can book yours here.
best mexico overwater bungalows
How do I get to my overwater bungalow in Mexico?
For every option listed here, which is actually all the overwater bungalows in Mexico, you’ll want to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). ✈️ Check flights to Cancun now!
From there, you can arrange private transport and luxury transport through Cancun Airport Transportation.
best mexico overwater bungalows
Are there any Cancun overwater bungalows?
No — All Mexico overwater bungalows are all located near Cancun, but none are actually in the city of Cancun.
The El Dorado Maroma overwater bungalows, located about 30-40 minutes from the Cancun Airport, are the closest Cancun over the water bungalows.
Are there any Tulum Overwater Bungalows?
No — Though the Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba, which both do have overwater bungalows, are located about one hour from Tulum, Mexico.
best mexico overwater bungalows
What do I pack for my Mexico Overwater Bungalow Trip?
Wondering what to pack for Mexico?
Since the resort will have much of what you need for a comfortable stay, you’ll want to pack lots of bathing suits, and light, breathable clothing for your Mexico outfits.
All of the Mexico overwater bungalows on this list are located in the Yucatan Peninsula, so it’s hot year-round. 🧳 Besides clothes, here are a few suggestions for Mexico packing:
- 3GB Cellular Data (at full 4G/LTE speeds) valid for 30 days starting at your arrival in Mexico
- Unlimited Calls and SMS (only text) in Mexico, USA or Canada
- Can also be used in USA and Canada for Data, Calls and SMS
- Unlimited Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat)
- LTE capable (LTE Coverage is available in most cities and touristic areas)
Final Thoughts: Are Mexico Overwater Bungalows Worth It?
YES — Mexico overwater bungalows are completely worth the splurge, even if only for one night. The options on this list will all provide an unforgettable vacation for travelers, as all unique experiences tend to do.
My personal pick? The El Dorado Palafitos Overwater Bungalows because of their glass floors so you can see the turquoise Caribbean Sea beneath your feet.
It is also what most people think of when they picture an overwater bungalow in Mexico. However, it doesn’t come cheap, so the best overwater bungalow Mexico options to save some money are in Bacalar.
You’ll see most Mexico overwater bungalows are on or near the Caribbean, but there’s also one off the beaten path option in Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico — is known as the Maldives of Mexico.