Mexico Overwater Bungalows: 5 Bucket List Stays for Couples

Lori and I have spent the last four years exploring Mexico from corner to corner. One thing we’ve learned in that time is that if you’re dreaming of Mexico overwater bungalows, there’s just one place to look: The spectacular Yucatan Peninsula.

When we first visited the Riviera Maya over a decade ago, we had no idea that tahitian-style over-the-water lodging existed in this hemisphere. Not only do they exist, there were FIVE that were right under our noses.

Whether you’re planning an unforgettable honeymoon or a restful couples getaway close to U.S. shores, we think you’ll find what you crave in this guide.

Here is our short list for the best overwater bungalows in Mexico for your next vacation.

So grab a margarita and your flip-flops and let’s hop to it!

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Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

overwater bungalows in Mexico — Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Hidden in a mangrove forest in the heart of the Riviera Maya (yet just minutes away from one heck of a beach), the Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas at Banyan Tree Mayakoba offer an over-the-water bucket list experience that we think you’re unlikely to find elsewhere else in North America.

Private rooftop pool, garden terrace, and jaw-dropping views come standard with every one of Banyan Tree’s pretty darn luxurious Asian- and nature-inspired water villas.

You can get lost in the serene surroundings, eat up the world-class dining, shift into super-low gear at their top-rated spa, tee-off at Mayakoba’s PGA golf course, and go exploring on any one of their curated day trips and experiences at “Mexico’s most romantic resort.”

✪ Hot Tip Banyan Tree Mayakoba has soared in popularity in recent years. Book early! It also pays to make your dinner reservations in advance once you get there.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Not to be outdone by their neighbor to the south, award-winning Rosewood Mayakoba also offers some pretty stellar over-the-water accommodation, and keeps adding new options that are even more impressive.

Stretching out over 600 acres, from lush jungle and mangrove to the Caribbean Sea, Rosewood Mayakoba is widely considered one of the best luxury resorts not just in Mexico, but on the planet.

And we think the star of the whole shabang might just be the resort’s unique waterfront and over-the-water accommodation—from spacious pool villas to some of the best overwater bungalows you’re likely to find in Mexico.

Looking for fancy-smancy amenities? They’ve got heated plunge pools, butler service, beachfront and lagoon suites, a full-service Sense Spa, five gourmet restaurants, plus family-friendly services and Mayakoba’s signature Greg Norman 18-hole golf course.

With a focus on social and ecological sustainability and Rainforest Alliance certification, we think Rosewood Mayakoba is also one of more socially responsible hotels you’ll come across in the Riviera Maya.

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

bungalows over water on Riviera Maya — Palafitos Overwater Bungalows

Half-way between the laid back beach town of Puerto Morelos and tourist hot-spot of Playa Del Carmen you’ll find Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, the only tahitian-style over-the-water bungalows on Caribbean Sea in Mexico.

This adults-only 5-star all-inclusive resort offers gourmet dining, full butler service, and of course, breathtaking Caribbean views from every bungalow. And their top-tier bungalows even throw in an infinity pool on your very own private deck over water.

As if that weren’t enough to entice you, the resort’s stunning Maroma Beach is just steps away. And resort amenities like the five award-winning restaurants and world-class spa are never far!

Lori and I think this is one of those truly unforgettable stays that is ideal for honeymoons or just a rejuvenating reset free of distractions with that special someone.

✪ Hot Tip For the most special of occasions, we think you’ll want to check out the Elite Palafitos. But don’t wait too long to book as these tend to fill up quick.

Blue Diamond Palafitos

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Moving on down the coast a few miles south brings us to our newest addition to this list: The Palafitos at Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel. Yet another picture-postcard set of over-lagoon luxury villas for a memorable Riviera Maya vacation.

Reaching out over a storybook lagoon enveloped by a mangrove forest, each of these Palafitos offers either a large private balcony (bottom units) or rooftop sun deck (top units).

Just steps away at the main resort, you’ll have access to a slew of wellness activities and facilities such as yoga and meditation classes and spa water circuit. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the four onsite restaurants serving up a wide variety of gourmet dishes.

Akalki Hotel & Centro Holistico

Bacalar, Mexico

water bungalows on Bacalar Lagoon — Akalki Hotel & Centro Holistico

We’ve come to the end of our list, but this one is well worth a seriuos look, particularly if you’re searching for more of a retreat experience on in an otherworldly setting.

Billed as a “sanctuary of relaxation and healing” Akalki Hotel & Centro Holistico Akalki (Holistic Center) offers seemingly endless opportunities to connect more deeply with nature, yourself, or that special someone on the shores of blissful and surreal Bacalar Lagoon.

The folks at the onsite restaurant, La Botika, dish up healthful and lovingly prepared meals, while the Healing Center (Akalki Spa) adds rejuvenating services to boost your physical and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re yearning to unplug and re-connect with nature and your inner self, we think Akalki offers some of the best overwater bungalows in Mexico for doing just that!

What Else to Know About Overwater Bungalows in Mexico

Are there overwater bungalows in Mexico?

YES! In addition to the five upmarket and luxury resorts along the Riviera Maya, there are also a handful of more basic offerings in Bacalar.

Which resorts in Mexico have bungalows?

Currently, there are five resorts in Mexico that offer overwater bungalows: Rosewood Mayakoba, Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Blue Diamond, and Akalki Holistic Center.

Where in Mexico does it look like the Maldives?

While the Caribbean coast of Mexico shares little in common with the 20 atolls of the Maldives, there are areas of Mexico that bear something of a resemblance.

Bacalar Lagoon is widely renowned for its Maldivian appearance, but you won’t find Maldives-style accommodation in knee-deep turquoise water.

In practical terms, the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows are probably the most likely to please those looking for a Maldivian vibe in Mexico.

Final Thoughts

Putting this list together has definitely made us want to reconsider our current travel plans and head to the Yucatan for a couples getaway!

Sure, there are some pretty darn impressive overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.

But if you’re planning a trip from the U.S., none of the Caribbean islands can offer better (or cheaper) flight connections than Cancun (CUN) or Tulum (TQO)—the two international airports you’d likely be flying into.

If you’re looking for overwater villas and bungalows in Mexico, Lori and I are pretty sure that our guide (written by two Mexico residents and trip-planning experts) is all you need to kickstart your next big beach break.