Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma, Mexico

Why We Like It:

This adults-only, all-inclusive near Cancun is home to Palafitos, the very first overwater bungalows in Mexico (there are now still just three: the other two being the very nearby Rosewood Mayakoba & Banyan Tree Mayakoba) and consistently hits world-class standards for luxury all-inclusives in the Caribbean.

It really is a tremendous resort – it has a fabulous location on Maroma Beach, Playa del Carmen – rated one of the Caribbean’s, and in fact, the world’s, best beaches – the accommodation is wonderful across the board and their gourmet food and drink are of the highest quality.

Overwater Bungalows:

As mentioned, the Palafitos’ bungalows were the very first in Mexico and come with all the features you would expect from such a pioneering resort – glass floor panels, jacuzzis, private infinity pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the crystal clear waters below your feet.

There are two types – the standard Palafitos are closer to the shore and have partial ocean and partial beach views.

The ‘Elite Suite Bungalows’ on the other hand are farthest out, at the end of the pier, and have unobstructed ocean views. Thus they are more exclusive and peaceful, and give more of a at one with the water type feeling.

You’ll be paying an extra premium for that privilege though of course, that’s if you are lucky enough to get one – The Elite Bungalows are, despite the hefty extra charge, extremely popular and get booked out much further in advance.

Check them both out on the booking page here.

Both are pretty much identical internally though – they both cover roughly 600 square feet and are incredibly luxurious.

They come with extra large, terrifically comfortable double beds, a seating/dining area, sections of glass bottom floor, a jacuzzi, an infinity-type plunge pool on the terrace overlooking the water plus an outdoor shower.

Other facilities include WiFi, cable TV, air-con, iPod docks, minibar, 24-hour room service, and private butler service.

Prices & Availability:

Check out all the details and compare prices at Hotels.com here, Booking.com here or at Expedia here.

Note: Like all luxury overwater bungalows around the Caribbean those at Palafitos El Dorado are incredibly sought after – you should really reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on most bookings.  

Food & Drink:

El Dorado Maroma is an all-inclusive resort with a great emphasis on gourmet food and drink, with much of the ingredients coming fresh from their own greenhouses.

You have a good choice of restaurants as well as small, informal ‘Gourmet Tasting Corners’ serving everything from Mexican and Caribbean to Oriental and Italian.

The main restaurant is the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar which features two glass-floor dining rooms, spectacular views and a wide selection of local and international dishes.

The breakfast at El Dorado Maroma is a legendary spread and you can order some to be delivered to your room.

The same goes for any meal actually, 24 hours, and picnic hampers, etc. can also be arranged for romantic days out which your private butler will be happy to arrange.

Resort Facilities & Things to Do:

There are swim-up bars at the two communal swimming pools, a shisha bar, and other bars with live entertainment.

The resort also has a gym/fitness center and a lovely overwater Spa, the Náay Spa, which uses treatments based on traditional Mayan herbal remedies and antioxidant-filled Maroma Beach sea moss.

Other activities at El Dorado Maroma include beach and water volleyball, yoga, dance classes, cooking classes, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and almost every water sport you can possibly think of plus various tours and excursions.

Golfers will be happy to know they can access the nearby Greg Norman-designed, 7,000-yard, 18-hole golf course, El Camaleón.

Location:

The Palafitos Overwater Bungalows are part of the El Dorado Maroma resort in the upmarket resort town of Playa del Carmen, less than an hour south of Cancun in the heart of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.

The resort sits right on Maroma Beach, consistently rated as Mexico’s, and one of the world’s, most beautiful beaches.

The nearest airport is of course Cancun International Airport where a shuttle bus will be waiting to pick you up.

Some Guest Reviews:

“This gourmet resort pays close attention to how food is prepared, and honestly, the BEST creative food pairings I have ever had! I cannot say enough good things about this resort. The views, the layout, the rooms…all TOP quality and very well designed. Everyone was so kind. Their professionalism, quality, attention to detail and literally, taking care of our EVERY need is what I appreciate. They truly want you to experience and appreciate each minute you are there as their guest. We will be back FOR SURE!…”

“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….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT PALAFITOS OVERWATER BUNGALOWS

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Location Categories:

Caribbean

Mexico

Cancun

Playa del Carmen

*Near USA

*Near Florida

*Near Bahamas.