The Best Luxury Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean in 2026

Overwater Bungalows in Playa del Carmen – An Overview.

Playa del Carmen is a high class tourist destination with some high class resorts in and around the so-called Mayan Riviera that surrounds it.

There are three resorts with overwater bungalows in Playa del Carmen – Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Palafitos El Dorado.

All are beautiful, very luxurious resorts that have been attracting a well heeled clientele for years now though the overwater bungalows are a relatively new addition.

They are though an extremely popular accommodation choice in Playa del Carmen so prepare to book well in advance.

It is very difficult to decide which resort is better overall but in terms of the overwater bungalows we reckon the Palafitos bungalows at El Dorado are the pick of the three.

Rosewood Mayakoba’s and Banyan Tree’s bungalows are modern, luxurious and sleek but for us they are missing the traditional, slightly rustic, Pacific vibe that makes an overwater bungalow stay so romantic.

The Palafitos El Dorado bungalows are also a bit away from the shore and so give more of that nice, floating on the sea sensation. Both the Mayakoba’s on the other hand are lined up along the edge of the lagoon.

Finally the bungalows at Palafitos El Dorado have glass floor sections – a classic, and popular feature of most overwater bungalows.

Palafitos El Dorado is an adults-only and all inclusive resort. The Rosewood Mayakoba is neither, though their overwater bungalows are strictly adults only. Banyan Tree Mayakoba is family friendly – both the overwater bungalows and the resort in general.

Check out our full reviews below!