Mexico is a fantastic destination for holidaymakers and backpackers alike.
We’ve loved exploring Mexico, as it’s a country with so much to offer.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to luxury resorts and traditional beaches, there’s so much for visitors to enjoy in this country.
If you’re looking for a truly luxury experience here then this guide is for you!
There are only 4 Mexico bungalow resorts in the country that offer overwater suites.
In addition to this there are 6 swim up hotels which are just as incredible and luxurious as the overwater bungalows!
They have great access to the sea, and the same views that the water bungalows in Mexico offer.
Often these amazing overwater bungalows become booked up far in advance, so the 6 swim-up hotels are excellent alternative choices.
If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country then let’s get straight into it…
Rosewood Mayakoba opened its doors in 2008 and since then it’s repeatedly been rated one of the finest luxury resorts in the world.
The resort overlooks the beautiful coastline of the Mexican Riviera Maya, just north of Playa del Carmen.
Overwater bungalow accommodation includes lagoon suites and villas, ocean view suites and villas, beachfront suites, signature suites and the Founder’s Villa.
One of the resort’s best and most luxury facilities has to be Sense, the resort spa. It’s tucked away on its own private jungle island, nestled amongst foliage and a freshwater lagoon.
Signature treatments here take inspiration from Mayan herbal medicine rituals.
With so much on offer, it's no surprise that this place is one of the most popular bungalow resorts in Mexico!
The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport, 28 miles away. However, Rosewood Mayakoba offers private chauffeured transfers with meet-and-greet from the airport.
Alternatively taxi services are available from the airport. Or better still, rent a car in Cancun and drive yourself to the resort!
Special Highlights:
Palafitos is perfectly situated just 1.7 miles from Playa del Carmen Beach!
This all inclusive adult accommodation offers you everything you could possibly need for the ultimate luxury break in Mexico.
There’s free private parking, a restaurant and bar on site, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and evening entertainment.
All rooms come with air-con, a seating area, a flat screen TV and a private bathroom equipped with a hot tub, bathrobes and slippers.
Continental or a la carte breakfast is also served every morning.
So if you're looking for all-inclusive overwater bungalows in Mexico then make sure you check this place out!
ADO International Bus Station is 5 miles away, while Playa Del Carmen Maritime Terminal is 5.3 miles away.
The nearest airport is Cancun International, 13 miles from Palafitos Overwater Bungalows!
Special Highlights:
Playa del Carmen has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world in recent years.
With stunning beaches, clubs and great downtown life there’s something for everyone on this strip of Caribbean shoreline.
Banyan Tree is an Asian-inspired hideaway that's located just over 6 miles from downtown Playa del Carmen.
This 5-star luxury accommodation offers on-water bungalows each with a private pool, sun terrace and landscaped garden.
The bungalows all come with a walk-in wardrobe, large private bathroom, and 42-inch flat-screen TV.
There are numerous dining options on-site including 3 bars and 11 specialty restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines.
The Reflections Bar at the outdoor pool serves cocktails and snacks throughout the day too.
Banyan Tree also has its own on-site spa offering massage and body treatments. There's even a gym!
Activities include a mangrove boat tour departing from the lobby, and the El Camaleon Golf Club is opposite the resort. Private lessons are available here too if you're interested.
Cancun International Airport is a 45 minute drive from the Banyan Tree.
Special Highlights:
With a wealth of mangroves, birds and exotic wildlife on offer, and amazing rates for an overwater bungalow in Mexico, Akali Hotel is not one to be missed.
Their on-site dining aims to offer a ‘holistic experience’ with a combination of healthy menus and music.
Special menus can be cultivated on request for romantic dinners, or celebrations like proposals, anniversaries and birthdays.
Room service is also offered so you can enjoy dinner from the comfort of your water villa.
There’s also a Juice Bar with recipes made from healthy, local and organic products!
Accommodation at Akali consists of different water bungalows, with a choice of a lake, landmark or garden views.
All of the overwater bungalows have a private bathroom with a shower, and some of them offer a private patio.
Continental breakfast is included in all the rates!
The closest airport is Chetumal International Airport just 19 miles away. Nearby attractions include archaeological sites of Chacchoben and Kohunlich, Cenote Azul, forts, and the historic town of Chetumal.
Special Highlights:
Nobu Hotel is a 5-star hotel, offering guests free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant.
There’s also a bar, a garden, and a private beach area where guests can relax and soak up the sun.
All rooms have air-con, a flat screen TV, mini bar and a coffee machine, whilst some rooms have a patio or pool views.
There’s the opportunity for guests to play table tennis on-site during their stay, or take advantage of the on-site business centre if you’re working away.
If you’re travelling with kids then there’s a children's playground to keep them entertained.
The front desk is 24-hour so there’s always someone on hand to help, and room service is also on offer!
The nearest airport is Los Cabos International, 33.6 miles away, and Nobu Hotel offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Special Highlights:
Azul Beach Resort is a 5-star all inclusive resort found in the port town of Puerto Morelos on Bahia Petempich Beach.
All of its contemporary Caribbean-style suites include a hot tub, canopy bed, air-con, plasma screen TV, and a balcony overlooking the ocean.
There's a minibar which is re-stocked daily, and a coffee machine in every room.
One of the highlights of staying at Azul Resort has to be the 8 bars and 8 restaurants on-site!
The restaurants serve a variety of international cuisine, including Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, and a gourmet burger joint.
The on-site bars include mojito specialists, cantina-style venues and a lounge serving international drinks.
If you’re on a family trip then there are two children’s playgrounds to keep the younger ones entertained.
Perhaps the best feature of Azul Resort is the water park and lazy river!
There’s also a 13,000sq ft spa and health club with a gym open to all guests. What more could you want?
Special Highlights:
With 13 outdoor pools and 6 a la carte restaurants, Secrets Maroma Beach is without doubt an unmissable swim-up hotel in Mexico.
Each suite has a hot tub, furnished terrace and minibar.
Their 6 restaurants serve a whole hosts of cuisines including Mexican, Asian, French and Italian. There’s also a buffet restaurant.
Bars on-site include the Manatees swim-up bar, which is a great spot to relax with a cocktail in hand.
There are plenty of on-site activities to get stuck into as well including yoga, volleyball, dance lessons, water aerobics, archery and SCUBA diving lessons.
The resort is well located, around a 30 minute drive from the vibrant nightlife of Cancun.
Playa del Carmen is a 15-minute drive, and you'll be just a 50-minute drive from Tulum Archaeological Site.
The closest airport is Cancun International, 25 miles away.
Special Highlights:
Hyatt Zilara offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
It’s an adults-only all inclusive resort with so much on offer to the guests, and all at the comfort of the resort.
There are endless activities and entertainment for guests to enjoy with outdoor pools, a fitness centre and a private beach area.
Some of the unique on-site activities include scuba diving lessons, craft making, and wine tasting classes.
There are 6 specialty restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, as well as 5 bars serving a whole host of cocktails.
Every night there’s evening entertainment to keep guests entertained well into the night. Examples of nightly entertainment include themed parties and cultural shows!
Special Highlights:
Located on a private beach in Puerto Morelos, Excellence Riviera Cancun offers a stunning and secluded spot to enjoy a luxury trip to Cancun.
This adults only guest house promises a relaxing break with a full-service spa on-site. There’s also a 24 hour fitness centre!
Amenities in the 440 rooms include air-con, furnished balcony/patio, tea and coffee making facilities, private bathroom with toiletries and free bottled water.
All guests have access to the outdoor rooftop terrace, 6 outdoor pools and 5 meeting rooms.
There’s even ATM/banking services on-site!
Free breakfast is served every morning, then throughout the day, and in the evening there are 10 restaurants and bars/lounges to choose from.
Nearby attractions include Crococun Zoo which is 1.5 miles away and Puerto Morelos Town Square within 2.5 miles.
Special Highlights:
This all inclusive resort spoils guests with a private beach, fitness centre and an outdoor pool. All of the outdoor pools are heated too!
The local area is popular for cycling, or for those wishing to explore further afield, car hire is available from the resort.
Each unit at Atelier Playa Mujeres comes with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with a bath and free toiletries, and a seating area.
There's a whopping 28 restaurants and bars on-site at Atelier Playa Mujeres. These restaurants serve Italian and Asian cuisine, and there are gluten free options too.
Each morning a buffet breakfast is served, and guests will also benefit from a coffee shop and an 18 hole golf course.
It’s worth noting that a tax of $28.87 MXN (approx. $1.42 USD) will be charged per guest, per night.
This is a mandatory tax that isn’t included in the daily rate and it must be paid to the hotel at check in.
Special Highlights:
Mexico City is the largest city in the whole of North America and is a great spot if you’re backpacking Mexico.
However, the country has so much more to offer in terms of history and beaches.
The most popular beach destination in Mexico has to be Playa del Carmen, which also boasts vibrant coral reefs.
Tourists also flock to Tulum to see one of the last cities built by the Mayans. Luckily, Tulum is also home to stunning beaches, with clear blue Caribbean seas.
Cancun is another popular resort town that was actually man made to create more tourism. It’s still incredibly beautiful, and is best known for its powdery white beaches and turquoise waters.
In the state of Yucatan you can find the city of Valladolid, which is home to the iconic and well known Chichen Itza. There are also thousands of cenotes to be found within Yucatan including Dos Ojos, Suytun, and Gran Cenote.
So that rounds up our recommendations for the best Mexico overwater bungalows and also the best swim-up hotels in Mexico.
We’d love to hear which of these overwater bungalows in Mexico you’ve chosen for your trip.
Or maybe we’ve missed a luxury swim-up hotel in Mexico that you love.
Let us know in the comments below!
If you're planning a trip to Mexico then here are some other guides that you might find helpful:
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