It could easily be in the Maldives. But Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, a cluster of 30 private dwellings perched over the achingly blue Caribbean sea, is only a half hour from the Cancun International Airport. In terms of otherworldly experiences you can get to by lunchtime, this one is impossible to beat.
The exclusive enclave is located at the El Dorado Maroma resort, located on an incredible stretch of beachfront property bristling with swaying palm trees. Their impressive acreage is some of the last unspoiled oceanfront land on this well-traveled part of the Riviera Maya.
And the Palafitos, the first and only overwater accommodations in all of Mexico, now have a new A-list worthy Presidential Suite—in effect, it’s own two-bedroom bungalow that more than double the size of all the others—which now offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious resort stays in all of Mexico.
“With an elegant yet natural design and an expansive, peaceful environment, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite at Palafitos Overwater Bungalows offers the ultimate escape balancing serenity and luxury,” Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Palafitos Overwater Bugalows and El Dorado Maroma’s parent co., Karisma Hotels & Resorts, tells us.
“The suite boasts calm integrated textures such as; wood, stone, fibers, and neutral textiles paired with expansive views of the Caribbean and stunning sunrises from the large windows or sundeck,” he notes. “This suite is an ideal place to rest or reconnect while enjoying your surroundings or indulging in the five-star amenities offered by the resort.”
Situated just off the coast of world-renowned Maroma Beach, the bungalows offer “uninhibited views of the idyllic turquoise waters,” which resemble the South Pacific. The overwater bungalows are “carefully curated to balance comfort, tranquility, and luxury,” featuring staircases with direct access to the sea, private infinity plunge pools, relaxing “rest nets” extending over the water, outdoor showers, and terraces with chaise lounges.
The Presidential Suite adds a formal entryway, a massive living / dining room with a bar and 70” Smart TV, and a wall of windows looking out to sea, a full chef’s kitchen, premium aromatherapy and pillow menus, and two indoor whirlpool tubs. It also comes with a full-time private butler to cater to your every wish, ferry you to your spa and activity appointments, and take you to the beach or the restaurant, among other services.
The butler can easily arrange special items, including picnics on the pristine Palafitos Beach, a private chef and waiter for in-suite meals, prepared in your own kitchen, priority reservations for dinner and premium room service for nights in. The presidential suite also includes paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment which you can use right off your expansive swim deck.
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows guests also have premium access to El Dorado Maroma’s new one-of-a-kind wellness program, Masters of Wellness. “Curated with guests’ mental, physical and spiritual well-being in mind,” its a health program is full of “immersive, culturally rich, and transformative experiences that elevate the five-star, Mexico beachfront resort’s existing wellness offerings.”
These include its world-class new Náay Spa and an extensive menu of signature treatments. The spa is inspired by Mayan and worldwide traditions, philosophies, and modern techniques where guests can utterly relax and take advantage of any of the 14 luxurious spa suites, hydrotherapy facilities, a fitness center with CrossFit area or in the Sensorial Relaxation Room.
And exclusive to Palafitos Overwater Bungalows guests is the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar, featuring two glass-floor dining rooms with postcard-perfect views of the surrounding sea. Palafitos guests are on a five-star “Gourmet Inclusive” food and drink plan, and the chefs at the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar—which has an impressive selection of wines from around the world (some at an extra charge), create a “world of vibrant Latin flavors, from authentic Mexican classics to exotic Peruvian cuisine to tropical Caribbean fusion.”
You can enjoy the exact same cuisine, which includes specialty nights focusing on steak, seafood, and other specialties, if you choose to dine in the comfort of your own bungalow. Or explore the El Dorado Maroma resort’s wider offerings, which include festive evenings on the beach with numerous Mexican cuisine stations on the beach, Mariachi bands and more.
And if you’re seeking adventure, the adjacent Marina Maroma is at your beck and call. There are a range of excursions to explore, including scuba diving sessions, swimming with dolphins, and deep-sea fishing. We opted for a 007-style high-speed Jet Ski cruise in the azure waters surrounding the resort, which gave us an even better view of our exclusive bungalow as we buzzed past, huge smiles on our faces.
Our butler waved to us as she laid out our lunch of lobster salad and chilled champagne on our private deck. It would be extremely easy to get used to this….