El Dorado Maroma, an adults-only, luxury resort near Cancun is home to the very first overwater bungalows in Mexico.
We think it really is a tremendous resort, and sets the standard for other luxury resorts to follow.
Its location sure helps though – Maroma Beach, Playa del Carmen – rated one of the Caribbean’s, and in fact, the world’s, best beaches.
We think you’ll find accommodation wonderful across the board, not just the overwaters, and their gourmet food and drink are of the highest quality.
The Overwater Bungalows: Elite vs. Standard, Which to Choose?
The overwater bungalows come with all the features we would expect from such a pioneering resort – glass floor panels, hot tubs, private infinity pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the water below your feet.
We have two basic types here – the standard Palafitos, with nightly rates starting at about 1300 USD, and the Elite Palafitos which starrt at around 1500 USD.
They’re practically identical, except for one well…location, location, location.
The Elite Bungalows face directly out to the open sea, offering better privacy and far superior views.
The Standard Bungalows, by contrast, are located along the sides of the pier, closer to the shore or farther out, but facing the beach.
As a result, they tend to offer less privacy and have partially obstructed views of the ocean.
So, the overall experience can be quite different. If your budget can stretch that bit extra, we’d definitely recommend the Elite Bungalows.
Check Availability With All-Inclusive Rates
Check dates & prices at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Overwater Fine Dining & Gourmet Tasting Corners
El Dorado Maroma is an all-inclusive resort with a great emphasis on gourmet food and drink, and with much of the ingredients coming fresh from their own greenhouses.
We have a very good choice of restaurants here, 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.
Indulgent Spa Treatments & Endless Activities
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 on-dry-land activities at El Dorado Maroma include beach and water volleyball, yoga, dance classes and cooking classes.
You can also try scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, Hobie Cat sailing and almost every other water sport you can think of.
There is also a variety of educational and fun tours and excursions leaving daily from the resort plus bespoke tours can also happily be arranged.
We think 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 Fabulous, Award-Winning, Maroma Beach
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.
Reviews: What Guests Are Saying
“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….”
See all the reviews right here
