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Welcome to "the Maldives of Mexico"

Habitas Bacalar Is a Waterside Oasis on the Mexico-Belize Border

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Image: Tanveer Badal / Habitas Bacalar

When traveling down the Yucatan coast from Cancun, most visitors don't make it south of Tulum.

And that's a real shame.

Because keep going, and you'll find Bacalar, a small town near the Belize border that's known for impossibly blue waters and overwater bungalows that earned it the nickname, "the Maldives of Mexico."

Poke around a little, and you'll also find Habitas Bacalar, a tranquil jungle oasis centered around wellness experiences, Mayan spa rituals and fresh food. Yes, the big three.

deck at Habitas Bacalar hotel
Tanveer Badal / Habitas Bacalar

The property comprises 35 cabanas, all with king beds, outdoor showers, natural color palettes and breezy vibes. Some face the lagoon, while others are tucked back into the jungle. 

Siete is the on-site restaurant, and it serves fresh, local ingredients cooked up in an open-air kitchen. Expect handmade tortillas, wood-fired fish, shrimp and pork, and plenty of plant-based dishes. Cocktails feature local spirits, including mezcal, sotol and raicilla.

a boat in off the coast of Habitas Bacalar
Tanveer Badal / Habitas Bacalar

The spa is modeled after a small Mayan village, and treatments take place in cabins reminiscent of traditional straw houses and incorporate medicinal garden-grown herbs, cacao, coconut and honey. 

For a more active experience, you can partake in sunrise paddle board tours, SUP yoga and nature walks. All good ways to pass the time between meals and massages.

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