Living under canvas on the edge of a jungle isn’t most people’s idea of an upscale holiday… but most people’s ideas quickly change when they arrive at Our Habitas Bacalar. Set on the shores of the Lagoon of the Seven Colours in southeast Mexico, among jaw-dropping nature, this is a stunning high-end, adults-only wellness centre, and a paean to all things holistic.
The emphasis here is on relaxation, rejuvenation and communing with the environment – from the daily mindful activities on offer including yoga and breathing classes, to the plethora of beauty and health treatments, plus the lagoon activities such as swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s a five-star restaurant onsite that specialises in plant-based meals, an aromatic herb garden from which staff can blend your own personalised botanicals, and the entire complex is built and run on a sustainability ethos that leaves no impact on the surrounding environment.
The A-frame rooms, all featuring private terraces, palapa roofs, natural materials and outdoor showers, are the last word in comfort. There’s plenty of fun to be had too – lots of local Mayan history, spectacular sailing trips and jungle hikes, and nearby Bacalar has some lovely bars and restaurants.
Highs
- The lagoon is truly special; the setting affords uninterrupted views across the water and the limestone shores that were home to some of the earliest life forms on the planet
- There’s a fantastic communal vibe and guests are encouraged to mingle and join in with activities – displayed daily on a chalk board
- Sustainability is paramount. The restaurant Siete is world-class and uses only locally sourced ingredients, as does the spa
- A fabulous place to digitally detox (TVs are banned, guests encouraged to ditch their phones and laptops); so turn off, and tune in to the environment, and to your own well-being
- There's no need for a car with complimentary bikes or scooter rental available. The hotel can also arrange airport transfers and local transportation
Lows
- The minimum age is 18, so not a resort for families – a High for some!
- It’s definitely at the pricier end of most budgets – although some activities (SUP yoga, yoga, meditations) are included
- No twin beds available but there are extra beds on request
- Given its jungle location, Habitas Bacalar isn’t really geared up for wheelchair users or those with serious mobility issues. Less mobile guests are assigned rooms without a step or stair
- No pool, but you're right on the lagoon
Best time to go
The best time is during the dry season from November to April when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are pleasant. However, Bacalar is pretty much a year-round destination in terms of weather, and May to November is much less busy in terms of visitors – although it never gets as crowded as many other Mexican destinations. Habitas Bacalar is open year-round.
Our top tips
If you’ve got a head for heights, then the Tirolesas Kan Kin Bacalar ziplining experience is highly recommended both for the thrills and the scenery. Five zip lines stretch over 1.5km and you can soar high above the treetops while taking in unparalleled views of the lagoon in the distance.
- Boutique Hotel
- 34 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- Over 18s only
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
With 34 accommodations in total, the complex has the feel of a very exclusive wellness village. There are three types of A-frame room – the Jungle rooms, the Lagoon Breeze rooms and the Lagoon rooms – all with the same size and similar layout, and all beautifully designed in earthen tones, with local woods and Mayan-inspired prints.
The 16 Jungle rooms are tucked away among the lush palms close to the restaurant and spa, and have palapa fronds on their roofs. The 8 Lagoon rooms sit just a few feet from the lagoon itself, boasting perhaps the best views, especially in the mornings. There are 10 Lagoon Breeze rooms, situated close to the deck overlooking both the lagoon and the jungle (so you get partial views of both). Raised wooden walkways connect the rooms to the restaurant, decked terrace and spa.
Each room features a kingsize bed, a private terrace, an ensuite bathroom, and a private outdoor shower. They are air-conditioned, with safes, fridges and WiFi throughout as well as organic bath products and bathrobes.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
You could spend your entire time dining at the onsite restaurant Siete, which has fantastic plant-based cuisine (though not exclusively) with a Mayan influence and serves guests throughout the day. From breakfast (coconut chia puddings, cacao and banana bowls, sourdough brioche with lemongrass and pineapple compote), to dinner (beet tartare, tiradito, shrimp aguachile, Yucatan pork), there’s something for every palate.
Further field in Bacalar, recommendations include Macario (cured cactus with prickly pear fruit xoconostle and mustard, sashimi with kimchi, lobster risotto); Nixtamal (the black aguachile with fresh salmon, prawns and octopus in a chilli sauce is to die for); and Balik (smoked marlin, bone marrow with spicy beans, spicy tuna with mole), which is fabulously over the top for that true Mexican experience.
The Tree Bar at Habitas is worth checking out – it incorporates lots of unusual local ingredients such as green tomatoes, purple basil and pepper syrup. Mezcal lovers will also enjoy Damajuana Bacalar which features artisanal mescal cocktails from across Mexico.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Habitas Bacalar rates include SUP yoga, yoga, daily movement and meditation
- For a less structured experience, book individual treatments. The wellness menu includes everything from massages to facials, and physiotherapy to mental health
- Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lagoon and surrounding jungle; for added thrills and spills try lift foils and catamaran rides
- There’s also plenty to see a bit further afield, including the Kohunlich Ruins with its famous Temple of Masks housed in a 1500-year-old pyramid. Official tours are also available
- The Canal de Los Piratas with its famous shipwreck is fascinating, while a swim in Cenote Esmeralda is a must for Instagrammers. A half-day boat tour will take you to both
- Divers will be in their element at the 90-metre deep Cenote Azul, while Cenote Cocalitos boasts incredible stromatolites – some of the most ancient organisms on the planet
- There are a number of beaches nearby too: Mahahual comes recommended
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Swimming
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Only those aged 18+ can stay at Our Habitas Bacalar.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Habitas Bacalar is situated in Quintana Roo, in south-eastern Mexico, close to the border with Belize.
By Air
The nearest airport is Chetumal International airport, which is about 40 minutes drive away and has domestic flights to/from Cancun and Mexico City. Chetumal doesn’t have a huge number of flights so most international travellers fly to other airports and transfer internally. Cancun International is about 4-5 hours drive away and has plenty of car rental and bus options. You can also fly to Belize City, although that will mean clearing customs and immigration twice.
From the Airport
Airport transfers can be arranged.
By Car:
See our car rental recommendations. If you're coming from Belize, note that rental cars from outside Mexico can't be driven into the country due to insurance restrictions.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Chetumal International Airport 30.0 km CTM
- Cancun International Airport 346.0 km CUN
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 8.0 km
- Restaurant 8.0 km