Perched above the crystal‑clear waters of the Caribbean Sea on the pristine sands of Maroma Beach, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows 5* offer a uniquely luxurious escape in the Riviera Maya. This exclusive adults‑only enclave reimagines overwater living with elegant villas set on stilts above the lagoon, each featuring private decks, infinity plunge pools and direct sea access for an unforgettable stay.

The design draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and relaxed coastal lifestyle, creating a harmonious blend of modern comfort and seaside serenity. Just a short drive from Cancún International Airport and close to the vibrant heart of Playa del Carmen, Palafitos provides both tranquillity and easy access to cultural attractions, water adventures and the celebrated dining and nightlife of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Unwind in your Overwater Bungalow, perched above the turquoise Caribbean, with a private deck, direct sea access, and glass‑floor panels to admire marine life — a serene and romantic seaside retreat.

This is an all inclusive stay. Your breakfast, lunch, and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant, with a selection of snacks and drinks. Please see the ‘details’ tab for more information.

Unwind in the adults‑only sanctuary with access to serene beach lounges and private overwater decks where you can swim, sunbathe or simply savour panoramic Caribbean views. The highlight is the overwater spa, where holistic treatments inspired by ancient Mayan wellness traditions are delivered in open‑air palapas with the sound of gentle waves as your backdrop.

For more active days, take advantage of non‑motorised water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, or arrange romantic sunset catamaran sails nearby.

Meet crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, manatees and many species of birds on this guided tour of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty, it is home to thousands of native and endangered species.

Explore more than 50 natural and cultural attractions at Xcaret, swim in an underground river, enjoy activities for the whole family, and end the day with a spectacular show.

Enjoy an action-packed day at Xplor, with giant zip lines, 4x4 jungle tours, caves to explore, cenotes, and an unlimited buffet. The ultimate adventure in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Sail on a catamaran from Cancún to Isla Mujeres for a festive day of snorkelling, a tour of the town centre, a private beach club, a buffet and an open bar.

Enjoy a festive evening at Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen with a show, open bar and snacks included.

Enjoy a heavenly excursion to Isla Mujeres with boat crossing, access to the beach club, buffet lunch, open bar, and sports activities.

Explore the Punta Nizuc reef and Cancun's underwater museum in a mini-submersible during a 2-hour guided tour accessible to children and non-swimmers, with cruise and bar included.

Pilot your own speedboat off the coast of Playa Maroma, then relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

Enjoy a catamaran cruise with snorkelling, open bar, buffet and beach club hosted by a DJ for a heavenly day reserved for adults on Isla Mujeres.

Enjoy a unique experience in Puerto Aventuras by petting, feeding and interacting with manatees in a safe and natural setting, with briefing, transfer and equipment included.

Enjoy a festive afternoon at Coco Bongo's Ladies Beach Party with access to the beach club, open bar and snacks included.

Discover Chichén Itzá in comfort and authenticity with a full day combining culture, swimming in cenotes, local cuisine and a visit to Valladolid, all accompanied by certified guides.

Experience a magical evening on the Riviera Maya with JOYÀ, the Cirque du Soleil show that combines acrobatics, music and gastronomy in a magical world inspired by the journey of the monarch butterfly.

Playa del Carmen, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, blends Caribbean beauty with a lively cosmopolitan spirit. Along its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts sit beside vibrant streets where boutiques, restaurants and bars keep the city buzzing day and night. With turquoise waters on one side and ancient Mayan heritage on the other, Playa is both a seaside escape and a cultural gateway.

Must-sees:

• Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue): The beating heart of Playa, a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and nightlife.
• Beaches of Playa del Carmen: White sands and calm waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming or setting off on a diving trip.
• Cozumel Island: Just a short ferry ride away, this marine paradise is famed for coral reefs and exceptional snorkelling.
• Mayan ruins of Tulum: A dramatic coastal site where temples overlook turquoise seas.
• Chichén Itzá: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with its iconic pyramid El Castillo rising from the jungle.

Culinary culture:

Playa del Carmen’s dining scene blends Mexican tradition with international flair. Savour street tacos filled with cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork), fresh ceviche by the beach or tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Pair your meal with tequila or smoky mezcal, or cool down with a margarita under the Caribbean sun. For dessert, churros dusted with cinnamon sugar are a local favourite.

Dive deeper:

Venture into the Yucatán’s famous cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and diving. Experience eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Há, where underground rivers meet lush jungle. Offshore, the Great Maya Reef offers some of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. By night, Playa’s clubs and beach bars pulse with music, from salsa to world-class DJs.

Good to know:

Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes south of Cancún International Airport, with regular transfers available. The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April), when the weather is sunny and the sea at its clearest. The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), though US dollars are widely accepted in resorts and shops.