If Bora Bora is on your bucket list but the 17-hour flight isn’t, let me introduce you to Palafitos, the overwater bungalow section of El Dorado Maroma Resort in Mexico. It’s the luxury escape you didn’t know you needed—think five-star vibes without the jet lag. If you’re dreaming of experiencing overwater bungalows in Mexico, this is where relaxation meets pure luxury.
First Impressions: Welcome to Paradise (Otherwise known as Overwater Bungalow Heaven)
Our arrival kicked off with a golf cart ride through the zen-like resort. We passed serene gardens, Buddha statues, and the kind of landscaping that made me want to reimagine my entire backyard. Then it was off down the pier to our private overwater bungalow—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
- Indoor dining table? Check.
- Glass viewing panels in the floor? Yes, so you can spy on the fish while you eat.
- Glass panel in the toilet and shower? Yup. Because there’s nothing better than fish watching you while you do your business. Nature’s little audience, if you will.
- Private plunge pool and multi-level deck? Absolutely.
- Indoor and outdoor showers? Obviously.
- And the best part? Butler service, all day and all night.
Pro Tip: When you arrive, you get to pick your room’s scent and your pillow softness. Yes, luxury smells and feels exactly how you want it.
Pure Relaxation: Doing Absolutely Nothing (and Loving It)
This trip wasn’t about packing in adventures. It was about soaking in every moment of peace and privacy. Most of our time was spent lounging on the deck, dipping in and out of the plunge pool, and enjoying drinks delivered by our butler faster than we could finish them. Staying at overwater bungalows in Mexico is all about embracing the slow and soaking in the view.
We even scored a raft from another guest who didn’t want to pack it home. That raft became our VIP seat for hours of floating and pretending we were the main characters in a luxury travel ad.
Pro Tip: Embrace the butler service. They’re there to make your life easier—from delivering morning coffee to setting up the perfect sunset cocktail hour. Be a good human and take some cash to tip each time!
Surprise Adventures (Because We Can’t Sit Still Forever)
One afternoon, while swimming in the ocean, we heard music from the main resort. Naturally, we walked across the ocean (yes, really) to check it out. We stumbled upon a wild pool party with a DJ, hopped right in, and instantly made some of our favorite memories of the trip.
Dining Highlights: From Private Decks to Pier-End Feasts
Every meal felt like an experience. Here’s the foodie breakdown:
- Daily Breakfast & Lunch on our patio, served fresh and absolutely flawless.
- Beachside Dinner on night one, with all the classic Mexican flavors and smoked margaritas. Plus, an epic show featuring traditional dancing.
- Overwater Wine Bar & Grill on night two. We shared a tomahawk steak and enjoyed the views with every bite.
- Final Night Dinner on the Pier, featuring an acrobat show over the water. The vibe? Pure magic.
- And on my birthday? I was bummed we wouldn’t be there for seafood night, but the chef came through and suprised me with crab legs. Talk about shellfish dedication!
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk to the staff about what you hope to experience—they’re more accommodating than you think! Just don’t be a Karen, obviously!
Private Yoga: Stretching in Style
Each morning started with a private yoga session on our deck. Ocean breeze, morning sun, and a whole lot of “this is what dreams are made of.” Read About My Vacation Zen Here.
Pro Tip: When staying at Palafitos, you can attend their group yoga, or you can arrange private lessons. I recommend the private lessons at least once. It’s such a vibe and the ultimate way to feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you don’t.
Nightly Entertainment: The Perfect Ending to Each Day
Every evening came with its own unique show. Dancing, acrobatics, music—every night was unforgettable and just the right mix of culture and entertainment.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the shows. Even if you think you’re too tired, they’re worth it.
What I Packed (and What You Should Too!)
If you’re dreaming of an overwater bungalow escape, here’s what you’ll want to pack:
- Chic Cover-Up: For those moments when you need to be resort-ready but still breezy. Here’s the one I loved.
- A Good Book or Two: Ideal for those long, lazy afternoons on the deck. This was my vacation read!
- Always REEF friendly sunscreen: If you will be in the ocean, always be kind to nature and wear a reef-friendly sunscreen! This one is my go-to!
- Waterproof Phone Case: Perfect for snapping those epic in-the-water shots without the fear of a splash disaster. This case was a lifesaver!
- Waterproof Bag: Ideal for venturing across the ocean to the main resort without worrying about your essentials getting soaked. This one kept everything dry and safe.
- Raft: Because floating on a raft in the ocean just hits differently. Bonus points if you score one from a fellow traveler, but if you want to take your own, here’s the one I’ll be taking next time: This one’s cheap incase I don’t want to bring it back.
Final Thoughts: Relaxation, Luxury, and Zero Regrets
This trip wasn’t about crossing things off a to-do list. It was about embracing the slow, soaking in the sun, and realizing that sometimes the best adventure is doing absolutely nothing at all—unless you count trying to spot fish from the toilet.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’m bringing an extra raft.
Because luxury isn’t about what you do, it’s about how you feel—and this trip felt like heaven.