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These Are The Only 3 Resorts Near Cancun With Overwater Bungalows 

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There are more than 100 hotels and resorts in Cancun, and many of them are luxury five-star all-inclusives that are not lacking in amenities in any way.  But what none of these resorts have, and in fact, only three resorts near Cancun and in the entire Riviera Maya region have, are overwater bungalow accommodations.  All of these resorts are in nearby Playa del Carmen, which is about an hour from Cancun International Airport. 

Woman walking along the beach in front of overwater bungalows

Getting To Playa Del Carmen 

Transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is relatively inexpensive but depends on the type of transportation you choose.  A bus or shuttle will be the least expensive, ranging in price from a few American dollars for a colectivo bus to around $12 and up for a shared shuttle or ADO bus.  A taxi can cost as much as $100, and a private car will cost around the same or more.   

Shuttle Bus That Goes to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Planning Your Stay 

Each of the three resorts that have overwater bungalows is a little bit different from the next, so consider what you’re looking for and be sure to do your research.  It’s also important to book one of these unique accommodations as soon as you decide that an overwater bungalow is what you want because the demand is higher than the supply.  Often these bungalows are booked for months out, so it’ll take some early planning to score one, but it will be worth it. 

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Maroma Beach Spa Bungalow in Playa del Carmen

Banyan Tree Mayakoba 

The Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the only one of these three resorts that allow children in the overwater bungalows, and there are only six bungalows on the property.  Each bungalow, situated along a lagoon, has two floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, its own private plunge pool, and a total of more than 2,000 square feet.  Rates for the Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villa start at around $600 a night but can get up to well over $1,000, depending on the season. 

Check Prices at Banyan Tree Mayakoba 

Banyan Tree Mayakoba Overwater Villa
Image: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya

The Rosewood Mayakoba is a family-friendly resort but the overwater bungalows, which are nearly 1,000 square feet with almost 500 square feet of outdoor space, are adult-only accommodations.  The Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite features its own private plunge pool, a boat dock, an outdoor shower, fresh fruit and water every day, and personal butler service.  Rates for these luxurious overwater suites start at around $900 a night in August and go up from there. 

Check Prices at Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya

Overwater Lagoon Suite at Rosewood Mayakoba
Image: Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma 

The adults-only Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma resort is probably the most luxurious of the three options, not only in terms of the overwater bungalows, which have their own private plunge pools and a ladder leading to the sea but in the amenities as well.  It is the only all-inclusive option and features gourmet dining, 24-hour in-bungalow dining, premium drinks, personal butler service, custom beach picnics, and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres in your bungalow.  The Palafitos-Overwater Bungalow is the only one on the Caribbean Sea, and for that amazing luxury and all of the fantastic amenities, you’ll pay more than $2,000 a night. 

Check Prices at Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma 

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma
Image: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma

A Rare Experience

There are plenty of all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive resorts in and around Cancun that offer some great amenities.  While each one is unique in its own way, there are also a lot of similarities.  These overwater bungalows, on the other hand, offer a rare experience to truly feel like you are taking advantage of everything that this beautiful region has to offer. 

Wooden bridge leading to an overwater bungalow in a tropical lagoon.

A vacation in Cancun will be especially amazing if you choose the right resort, as this is the most important part of the vacation.  And if a unique experience is what you want, any of these three luxury options will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

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