Whenever you think of the perfect honeymoon, you most likely think of a dreamy island bungalow floating on top of pristine ocean water with everything you need at your fingertips. I used to think this was so far-fetched until I saw there are overwater bungalows in Mexico.
In this Palafitos Overwater Bungalows review, I will go over all the ins and outs that make this resort the perfect honeymoon getaway. From indulgent honeymoon packages to a private floating swim deck, these bungalows have everything you could imagine.
Be sure to check out Sandals’ overwater bungalows in the Caribbean as well.
Overwater Bungalow Accommodations
Palafitos has three different overwater bungalows that you can choose from. They are as follows:
- Palafitos Standard overwater bungalows
- Palafitos Elite overwater bungalows
- A two-bedroom presidential bungalow
The elite and standard overwater bungalows have all the same amenities, but the elites are on the end of the pier, giving you an expansive view of the ocean. The presidential is larger, has a kayak and standup paddle board in your room, and some extra services are included in your stay.
Each and every bungalow is luxuriously created and decorated, with glass floors to watch the marine life below, a separate seating area, and a large bathroom. I feel that the bathroom, in particular, stands out with a giant jacuzzi tub and large shower. The toilet is even positioned so you can look out over the water.
Outside your bungalow, on your own private terrace, is a plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a floating swimming deck with a ladder into the ocean. Everything you would expect at a resort is located within your overwater bungalow.
Some other things that you will find in your bungalow to take your experience to the next level are snorkeling gear, 24-hour room service, and a fully stocked mini-bar. You can dive straight off your bungalow deck and explore the ocean floor or sit in all day with a full in-room menu and full-size bottles of liquor at your in-suite bar. It’s all included without any extra fees.
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows Services
On top of having some of the best accommodations in Mexico, your overwater bungalow comes with its own services that will have you even more immersed in your getaway. Below are just a few services you can expect with your overwater bungalow, but really, you can ask for nearly anything you want.
Private Check-In Lounge
Once you arrive at El Dorado Maroma, a golf cart will come to pick you up at the reception with a glass of sparkling wine to take you to the overwater bungalows. Palafitos overwater bungalow guests have their own check-in lounge, so you won’t have to wait around in long lines at the regular reception desk.
Butler Service
Once you are checked in, you will be escorted to your bungalow, where your butler will be waiting for you at your door with a hot towel and a signature cocktail. This will be your butler for the entirety of your stay, and you can pretty much ask him to help you with anything you need.
Some popular service that your butler will do for you is to book all your reservations for restaurants, romantic dinners, spa services, and more. You can also ask for a romantic bath or turndown service to be set up when you get back to your bungalow. Your butler will also take you anywhere on the resort via golf cart if you don’t feel like walking.
Grill and Wine Bar
There are many different restaurants and bars that you can enjoy on the resort, but Palafitos has an overwater grill and wine bar exclusively for bungalow guests. You’ll find the most romantic setting on the resort at this restaurant with a smaller, more intimate setting. You can also choose to sit outside near the water or inside over glass floors.
Overwater Spa
There is also the overwater spa that has some super unique services that infuse Mexican culture into every treatment. The Maroma sea moss treatment is a must, with it being something that you can only find in this area of Mexico. They also have a tequila treatment and the Shirodhara experience, which mix Mayan and Hindu techniques for full relaxation.
If you are on your honeymoon, you have to try the sunrise or moonlit couples massage. There’s no better way to start or end your day than with a romantic massage, overlooking the sun or moon reflecting off the ocean.
What is Included at El Dorado Maroma
When you are staying at Palafitos overwater bungalows, you have full access to all of the resort amenities at El Dorado Maroma. They call their all-inclusive package “gourmet-inclusive,” and it makes sense. Everything you can expect during your stay is listed below.
Dining
Like with any other all-inclusive in Mexico, all of your meals and drinks are included in your stay. What’s different at El Dorado Maroma is the quality of dining you get. You won’t find any mediocre buffets with food that may have been sitting for hours. Every restaurant is a waited experience with made-to-order meals.
You can find seven restaurants and five bars on the property, on top of the grill and wine bar in the Palafitos. You can find Mexican, Caribbean, Italian, Peruvian, and Asian-inspired cuisine that will have your taste buds on a culinary journey. There are also multiple swim-up bars and lounges to hang out at day and night.
There is room service available all day, every day if you simply want to stay in or need a late-night snack. They do not skimp on these in-room meals either. Plus, you always have access to your in-suite mini-bar with full-sized liquor bottles. You will never go thirsty at this resort.
Activities
Besides the plethora of activities you can do right from your Palafitos overwater bungalow, El Dorado supplies plenty of things to do if you ever get bored. You can join a cooking class or tequila and wine tastings. Kayaking, paddle boarding, sand volleyball, yoga, and aquafit classes are a few more things you can do.
For the ultimate romantic experience, take a massage lesson and show off your new skills to your partner later at the bungalow. They also have a marina on-site to go on water excursions or rent motorized water equipment.
Entertainment
If the bartenders showing you all the moves to make the ultimate drink isn’t entertainment enough, there are plenty of other things to join in on. Rick’s bar is the place to be for nightly entertainment, with live music and karaoke night.
If you like games, the resort also puts on bing and daily trivia questions, like movie quizzes and music trivia. There is also free wifi available throughout the resort if you simply want to relax while streaming a show or playing some online games.
Honeymoon Packages
Palafitos overwater bungalows take love seriously. You can choose from two honeymoon packages, which I go over below. They are some of the best free honeymoon packages I’ve seen. They also give the option to do a Honeymoon registry with them. Wedding guests can pre-purchase things like massages and romantic dinners as wedding gifts.
Taste of Romance Package
This is Palafitos’ basic honeymoon package that comes with every room. It includes a welcome gift, romantic turndown service with a sweet treat, spa discounts, and late checkout at 3 pm. You will need to stay for five nights and your marriage certificate to receive this package. If you want to add this package for any other occasion, you can purchase it for $75.
Memorable Moments Honeymoon and Anniversary Package
This package is the package you will get when staying in one of Palafitos’ overwater bungalows. It comes with a Romance Maître D to help you plan out the perfect honeymoon. You will also get a four-course beachfront candlelit dinner, breakfast in bed, flowers, and a voucher for a one-night stay on your anniversary on top of everything in the Taste of Romance Package.
The Staff at Palafitos
All of the employees at Palafitos are there to serve you whenever you need them. Plus, they do it with a smile on their faces. No matter what accommodations you’re staying on in the resort, you won’t feel like you’re thought less of. Any employee you walk up to will be happy to help you or find someone that can help you. It could be your butler or the maid cleaning a different room.
The concierge service at El Dorado Maroma is unparalleled as well. You don’t have to plan a single thing during your stay if you don’t want to. Simply tell the concierge what you like to do. They plan every detail for you to ensure you have the best vacation possible. They will book excursions, car rentals, scuba certification trips, romantic beachfront dinners, and more.
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows Location
Palafitos overwater bungalows are located in a central location that is easy to get to. It’s in North Playa Del Carmen, only about a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can set up your airport shuttle with the resort before arrival. That way, you don’t have to worry about a thing once you step off the plane.
If you do plan to leave the resort to experience what Mexico is all about, the resort is located near some popular attractions. Some of the best are the Church of Guadalupe, Rio Secreto underwater cave, Quinta Alegria Mall, and Puerto Morelos Reef for some diving. All of these fantastic attractions are within 13 miles or less.
Is Staying at The Palafitos Overwater Bungalows Worth It?
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a stay in an overwater bungalow, I would say the Palafitos overwater bungalows are definitely worth it. With them being on mainland Mexico, they are so much easier to access than overwater bungalows on the Maldives or Bora Bora. Especially if you’re coming from the United States, where you could be there in a couple of hours.
Because of this, it also becomes a lot more affordable than most other overwater bungalows. Flights to Mexico are super affordable, and once you’re there, you don’t need to worry about much else. Visiting the Maldives or other small islands can take multiple layovers, and even boat rides to get to your overwater bungalows.
On top of all the technical stuff, the resort is beautiful and has some of the best food, drinks, and amenities you will find at an all-inclusive resort. It will feel different from being in the Maldives or the Caribbean. It’s off the coast of the Yucatan, and there are giant sandbags at the end of the pier to protect it. However, the ease of getting there and the value you get trumps that by a long shot.
