Our Habitas Bacalar is an adults-only retreat on the lagoon shore along the Chetumal-Bacalar highway, a one-minute walk from the water. Its rooms are built in an eco-minded, glamping-inspired style, and every one is a king room of about 431 square feet with a choice of lagoon, jungle or garden outlook. A full breakfast is included in the stay. The restaurant, Siete, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with outdoor seating, and there is a spa for facials, deep-tissue massage and body wraps. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 across about 320 reviews, with the strongest scores for cleanliness, property condition and staff. It is the highest class among the hotels here, and the experience is about quiet, nature and design rather than nightlife or large facilities.
Location and getting around
The property sits on the waterfront boardwalk with private lagoon access, about a half-hour drive from Chetumal airport. Cenote Azul and Cenote Cocalitos are within about three miles, and Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Negro are within about six miles, so you can reach the main swimming spots by taxi or hire car. The town centre is further away than at the Costera hotels, so you will rely on transport for the fort and for restaurants beyond the property.
Rooms and activities
The rooms are the same size, so the choice is about the view and the feel, with the lagoon room facing the water and the others set among garden and jungle. Guests can paddle, kayak and sail, and the hotel can arrange boat tours, ecotours and classes such as yoga. The spa rooms offer treatments that suit a slow stay. A swimming pool is not part of the facilities described, so the lagoon is the place to swim.
Good to know
Guests praise the staff, the peaceful atmosphere and the lagoon access, and several single out the breakfast and spa. The common criticisms are cost and the practicalities of a remote, low-impact property. Food, drinks and excursions are priced above comparable options outside the hotel, and mobile signal is limited, so communication with the team often goes through messaging.
Some guests found the rooms close together, with noise at times, and a few noted limited dinner choices or a parking area a short buggy ride from the rooms. Early check-in and late check-out carry a fee. Pets are not allowed, apart from service animals. Check-in starts at 3 pm and check-out is at noon.
Who it suits
Guests who want a quiet, design-led retreat and are happy to give up some conveniences. If you need a swimming pool, lively dining choices or a central location, one of the Costera hotels may be a better fit. If you enjoy morning yoga, long breakfasts and the sound of the lagoon at night, it is among the most atmospheric choices in the area.
Why stay here
- ✓Lagoon-front location
- ✓Adults-only retreat
- ✓Free full breakfast
- ✓Restaurant Siete
- ✓Spa treatments
- ✓Kayaking and paddleboarding
- ✓Boat tours and ecotours
- ✓Free parking and WiFi
Good questions
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a full breakfast is included in the stay. Lunch and dinner are charged separately at the restaurant, so ask about the current menu and prices.
Is it adults only?+
Yes, the property welcomes adults only, with no children's policy. Confirm age rules with the hotel before you reserve.
Is there a swimming pool?+
A pool is not among the facilities described. Guests swim in the lagoon from the hotel's access, and the staff can arrange paddling and boat trips.
