Habitas Bacalar Mexico and Habitas Tulum: the Best Luxury Sustainable Hotels in the Yucatán Peninsula

Habitas Bacalar Mexico and Habitas Tulum are two of my favorite luxury sustainable experiences I recommend for the design forward, open minded, nature chasing traveler visiting the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

I am not one to repeat an accommodation when I travel as my curiosity for the next or the new gets the best of me. But Habitas Bacalar and Tulum have stolen my heart, and if you too love exceptional food, textiles, minimalist design to let nature be the main character and wellness options when a hotel design lets the natural surroundings be the main character, connection. While you absolutely do not have to combine a trip to Habitas Tulum and Habitas Bacalar; for those flying into Cancun and doing the drive it is nice to break it up (especially if you haven't been to Tulum) and you have at least 5-6 days to vacation. But Habitas Bacalar is the home I long for.

Around 2-hours from Cancun Airport; one straight highway and one turn, you arrive at Habitas Tulum. Habitas Tulum strikes a perfect balance between tranquility and accessibility. It's a sanctuary where you can escape the chaos of the strip while remaining close enough to explore all that Tulum has to offer. Emphasis on escaping the chaos of the strip, because it truly is at the end of the Playa road where you do not even have to deal with the crowds if you do not wish. If you're seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights, this serene oasis is the ideal place to call home during your Tulum getaway.

The concept of Habitas properties collectively and consciously are designed to coexist with nature.

The star of the show at the Habitas Tulum property is where you eat, drink, rest poolside and hammock - the beach! The beach is a bit tiny, but it’s conducive to the intimacy of the hotel and the amount of guests on site. It is a bit rocky, but at low tide you can easily walk down to Papaya Playa Project for a change of scenery.

At Habitas Tulum the natural palapa roofs, canvas walls, outdoor rain showers (and toilets) and at least 500 square feet of private space, each provide the perfect environment for rest and reflection. However, my recommendation is to splurge at Habitas Tulum and stay Ocean Front. The sound of the waves crashing at night and the wind against the canvas walls is the natural sound machine that will ensure the most incredible sleep. I also love sleeping with the curtains open and waking up to the ocean view in front of you and jungle shadows on the wall as you fall asleep, only lit by the moon.

Now for the destination you must book with me fast! Habitas Bacalar.

The gates open to my heaven! A lush jungle with lagoon awaits you. Oh, and, a bumpy road to enter, but everything wonderful takes a bumpy road. Cars parked (no cars on this property, golf carts and barefoot sensation). A lobby that honestly is one of my favorite components of the property due to its design and energy.

Just like in Tulum, you begin your stay with a welcome ceremony. I won’t spoil the experience, but traditional to Mayan culture; the ceremony includes burning of copal.

Habitas Bacalar offers three room categories: eight Lagoon Rooms with A-frame tents; 18 Jungle rooms surrounded by leafy foliage; and 10 Lagoons Breeze, blending elements of both the jungle and lagoon rooms. Here I recommend you do the Jungle Room. It’s the lowest priced point room, but it in my opinion offers the most unique stay. Away from the dock where everyone hangs all day and away from the lagoon, it makes the short 2-minute walk to the lagoon or the restaurant on site that much more special each day. Plus you get to hear the night creatures making creature noises and see the shadows of lush jungle around you.

Every detail, from the king-sized bed to the plush waffle robes and towels, prioritizes comfort. Every detail, from the dreamiest textile rugs, to the textile decorative pillows, to the outdoor shower offers an earthy laid back aesthetic.

But truth be told, there is not much reason for time in your room. So all the elements that make the rooms so special are truly just a bonus to the settings of the property.

Habitas Bacalar offers direct access to the mesmerizing Bacalar Lagoon, often referred to as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors" due to its astonishing shades of blue - and truly it is not an Instagram vs. reality situation. It is as it appears in these photos (untouched). The water - I actually don’t have the words to do it justice- it’s ethereal. It is magical. It might have some potion in it that makes everything okay. It heals. It’s warm! You can easily float. You can easily swim. (Please don’t walk on the bottom) but float as much as you want. Ahhh the water.

Bacalar Lagoon is home to a huge population of stromatolites, layered sedimentary rock formations containing microorganisms dating back billions of years. The rare stromatolites are the main reason this area is protected by the government and it is also (hopefully) a main reason future hotel development should follow in the footsteps of Habitas who have committed to sustainable development.

There is a range of water-based activities, from clear kayaking and paddle boarding to simply lounging on the dock, taking in the breathtaking views (from sunrise to dark starry skies). I think it’s my favorite dock in the world; bold claim, but as someone who typically seeks a beach destination; this dock and its view won me over.

The food

Breakfast is included in your stay (for 2 per room) and it’s no ordinary breakfast. It’s incredible. The lattes are a favorite (don’t forget to ask for their honey to sweeten the deal). The lunch gets even better; this may same peculiar, but it’s my favorite grilled cheese. And (bonus) you can eat lunch on my favorite dock in the world. I am not really a lunch person; but that ceviche makes me lunch. Dinner, well, this is where the foodies will bow down - it’s just really flavorful and the menu is often changing, giving you enough to try during your stay. The restaurant is also really beautiful and open and leveled with the option to sit ground level lagoon aligned or above more treetop (bird watching) level.

Wellness offerings

They are included (most of them/enough of them). Sound baths. Meditation. Yoga. Also, you can use the open A-framed space looking out to the lagoon for your own practice of wellness when there is not a class being led.

Truly, what I love the most about Habitas Bacalar is that everything is designed with both comfort and environmental consciousness in mind. And you feel a part of it from arrival to departure. You feel you are bettering yourself and connecting with a very special place on earth.

Things to note about Habitas Tulum:

• If you have never been to Tulum and you are going to go out and rage each night, this is not the property for you. I say that only because it is removed at the end of the main drag of the chaos and taxis are brutal and the road to get out is annoying (I have other suggestions just as eco conscious and tranquil further down the road).

• If you have been to Tulum and just want to stop here on the way to Bacalar depending on your flight timings you may want to do more than one night, just so you get in that Tulum fix before heading remote to Bacalar.

• Kids. Don’t bring them. They aren’t allowed, and it’s not a kid friendly property at all.

• Beach. As mentioned, it’s small, but it’s private.

• Vibe, is really glamping more than hotel. You will feel far away from that of a Cancun or Playa Del Carmen accommodation - and that is the beauty of it!

Things to Note about Habitas Bacalar:

• Highly recommend at least three full days at Habitas Bacalar. Four nights is ideal.

• Not for kids. (I love my kid) but it is part of what makes the property able to be centered around wellness, music and tranquility.

• In the evenings there are often curated activities including music shows, movie screenings, sound sessions on the dock.

• Good for: Solo travelers (the property can feel communal and welcoming). Couple traveler. Best friend traveler. Remote traveler can be on the dock; there is wifi. (Rooms are king beds only holding two people max).

• Wellness options are included in your stay except for spa treatments. There are luxury sailing and SUP boarding and SUP's you can buy into, but I also have local recommendations off property to support.

• How to Get to Bacalar: I typically recommend a flight to Cancun and a driver or rental car to do the 4.5 hour direct (easy straight shot) drive. But there is a recent flight into Chetumal, 40 minutes from the hotel, only directly from Miami.

• Should you leave the property: Honestly, you really don’t have to leave at all; it’s designed with enough experiences and delicious enough food to keep you there. But if you do leave I have a list of delicious restaurants in town or local experiences to go snorkeling in the Lagoon or sailing for the day.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Bettina Hughes’s guide, Insider Tips for the Adventurer in Punta de Mita, Mexico.