Resorts and Hotels in Bacalar, Mexico

About Bacalar

Bacalar sits on the edge of a freshwater lagoon in southern Quintana Roo, and the water shapes every day of a stay. The lagoon is called the Laguna de los Siete Colores for the many shades of blue it takes on as the light changes. A resort stay here is less about surf and more about slow mornings by the water, a paddle before breakfast and long dinners as the colors fade. The pace is unhurried, which suits couples, wellness travelers and anyone who wants a quiet base.

Two of our five-star hotels lean toward pools and spa time. Azulea Bacalar Hotel & Spa - Lagoon Front is on Boulevard Costera and has an infinity pool, a beachfront with a private beach area, and a spa and wellness center with massage services and a hot tub/Jacuzzi. It also has an on-site restaurant and garden, and terraces and balconies with lake or lagoon views. Cristalino Lagoon Front Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is an adults-only stay with an infinity pool, an outdoor pool and a heated pool. Its spa has a steam room and offers massage and beauty services. The on-site restaurant, bar and snack bar cover meals and drinks, and the lagoon-view and garden-view rooms have private entrances. Guests rate it 9.6/10 from 230 reviews.

Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa has just 30 suites facing the Laguna de los Siete Colores. Its Ixchel Spa includes a hydrotherapy circuit and a temazcal. The Hunab Ku restaurant focuses on local ingredients, and yoga, kayaking and paddle boarding happen lagoon-side. Pets are allowed, and there are family rooms and kid meals. Villas Karalv is our four-star choice, with villas that each have a private entrance and a kitchen. It has a beachfront with a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a sun terrace and a picnic area. Pets are allowed, and 24-hour security is in place. All four properties include free WiFi and free parking.

When to go

Bacalar has a warm tropical climate year-round. The drier months, roughly November through April, bring sunnier skies and comfortable days, which suit swimming, kayaking and lagoon-side lounging. From about May to October it is hotter and more humid, with afternoon showers and a greener landscape. This period overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, so flexible plans and a look at the forecast before you travel are sensible. The lagoon's blues look most vivid in direct sun, so bright, clear days are the best time for water activities. If you prefer a quiet, restful stay, you can find it in any season.

Tips for your trip

• Choose by the kind of stay you want: pool and spa time at Azulea, Cristalino or Mia, or a villa with its own kitchen at Villas Karalv.
• If you are traveling with a pet, Villas Karalv and Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa both allow pets. Confirm any pet terms with a booking agent before you travel.
• Bring sun protection and a swimsuit you can wear all day. Most of the time here is spent on or beside the lagoon.
• Free parking is included at all four hotels, so a rental car is an easy way to explore the area at your own pace.
• Book spa treatments and lagoon activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding early in your stay so you can plan the rest of your days around them.

Frequently asked questions