Discover 12 Hidden Beach Bungalows in Mexico for Your Dream Vacation

Millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year, and even though you’d think it would be hard to find a secluded place on the beach to call your own, there are still many sleepy beach towns yet to be discovered by the all-inclusive enthusiasts.

Thankfully, Mexico has over 7,000 miles of coastline to explore, and some of the best beach bungalows in Mexico are hiding in discreet and unexpected destinations. Moreover, these eco-conscious offerings allow you to feel good about supporting sustainable practices. Pack your bags and let thoughts of moonlit rooms, canopied beds, sandy adventures, outdoor showers, and plunge pools lead you to your next adventure.

1. El Dorado Maroma Palafitos, Playa del Carmen

El Dorado Maroma has been a standout on Playa del Carmen’s beach scene for years. Recently, the owners elevated the experience by introducing 30 stilted cabins that stretch out over the Caribbean Sea. The rustic-luxe bungalows bring the famous overwater huts of the South Pacific to North America, along with breathtaking vistas.

You’ll enjoy the same glass flooring, ladder-access swimming, and private infinity pools that travelers worldwide rave about, while incorporating authentic elements like Yucatán wood and traditional fabrics.

Adults-only, this destination is perfect for a romantic getaway. You can relax knowing that there won’t be any children disturbing the serenity as you gaze over the azure waters with cocktails crafted from local fruits and herbs. Optional gourmet all-inclusive packages are available to enhance your culinary experience.

2. Verana, Yelapa

To reach this hilltop jungle escape, it requires a 50-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan, followed by a 30-minute panga boat ride along the coast and a steep climb. If you need mule assistance, make sure to advise the hotel in advance.

Once you arrive, discover 10 unique, hand-built accommodations ranging from papaya-colored casitas to open-air palapa-style bungalows. The eco-friendly lodgings are simple yet provide everything needed for relaxation. The attentive staff can customize activities, from picnics to mezcal classes, to create a personal experience. Verana also serves as a perfect base for exploring hidden beaches in the Marietas Islands.

3. Hotel Escondido, Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a famous surf destination that remains one of Mexico’s treasured beach towns. Hotel Escondido stands out as one of the best places to stay. Situated just 30 minutes north of the town, this charming retreat features 16 cabins equipped with private pools, hammocks, and sun beds stretched across the beachfront, perfect for surfing or swimming. This small resort, owned by Grupo Habita, melds well with the untouched setting while providing modern comforts amidst nature.

4. Las Alamandas, Costalegre

Parisian Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño inherited this coastal treasure from her grandfather, Bolivian tin magnate Antenor Patiño. Though he intended to build a mega-lodge, she opted for low-impact luxury by minimizing the resort’s footprint, commissioning eight exquisite haciendas with 18 private suites, now a favorite of privacy-seeking celebrities.

Without nightlife or shopping nearby, relaxation is paramount. Enjoy on-site activities such as horse riding, surfing, salsa dancing, and spa services. Goldsmith-Patiño highlights Las Alamandas’ location in Jalisco’s tequila territory, offering more than 120 brands at the bar and tequila-infused dishes at the restaurant.

5. Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen

The family behind this Mahekal retreat started with five backpacker bungalows. Over time, it has blossomed into an elaborate resort with more than 190 private villas, a massive spa, and a restaurant focusing on ancient Mayan recipes.

This resort retains a relaxed atmosphere with hand-laid paths connecting bungalows and ample amenities to keep you comfortably ensconced in your room—plunge pools, outdoor showers, and terraces with hammocks await.

6. Villas Flamingos, Isla Holbox

Villas Flamingos, located on one of Yucatan’s most tranquil destinations, offers a serene beach experience unmatched by urban life. Accessible only by ferry, this peaceful haven is situated within the Yum-Balam Nature Reserve.

The ocean-view bungalows feature terraces, outdoor showers, and your own private jacuzzi or plunge pool. The sky bungalows are perfect for couples, featuring a hammock and jacuzzi room on the top floor with spectacular ocean views.

7. Azulik, Tulum

Concealed amidst the bustling traffic of Tulum’s beach road, Azulik unfolds a private universe behind its driftwood facade. The 48 villas, nestled between the jungle and the beach, present a glamorous atmosphere. The spa offers a unique temazcal (sweat lodge) experience, intended to reconnect you with nature.

Each villa, themed around natural elements, incorporates artistic materials that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. A highlight of your stay is dining at the elevated canopy Japanese restaurant, where exquisite food is served in a private setting.

8. Playa Viva, Juluchuca

A few hours north of Acapulco, this modest eco-lodge features 19 rooms dedicated to preserving local flora and fauna, accompanied by entirely solar-powered amenities. Embrace the experience of having your own casita perched with unobstructed ocean views, free yoga classes, and three healthy meals served daily. Playa Viva offers five stunning treehouses, along with opportunities to interact with local families and help release baby sea turtles through a local turtle rescue organization.

9. Hotel Xixim, Celestún

Situated in the 146,000-acre Celestún Biosphere Reserve near Merida, Xixim showcases itself as a wellness sanctuary. Its design, rooted in Mayan cosmology, aims to connect guests with nature through mindful service and fresh, local menus.

Engage in activities like cooking classes, sunset yoga, or safaris to observe flamingos, monkeys, and sea turtles in their natural habitats. Alternatively, unwind in one of the 32 thatched-roof huts, featuring breezy accommodations, hammocks, and canopied beds overlooking the sea.

10. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Acapulco

Acapulco may not be synonymous with quiet, seaside retreats, but Banyan Tree Cabo Marques offers a perfect balance. Here, you’ll find easy access to local restaurants and cliff diving shows, while also enjoying a serene tropical hideaway as you enter the tranquil property.

Drive along a one-way road to immerse yourself in nature among clouds of palms and mangroves. The bungalows, embedded in the cliffs, highlight the area’s beauty with their natural design and expansive windows that showcase sweeping coastal views. Villas 408 to 411 are noted for having the best vistas, but all offer equally stunning scenery. Enjoy sunsets from the infinity pool that appears to spill into the ocean 300 feet below.

11. Chileno Bay Resort and Residences, Cabo San Lucas

Chileno Bay Resort in Los Cabos stands apart from its rustic counterparts on this list, with its modern design that effortlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Opened in 2017, the villas range from one to five bedrooms, adorned with handmade tiles and natural wood elements, reflecting the rich heritage of Mexico.

The H2O Cave is an excellent activity hub that maximizes Cabo’s serene waters with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Under the guidance of French Laundry alum Yvan Mucharraz, you’ll savor exquisite Latin American cuisine at the main restaurant. Should you feel a deep connection to this paradise, the opportunity exists to purchase one of the exquisite villas, complete with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

12. Four Seasons Tamarindo, Barra de Navidad

Located along the Costalegre, also known as the “happy coast,” this brand new Four Seasons Tamarindo invites travelers to explore a relatively undiscovered part of Mexico. The hotel’s design integrates traditional Mexican motifs with contemporary architecture.

Located on a private nature reserve, this resort offers impressive ocean views from nearly every room, ensuring tranquility and peace during your stay. Accommodations include a spacious beach house that can host up to nine adults, as well as intimate cliffside suites featuring stunning infinity pool views complemented by outdoor showers.