Fodor's Expert Review Balamku

Just 5 kilometers south of Mahahual there is a gorgeous eco-friendly inn on the beach called like some famous Mayan ruins: Balamku. The place on the road to Belize and it’s as secluded and remote as they come. Hence its charm, the beach is immaculate and nature is at its best. What a better place for an eco-conscious hotel?

room

There are 10 rooms total, distributed in 2 single palapas, and 4 two-story buildings with one room in each floor. All rooms are rounded, include a queen and a single bed, and enjoyed 24-hour electricity thanks to their own solar and wind systems. Décor is simple and typically Mexican, with bright walls and colorful linen.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Although there is electricity 24 hours a day, rooms don’t come with air conditioning, only ceiling fans.

bathroom

The bathrooms offer ample space and have a distinctive Mexican style with colored-tiles and hand-painted sinks. But the coolest thing about them is that they part of the water they use come from a large rainwater collection system.

lobby

Balamku Inn has what it correctly calls a lounge, which plays the flexible roles of lobby, restaurant, bar, library and cyber café at the same time. It takes almost all of the ground floor of the main building and it’s like a large, comfortable blend of living and dining areas, with a few sofas and several wooden tables overlooking the beach.

The lounge has a nice collection of books and DVDs available for guests to borrow.

dining

The lounge described above is also the functioning restaurant where the complimentary breakfasts are served every morning. Light snacks are available for lunch, while for dinner guests have to look for options to dine out in Mahahual.

drinking

A variety of beers and the most commercial spirits are available at the bar of the lounge during the afternoon hours. A small collection of wines is also there to be enjoyed with great music and gorgeous views.

beach

Although the Balamku Inn has no pool, the beach is pristine and practically wave-free, as it’s located in front of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. Guests can use the kayaks of the hotel with no charge, while there is a small fee for the use of the snorkel equipment.