Fodor's Expert Review Rancho Encantado

Located on the shores of the mysteriously beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, not far from the border with Belize, Rancho Encantado offers some of the most accomplished guestrooms in the whole lagoon area. A gorgeous retreat in the jungle where real connection with nature is possible, and even a few modern luxuries included.

room

Rancho Encantado rooms offer a fresh decoration of tile floors and white walls. Some cabanas face directly to the lagoon and have a thatched palapa roof. The upper level Laguna Suite Superior includes a terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi, while the lower level comes with a deck with direct access to the Bacalar waters.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Not all suites are equipped with air conditioning and during the summer months it gets too hot and humid. If usually a ceiling fan is not enough for you, make sure to book the right kind of room for you.

bathroom

The bathrooms are clean, modern and simple, with pink marble accents and white walls. Some suites include walk-in closet, others may have an outdoor moon shower or even a Jacuzzi.

lobby

A long, narrow fountain directs to a big palapa that functions as a welcoming lobby for arriving guests.

pool

A medium-sized circular pool is one of the most popular public areas. Surrounded by loungers and lush vegetation is the perfect spot to loosen up and relax. A large outdoor Jacuzzi is another good option. There are also few suites that include private plunge pools too.

spa

How about a relaxing massage in a thatched palapa hut over the healing waters of the Bacalar Lagoon? Or an antioxidant ritual that uses fiber from the tequila agave for therapeutic purposes? A professional, well-run spa in the middle of the jungle is always worth of recognition.

gym

The world is your gym. Nature the best personal trainer. Work on your legs strength while trekking through the jungle, or exercise your upper body resistance in a kayak across the lagoon. Sorry guys, not an actual gym in here.

dining

Los Hechizos is Rancho Encantado only restaurant and its location couldn’t be better as it offers some of the best views of the Bacalar Lagoon. A variety of Mexican dishes inspired by the Mayan culture and prepared with local ingredients, are enjoyed by guests on a daily basis.

If you are vegan, talk with the waiters or directly with the Chef and he will gladly prepare special vegetarian dishes just for you.

drinking

Los Hechizos doubles up as the only restaurant and the only bar in the hotel. So, this is the place to unwind after a day of wild adventure in the jungle, and enjoy a drink by the lagoon.