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There wooden overwater bungalow in Riviera Maya Mexico

Dreamy overwater bungalows may be a sight we associate with far-flung locales such as Bora Bora and the Maldives, but this is no longer the case, thanks to Banyan Tree Mayakoba.

The luxury waterfront retreat nestled in the lush jungle of Riviera Maya in the gated Mayakoba community has seven overwater lagoon villas as part of a $50-million renovation they debuted earlier this year, that also saw the addition of a new beach club and 34 beachfront suites.

Credit: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

The accommodations sit atop the resort’s tranquil lagoon surrounded by mangroves providing guests with maximum privacy. Each villa boasts 2,385 square feet of impeccably designed interior and exterior spaces by renowned Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno. The one-bedroom, two-story dwellings feature organic materials such as wood and clay, infusing the spaces with an upscale zen vibe, inspired by the resort’s Asian origins and accentuated with traditional Mexican motifs. French doors and balconies create a seamless transition between the exterior and interior and allow guests to enjoy the spectacular sunset views from their comfy king-size beds.

Credit: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Each villa has a spacious roof deck with plenty of space for sunbathing and lounging. Heated infinity-edge swimming pools and bathtubs overlooking the lagoon create the ideal vacation setup. Sleek patio furniture and plenty of greenery complement the Instagram-worthy décor.

Credit: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

While the new residences are hidden from the center of the resort, they are within walking distance of its restaurants and beach. And speaking of the eateries, another new addition to the impressive facilities of Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the Sands Beach Club. The chic beachfront eatery has an open-air layout “with the best views over the resort.” While the menu stands out with its international options such as Georgian khachapuri bread, Iberian eggs Benedict, and French toast, it is actually quite heavy on Mexican flavors and seafood (the raw bar offerings are stellar!).

And since wellbeing and nature are at the heart of Banyan Tree’s philosophy, a visit to the spa is a must. The resort’s signature range of Asian treatments includes the Royal Banyan and Tropical Rainmist and various full-body massages.