Holistic Destination Habitas Opens On Mexico’s Lake Bacalar
Author:Michelle KonstantinovskyAs travel restrictions ease and you start making all those long-held travel dreams a reality, you might want to consider making a pit-stop in Mexico where sustainable hospitality brand, Habitas, recently launched its latest iteration on Lake Bacalar (aka one of the world’s most stunning bodies of waters, with crystal-blue hues). The new property is the third location for Habitas, which launched its flagship destination in Tulum in 2017 and opened its doors in Namibia in 2021.
Habitas has the distinction of being the first global hospitality group to launch a property in Bacalar and intends to preserve the legendary surroundings with an environmental program designed to prioritize the health of the region and the wellbeing of its guests. The brand’s impact philanthropic arm, Habitas RISE, will focus on lagoon and stromatolite conservation, sustainability, and empowering local communities through education and the creation of micro-economies. The company will also promote local initiatives with organizations on-the-ground, educational events, and hosted panel discussions.
The 35 cabanas of Habitas Bacalar feature natural interiors with an earthy color palette and lagoon-facing views, while the property is home to an open-air restaurant, spa and wellness area, and a communal gathering space. Located four hours from Cancun airport and 40 minutes from Chetumal airport by car, the remote setting sets a peaceful scene for A-frame rooms facing a lagoon that weaves around mangroves, stromatolites, and mineral clay banks.
Wellness experiences are central to every guest’s stay at Habitas Bacalar, starting with the spa that was modeled after a small Mayan village. Therapy offerings include local ingredients and guests are encouraged to take part in practices and traditions of Mayan culture. Localized wellness rituals also include sunrise paddle board tours, SUP yoga, janzu (water therapy), and nature walks, as well as Mayan weddings and ceremonies. Don’t miss the Bee-Well Therapy, a body and facial treatment using local Melipona honey, oats and coconut milk, and try the Chocolate Body Wrap which begins with an oatmeal and coconut exfoliation prior to the cocoa and coconut body wrap.
The culinary program at Habitas Bacalar is also a highlight for guests, with menus highlighting healthy local ingredients in a variety of seasonal dishes. The kitchen utilizes authentic handcrafted techniques honoring Mayan traditions and the surrounding environment. Top dishes to try: the wood-fired rice with tomato & guajillo adobo, fennel, shallot & date confit, lime aioli, lemon & fennel leaves and the Yucatan pork, cooked for twelve hours in banana leaves. Habitas Bacalar is located at Carretera Federal 307 Xul Ha, 77963 Bacalar, Mexico. For more information visit ourhabitas.com/bacalar/.