Our Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat Bacalar Review

Lucy and Dan

Our honest review of Eco-hotel Casa Lamat, the perfect sustainable retreat on Bacalar Lagoon.

A section of Bacalar Lagoon as viewed from a drone. The water is a blue-green colour and matches well with the surrounding greenery. Lucy and Dan are relaxing on a wooden dock.

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Are you searching for an eco-friendly hotel that prioritises sustainable initiatives, relaxation, and adventure in Bacalar? We found all this and more in Casa Lamat, a small-scale, locally-owned eco-hotel on the shores of Bacalar Lagoon. We’ve covered everything you need to know before you go about this tranquil oasis in our honest review of our stay.

Dan and Lucy sitting beside Xavy and Xere at the Eco Hotel Casa Lamat, Bacalar. They are sitting in front of the entrance to Casa Lamat and are joined by a friendly dog that Dan is petting.

About Casa Lamat Bacalar

Casa Lamat is a sustainable hotel on the shores of Bacalar Lagoon that offers an experience of rest, relaxation, healing, and adventure. It is the passion project of Xavy, a local, sustainability advocate, and the owner of the hotel. He welcomed us to the property wholeheartedly, showing us around, and explaining the sustainability initiatives in place.

When you stay at Casa Lamat, you’re really welcomed as part of the family. Xavy and Xere are really present onsite and all the staff are super friendly and attentive. You really feel there’s a focus on connection and a sense of community, no matter where in the world you’re coming from.

The front entrance of the Eco Hotel Casa Lamat. The roof is a traditional palapa style and there are hand-carved benches along the wall.

Where is Casa Lamat Bacalar?

Casa Lamat is located on the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, just north of Downtown. The hotel sits 1.6 miles (2.6 km) from the town centre and Fort of San Felipe.

It is an easy 15-minute walk to the edge of Bacalar town along a forest path or a 5-minute journey by car.

With its own private dock, you can see the lagoon from the property and access it directly within seconds.

The hotel itself is a real oasis, surrounded by greenery but still easily accessible by car or taxi. It is an idyllic base for exploring Bacalar or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the lagoon.

A section of Bacalar Lagoon as viewed from a drone high above the trees. The Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat is mostly hidden beneath the surrounding greenery. Lucy and Dan are relaxing on a wooden dock.

Casa Lamat Bacalar Rooms

There are two main types of accommodation in Casa Lamat: traditional hotel rooms and more rustic cabanas. Each room is slightly different, with some more private spaces being perfect for couples while other larger rooms cater to families with children.

The rooms in Casa Lamat are the perfect blend of comfort and chic. Each has a beautiful view and an outdoor terrace or balcony with seats and a hammock. Those closer to the lagoon allow you to fall asleep to the sound of the lagoon lapping on the shore.

Book your stay at Casa Lamat here!
  • A bedroom at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat as viewed from the door. There is a double bed with lights on either side, and outside there is a private balcony with a hammock.

  • A shower with colourful and patterned tiles on the wall.
  • A double bed with chic light fittings and mahogany bedside tables. This is an example of one of the bedrooms at Casa Lamat.
  • A hand-painted wash basin on a mahogany countertop in a bathroom at Casa Lamat.

Room Amenities

Inside the rooms, you’re provided with everything you need, from a large bed and storage spaces to a desk area and private bathroom. We had plenty of luggage storage, a spacious closet, plenty of hangers, and shelving.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and fans to keep you cool, or you can leave the door or window open and enjoy the breeze with the protection of mosquito netting.

There are conveniently placed sockets and reading lights, as well as a refillable glass bottle and cups. We also found that the WiFi was really fast.

All bathrooms are private with a flush toilet, sink, and shower with hot water, as well as towels, facecloths, and gorgeous honey shampoo and soap. We also really liked the extendable rack in our shower which was super useful for drying swimwear.

  • A balcony at the Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat. The roof is in the traditional palapa style and the barrier is made from tree branches.

  • Dan lying on a hammock on a private balcony at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat.

  • Outside seating at Casa Lamat including a bench, a deck chair, and a hammock.

  • A glass bottle of water and some drinking cups. Fresh water is provided at Eco-hotel Casa Lamat to all guests.

Casa Lamat Bacalar Facilities

Within the hotel, you’ll be surrounded by nature, from towering palm trees to herb plants. Everything you see on the property is built from local materials and each building has a traditional palapa roof.

The design is minimalist yet retains an authentic charm with Mayan influences and Mexican mosaics throughout.

  • A painting of a humpback whale on a wall at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat.

  • A traditional palapa style building at Casa Lamat.
  • A painting of the Mayan 'feathered serpent' on a wall at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat, Bacalar.
  • The head of a hand-carved sculpture depicting a Peruvian man in a patterned hat.

Reception

As you walk in, you’re met with the cosy reception area. This is where you can check in and get any information you need about tours and facilities. The reception also has a little gift shop if you’ve left anything at home or you’re looking for a locally sourced souvenir.

Casa Lamat has plenty of free parking spaces outside the front of the hotel if you’re coming by car.

  • A circular painting on a wall with flower patterns around the outside and the words "Casa Lamat Eco Experiencia".

  • The small-scale Casa Lamat gift shop and Green Destination certificate.
  • A sign that reads "Casa Lamat Eco Experiencia" followed by "casalamat.mx".
  • A selection of shampoos sold at Casa Lamat, made from local ingredients.

The dock

Arguably the main attraction is the hotel’s two-tiered dock with its panoramic views of Bacalar Lagoon. It’s kitted out with hammocks for relaxing in and the top level makes for the perfect platform to jump off.

An overwater massage parlour also stands on the shore of the lagoon – the perfect location to indulge in a relaxing experience as you listen to the lagoon below.

  • A section of Bacalar Lagoon as viewed from a drone. The water is a blue-green colour and matches well with the surrounding greenery. Lucy and Dan are lying down on a wooden dock looking up at the sky.

  • Bacalar lagoon as viewed from an empty wooden dock in the sunshine.
  • People relaxing on colourful hammocks hanging from the dock at Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat in Bacalar.
  • A full body sculpture of the Buddha in a seated position. The sculpture has been placed on the edge of a dock on the vast and beautiful Bacalar lagoon.

The lagoon

The dock is also where you’ll find the kayaks and paddleboards, which can be rented to better explore the lagoon.

The direct access to Bacalar Lagoon is a real perk of the hotel, allowing you to spend your time on or by the water.

  • A large group of small white sailing boats in the distance at Bacalar Lagoon.

  • Dan kayaking in Bacalar Lagoon. The back of his Life Vest reads "Casa Lamat Eco Experiencia".
  • Dan floating on his back in the blue waters of Bacalar lagoon.
  • Dan and Lucy waving at their drone as it flys low over Bacalar Lagoon in front of the Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat.

The restaurant

The onsite restaurant sits near the reception area. There’s a tea and coffee station and water dispenser so you can fill up your bottle at any time.

You can choose from bar seating with lovely garden views or the large communal table which is perfect for sharing stories with other travellers.

There’s also a communal toilet block nearby which is handy if you’re coming from the dock or don’t want to have to trek back to your room.

  • A tea and coffee making station at the Casa Lamat restaurant.

  • The Casa Lamat restaurant - a small selection of outside seating including a large table with benches and a long tall table with accompanying stools. Wooden carvings and decorations hang from the makeshift roof.
  • The food and drinks menus displaying what is on offer at the Casa Lamat restaurant. These menus have been placed next to a small sculpture of Budda.
  • The Casa Lamat noticeboard has the opening times for the restaurant, a map for guests to pin where they have come from, and a "no smoking" sign.

Things to Do in Casa Lamat Bacalar

There are plenty of things to do within and around the hotel. While you could easily spend your time in the hotel, there’s also a variety of tour options on offer to discover more of the lagoon and surrounding area. Whether you’re keen to see more of the lagoon or head into the jungle and learn more about Mayan history, there’s an activity for every interest.

Some of the fun things you can enjoy in Casa Lamat include:

  • Sunrise yoga – start your day with a restorative stretch with lagoon views.
  • Renting a kayak – explore the lagoon at your own pace.
  • Renting a paddleboard – go out at sunrise for stunning views.
  • Going on a sailing tour – visit famous landmarks like the cenotes (sinkholes), Canal de los Piratas (Pirate Canal), and Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).
  • Indulging in a massage – experience healing therapies in an overwater setting.
  • Enjoying a romantic couple’s dinner – the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
  • Exploring Mayan ruins on a day trip – get out and see more of Mexico and learn about its history.
  • Relaxing in a hammock – simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Jumping off the dock into the lagoon – a must for anyone daring enough to make the leap from the top of the dock.
  • Dan and Lucy smiling as they sit in a two-person kayak on Bacalar Lagoon.

  • Bacalar Lagoon stretching out into the distance. The water's edge is lined with greenery and small docks.
  • Dan standing at the bottom of a wooden ladder on a platform at Casa Lamt after jumping into the cool waters of Bacalar Lagoon.
  • Bacalar Lagoon from the point of view of Dan who is kayaking through the calm waters.

Sunrise yoga

The dock is also the location of the sunrise yoga sessions which are offered as a free service (although a donation is appreciated). Welcoming the sun as it pops up over the horizon of the lagoon, as you stretch out your worries, really is a magical experience.

  • Dan stretching in a seated position at a yoga class at Casa Lamat. The class is being held on a dock on Bacalar Lagoon at sunrise.
  • A set-up for sunrise yoga on Bacalar Lagoon. There are some yoga mats and also some singing bowls.
  • A sunrise yoga class at Casa Lamat. A small group of people sitting on yoga mats on a wooden dock on Bacalar Lagoon looking out at a bright orange sky.
  • Dan at a yoga class holding himself up on his hands in a 'side-crow' pose.

Water activities

We had so much fun paddling on the lagoon and relaxing by the water. It’s easy to take a kayak or paddleboard out from the dock and life jackets are provided.

Top tip: the lagoon is calmest in the morning and this is also when you get the most beautiful light across the water.

If you like staying dry, you can swing in a hammock and read a book with views of the lagoon – bliss.

  • The wooden docks at Eco Hotel Casa Lamat. Several hammocks are hanging in the dock and the sun is shining brightly.

  • A selection of kayaks and boards provided at the Eco Hotel Casa Lamat, Bacalar.
  • A massage table in a dedicated spa room at Casa Lamat. The room is set right on the water so that you can relax to the sound of the water gently lapping at the shore.
  • Dan relaxing on a hammock beside the waters of Bacalar Lagoon.

The animals

One thing we loved was how many animals were around. There were around 4 dogs and a cute kitten during our stay and they were all well behaved and super friendly. They’re rescued strays and Xere and Xavy do a great job looking after them and keeping them safe until they can find them a forever home.

It’s definitely a bonus for any animal lover or traveller missing their furry friends at home.

Casa Lamat is also pet-friendly, which is great news if you’re travelling with your pet.

  • A puppy and a kitten playing together outside at the Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat.

  • The blue waters of Bacalar lagoon shimmering in the sunshine behind the greenery of Casa Lamat.
  • A dog sleeping on a bench by the water at Eco-hotel Casa Lamat.
  • Dan and Lucy sitting smiling with Xavy, the founder of the Eco Hotel Casa Lamat in Bacalar. They are all sitting on a bench in front of a sign that reads "Casa Lamat Eco Experiencia".

Dining in Casa Lamat Bacalar

Casa Lamat’s restaurant serves gourmet dishes inspired by authentic Mexican flavours. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty to choose from while allergies can also be catered for. The menus feature organic foods with herbs and fruits sourced directly from the garden.

Casa Lamat has two menus, one for breakfast and one for lunch and dinner. Each has a wealth of options from hearty meals to nutritious dishes. A variety of hot and cold soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks, and desserts are also featured.

We particularly enjoyed the tacos de Jamaica, passionfruit juice, and chocolate brownie.

  • A plate of avocado toast topped with lettuce, carrot, tomato and cucumber.

  • Fresh, tortillas, refried beans, avocado, and a selection of vegetables, all served at the Casa Lamat restaurant.
  • Dan filling up his bottle from a water cooler in the Casa Lamat restaurant.
  • A bowl of spaghetti covered in parmesan cheese, and a plate of fresh fish. These dishes are just a couple of the dinnertime options served at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat restaurant.

Casa Lamat Bacalar Sustainability Initiatives

As an eco-hotel, Casa Lamat strives to care for and preserve the natural wonders of the region. The hotel has implemented sustainable systems for the management of water, energy and waste that sets it apart from other properties in the region.

Some of the ways Casa Lamat lessens its environmental impact include:

  • Solar panels – currently power most of the property with a plan to become self-sufficient.
  • Recycled dark water – all the plants on the property are watered with wastewater (e.g. from washing dishes) through a pipe system that utilises gravity rather than a pump system.
  • Refillable and biodegradable toiletries – are better for the environment and reduce waste.
  • Recycling and compost bins – only around 10 to 15% of the property’s waste is garbage and everything else is recycled.
  • Stingless melipona bees – live in a nestbox onsite and pollinate trees and flowers, supporting the ecosystem.
  • Local labour and materials – reduces CO2 consumption and supports the local economy.
  • No single-use plastics – refillable toiletries and reusable glasses and cups are provided to minimise plastic waste.
  • Reduced water usage – Low-flow showers and toilets, plus the communal toilets are dry toilets which use less water than flush toilets.
  • Reduced electricity consumption – mosquito netting and fans give you the option to avoid using air conditioning.
  • Non-gasoline activities – are better for the environment and Xavy is working on developing a sustainable project for the use of German Electric Motors with solar panels, which could revolutionise boat use on Bacalar Lagoon.
  • Small pipes inserted into the plant garden at Casa Lamat. This pipe system does not require pumps, but instead uses gravity to gradually water the garden.

  • Two large compost bins at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat. There are also a couple of small containers labelled "Hojas Secas" which translates to "dry leaves". These leaves are used to help the composting process.
  • A roof built from solar panels at the Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat, Bacalar.
  • A selection of recycling bins at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat in Bacalar. The council in Bacalar does not fund recycling, and so the staff at Casa Lamat have set it up themselves.

Casa Lamat Bacalar Rates

Room rates typically cost between $100 and $120 USD a night.

The hotel runs frequent sales and discount offers that can reduce the price per night to as little as $80 USD a night.

Pricing on the website is in Mexican pesos and paying in local currencies is better for the hotel and local economy.

  • A view of Bacalar Lagoon and the surrounding greenery from a gap in the trees.
  • A hanging decoration reads "Love" and the "o" is a love heart.
  • Car parking at the Eco-hotel Casa Lamat. The parking is outside under the cover of trees.
  • The head of a hand-carved Buddha sculpture. The clay is slightly weather-worn around the nose.

How to get to Casa Lamat Bacalar

From the north, follow Highway 307 (Carretera Federal 307) south until you reach the sign for the hotel on your left. Turn off the highway towards the lagoon and follow the unpaved road for around 100 metres. Then, turn left and the hotel will be in front of you.

From the south and Bacalar town, take Highway 307 north and turn right at the sign for Casa Lamat. Follow the unpaved road for around 100 metres, then, turn left and the hotel will be in front of you.

If you’re coming from Bacalar town, it’s an easy 20 to 30-minute walk along a quiet, unpaved road. It can be muddy after rain and wouldn’t be suitable for suitcases, but you could walk it with your backpack if you’d rather not take a taxi.

If you’re arriving by bus, it’s easy to take a taxi from the ADO station to Casa Lamat. Alternatively, you could walk for 15 minutes by turning right off Highway 307 as you head north, and then following the dirt track to the hotel. Just be aware that there’s no official pavement along the highway.

Taxis can also be found outside Bacalar train station and can take you straight to Casa Lamat. The journey only cost us 50 pesos.

Book a room in Casa Lamat here!
  • Bacalar Lagoon as viewed from one of the rooms at the Eco-Hotel Casa Lamat. A path is leading towards the water as is winds past a bright and colourful garden.

  • Dan and Lucy sitting smiling beside Xere and Xavy - staff members at The Eco Hotel Casa Lamat. Xavy is the founder of Casa Lamat, his passion project of more than a decade in Bacalar.
  • Dan and Lucy lying down on a wooden dock on Bacalar Lagoon, as viewed from a drone.
  • Dan relaxing on a hammock at the Eco Hotel Casa Lamat. There is a line of empty hammocks beside him, each one a different colour.

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Lucy and Dan are travel writers, photographers, content creators, and founders of Thoroughly Travel. They're on a mission to help others travel for less money, with less environmental impact. You'll find them whale watching, wildlife spotting, road-tripping and seeking authentic experiences around the world. After quitting their 9-5s to backpack Mexico and Central America, they travelled New Zealand for a year on working holiday visas. They're currently Digital Nomad-ing their way around Europe.