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Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors,

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Photo gallery for Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors,

Miscellaneous
Property grounds
Property grounds
2 bedrooms, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, WiFi
TV, DVD player, books, video library

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Bacalar, MEX
  • Lake Bacalar
    5 min walk
  • Cenote Cocalitos
    5 min walk
  • Cenote Esmeralda
    7 min walk
  • Chetumal, Quintana Roo (CTM-Chetumal Intl.)
    36 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Bacalar

At this holiday home you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Lake Bacalar and Cenote Cocalitos. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen and a patio. .You can enjoy a TV with a DVD player, and home features 1.5 bathrooms, a coffee/tea maker and a safe. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board are also available. Housekeeping is available on request. .This pet-friendly holiday home offers a water park, a terrace and a garden. Plus you'll find barbecues. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Bacalar holiday home include Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Azul.

What's nearby

  • Cenote Cocalitos - 5 min walk
  • Cenote Esmeralda - 7 min walk
  • Cenote Azul - 10 min walk
  • Fort of San Felipe - 6 min drive
  • Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park - 7 min drive

Getting around

  • Chetumal, Quintana Roo (CTM-Chetumal Intl.) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Bendición Dios - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Albahaca - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Las Quekas Bacalar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mr. Taco - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria el Trompo de K'los - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors,

Quinta Mai is a colorful slice of tropical paradise on the southwest shore of Laguna Bacalar in the town of Bacalar. It is perfectly located on the tip of a small peninsula that separates two deep blue cenotes. Because of the crystal clear water, the white sand bottom, the intense sunlight, and the variable depths of water, an incredible play of colors is before your eyes. The locals call it 'The lake of the seven colors' and you can see all seven colors, and more, from the dock at Quinta Mai. It is also excellent water for swimming. Some of the properties on Bacalar have muddy shorelines and other properties have a very steep approach to the water. Others are too low and they tend to get muddy. Quinta Mai is perfect. It's moderately elevated above the waterline so it's easy to get to the lake. The Lake bottom around the shoreline is firm sand and so the water remains clear. Furthermore there are living rocks called stromatolites just off the shoreline which are concretions a blue-green algae and extremely rare throughout the world. At the end of the dock the water is about 5 feet deep and so you can easily dive into the water. The snorkeling on the lake is beautiful because the water is so clear and there are large rocky ledges and drop offs to explore. If you swim out about 60 yards from the dock you will reach the beginning of a deep blue cenote where the water depth drops rapidly down to about 125 feet. Swimming in the other direction the water becomes quite shallow and it gets down to about 2 feet. This creates a play of colors that varies with the time of the day, the wave action and the cloud cover. Sitting on the dock under an umbrella and looking at the clouds and the colorful lake is absolutely mesmerizing!

My name Is Jim Baumgaertner. I am from Wisconsin and I grew up in Minnesota. I know something about lakes! This lake is perhaps the most beautiful lake in the world. It is listed as one of the worlds greatest lakes by the United Nations, right up there with Lake Baikal, Lake Superior and Lake Titicaca. This place is special! Unlike the aforementioned lakes, this lake is warm year-round and the swimming is wonderful. I swam in Lake Titicaca and Lake Superior, and I greatly prefer Lake Bacalar! It is also fine lake to go kayaking, or to go sailing, or to take a tourist lake cruise. If you are a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars and you will be in heaven! Come to Bacalar now before the rest of the world discovers it.

The town of Bacalar is also very special. It has a history that goes back over 1000 years. The Mayans, the Spanish, and the Pirates of the Caribbean have all played a historical role. There is a stone fortress built in 1715 that was used to protect the city from the ruthless pirates. The town has several public swimming areas and a Central Square that's fun to explore. There are plenty of little restaurants some of which are extremely good and all very inexpensive.

Bacalar is also a good central location to explore a different part of Mexico. You can easily visit the Costa Maya, many different Mayan ruins that hardly anyone else has seen, and the capital city of Chetumal that is only a half an hour away. You are also very close to the border with Belize and just a ferry ride from the islands of Belize.

We have two houses on the property. The main casa is about 1400 square feet, with a shower, a second bathroom, a large bedroom with an adjacent smaller bedroom and a total of three beds. Please look at the video for details as it's easier to see than to explain. There's a living room with mahogany furniture, a small office area and there's also a separate kitchen that is in a room to itself just outside the front door to the house. Surrounding the house are three palapa covered terraces. The covered terraces add an extra 1200 square feet of living space. The palapa awnings protect the terraces from sun and rain. You'll probably spend more of your time out door on the terraces than inside the house. See the video for details.

There is a second smaller shelter that is a small thatched roof hut that used to be a little dance area and bar area used by the previous Mexican owners. We call it the casita laguna, the small house by the lake. It is directly on the shoreline and so it receives magnificent cooling breezes from the lake. Great place to hang out.

Our property also has quite a few trees including two small mango trees, some banana trees, an avocado tree, and 4 coconut palm trees.

To really get a view of this property please look at the video that I shot on January 30, 2015. You can click on it from this website.

By the way, the name Quinta Mai refers to a special place that was a happy home to three children named Maria, Andrei and Isabella. Mai is the abbreviation for the names of the children. We chose to keep that name because our property really is a special place for children of all ages. I hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy it. It is very beautiful and very special!

Property manager

James Baumgaertner

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock
  • Garden
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Coin laundry

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Kayak
  • Snow sports gear
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Note from host: We allow pets with advance approval. Extra charge.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, ?

The closest beach to Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, is Dos Mulas (21 km).

Does Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Does Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, ?

No, Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Quinta Mai, True Lakefront, Paradise Found! Great swimming, fabulous colors, Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely spot for the lagoon
Have visited Bacalar many times. We have loved QM and i think the water is perfect to step into the lagoon from there as it is not deep. Excellent view and a well maintained garden by the property manager, Juan. Really attractive little property! it is a bit far from the centre, away from the busy parts but you have to walk through hills up and down to get there so if older don’t recommend to walk. Also it is next to a boating company so can get noisy but overall it is really a paradise. If we had any needs the owner Mr Baumgaertner was just a call away to accommodate with any needs! Really grateful to have stayed there with my loved ones! Thank you Mr Baumgaertner and Juan for your hospitality!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aline B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing view
The dock and view were incredible. We would definitely stay again. The house was clean and the bed was comfortable. The house itself is a bit quirky. All the beds are in one room so there would be no privacy. The kitchen is in a separate room from the house. These are not necessarily bad things, just something to know in advance. The boat company next door was not an issue at all. We even took a tour of the Laguna with them which was excellent! The dock and view is what makes this house amazing! My only real con is the water pressure. It is nonexistent and difficult to fully rinse shampoo and soap off your body!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor M., Minneapolis, Minnesota

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place on the lagoon
This was a great place to stay and offered everything you needed. We loved our own private dock and water access! We also took advantage of the properties kayaks. This was the first place I've rented through apps like this where the owner required us to sign a renting contract before visiting. It was almost too much writing and information. For example, when clicking on "directions" there was paragraphs I had to scroll through before finding the information I needed. The property manager was very responsive. I read that there was boat ride business next door but we weren't bothered by them at all. I would recommend this stay and come here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Ron R.

Beautiful location, right on the water
The property is located on the Lagoon, which is great but lots of noise right next door from what I gather is a lake tour company with 5-8 pontoon boats and a barking dog. The interior needs updating. Overall though, I had a great time since the property is right on the water and a close bike ride into town for food.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Liked: Cleanliness
amazing place!
The highlight of this property is the lake and wonderful dock. We used the kayaks and explored the area and enjoyed swimming. We also just enjoyed relaxing in the chairs by the water. The house itself was spacious. clean, although there is limited privacy inside because the bed areas are connected. Both the owner and property manager were helpful and responsive. No issues with the boat rental place next door- fairly quiet in the day. Highly recommend both the house and location.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a very nice stay. The owners are great!
The only draw back is the lack of privacy from the boat business next door. But other than that it is a nice place to stay. The lake is beautiful and the owners are great.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
What a gem of a place to visit… so serene!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra C., Olympia, Unites states

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
This place was truly a slice of heaven . We did not want to ever leave . The pictures do not due this place justice . It was beautiful . The lake was clear and warm , the dock was spacious ! Beautiful birds of all sorts .. we saw many different fish while snorkeling around and my son spotted a turtle ! The kayaks James left us where very much put to use … we explored the lake morning, noon and night ! Cenote Azul was only a 15 minute walk from the house . Highly recommend swimming there as well . James always responded quickly with any questions we had . His property assistant Juan was a gem . So friendly and helpful . Bacalar is a paradise .. and thank you for sharing . We will be back !!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

daniel j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really was bigger than I expected. Quieter too!
Plenty of room to relax quietly. The A/C would cool the whole place IF you closed off unused areas and positioned the fan properly. Actually turned the A/C a few days as the weather was so nice and the cross breeze was plenty with the windows and doors open. The next door neighbor dogs really only barked about 15 minutes just after the sun set...otherwise quiet all night. Really a lot of place for the price. DEFINITELY better than PACKED Tulum, The DayTourBacalar at 67 Coastera was a deal for a private boat tour of the Lagoon and in English!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Fernando, Frisco

Travelled with family
This property is all about being a front lake property. The view is amazing, the dock is right there in the lake. This is the good aspect of the house. Reality is that the property condition is outdated and in need of urgent maintenance. Shower barely worked, some furniture falling apart, paint stains on the jet tub that don't invite to use it. The main room has an "add on room" that goes into the bathroom. That room/bed will hear everything that goes on in the bathroom. If you are looking for privacy, this is not the place. Next door is a boat rental place. It is only separated by a little wall. You will see them, they will see you every day starting early in the morning and up to 9 PM or beyond when they end their evening watching TV. Of course for that price, you get an amazing view. But that is it. The owner and Juan Antonio (host on site) are great. Very responsive and ready to help. But there are things that are just what they are and I would not be truthfull on my review if I don't mention it.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mirella S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular Sunrises
The highlight of our stay at Quinta Mai was swimming and kayaking in the very beautiful lagoon, and watching the sun rise. Absolutely gorgeous! Our small dog also enjoyed his time at Quinta Mai.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Randy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Spot !
The house and location were amazing. The private dock on the water was fantastic. We had food and drinks delivered to the house which was super convenient. I highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

keith g.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place is beautiful
For me and my wife it was perfect, The dock on the lake is the best place to watch the sunrise, The place is a gem
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Guadalupe V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent time in the house & on the property.
Great time. No problems. As advertised.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Natalie G., Wagoner, Ok

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic and relaxing location.
My husband and I stayed here for 5 nights and really enjoyed our stay. The location is away from all the noise but still has easy access to all the restaurants. We enjoyed the peaceful and relaxing dock the most. It’s a perfect spot for having a couple of drinks and taking a quick swim when it gets really hot....which it did. Everything we needed was there but we didn’t cook much. If we wanted to, we would have had what we needed. I saw a lot of previous reviews about the boat tour company being right newt door which I was concerned about because I also brought my dogs with me. But everyone that works there are very friendly and we didn’t have any problems with it. We actually did go on a tour with them and it was fantastic. Communication with the owner and propert manager was easy. If we visit Bacalar again, we will likely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location just in front of the lake. The host Juan Antonio is great. I highly recommend to take a boat tour which is just next to the property. You will discover the whole beauty of the lake. Great place !!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Francoise B., Santa Fe N.M

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house ,comfortable,with many modern amenities
The lake is wonderful, the house comfortable, many pleasant outside nooks in which to lounge.BUT...the neighboring boat business has a just a low chicken wire fence a few yards away from the property line. All day long we hear the soap operas on their outdoor TV, buddies stop by, sometimes staying to party until 10. pm. If you want peace and quiet this is not the place unless you stay indoors with the fans and a/c on. Too bad, a tall and attractive wall would help, as well as dense vegetation planted alongside of it.

8/10 Good

Mario R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with garden right on the Lagoona
This place is truly amazing, with beautiful gardens, nice house worth plenty of places to sleep people, and plenty of places and spaces around the property to relax, enjoy a meal or adore the amazing colours of the Lagoona. We loved or stay there and would go back again any time. The little stone hut at the water is stunning and we spend most of our time there enjoying the view. Still there was a few little things I feel should be mentioned just to know what is to be expected. There was neighbour dogs barking pretty much the whole night every night, but that is to be expected in towns in central America. The 3 dogs from the direct neighbour were mostly pretty good though. Also the property next door is a business for boat tours, so there is people around, drivers and tourists constantly and there's not a high fence between the two properties so you'll be greeting people during your breakfast or when you are around the house. Closer to the water there's a better separation. Also there's all day boats coming and going from the neighbour property. The people that own that business are very friendly and respectful.. And if you want to take a boat tour you won't have to go anywhere 🙂.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bacalar slice of paradise
This house is amazing! House is right on the beautiful lagoon de Bacalar which allows you to relax or swim in front of the house ( or hammock under the palapa and enjoy the breeze and view). Comes with a secure garage but there are a few sights within walking distance including Cenote Cocolitos and Cenote Azul. Walking into town is doable but is about 30-45 minute walk which we found enjoyable. There are some fantastic restaurants in town and some close by at the Cenote Azul or nearby hotels. The house is clean with ample space, well maintained and interesting architecture. Kitchen includes are the necessities for making meals (we went to a grocer in Chetumal ahead of time). FYI there is a boat tour company next door in which there are people walking by to and fro their boat tour. The men that run the tour are very nice (and their perros!) and I recommend taking a tour! We can't wait to come back - thank you, Jim, for a fantastic house!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The access to the lake Can’t beat that Very good location Manager was on point
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Alma k.

Beautiful lagoon views
The gardens the views, are the best we enjoyed a lot swimming in the lagoon, but the house definitely need maintenance no toilet seat in bedroom bathroom, also shower was incomplete just the tube, and the beds sheets one day were white now looks like gray but the bad of all was under the matres near the bathroom had died cucarachas need to give a good clean up that’s why we left the house one day before
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Rhyann E.

Beautiful lake
Lake Bacalar is absolutely stunning! We loved downtown Bacalar as well, small, safe and very friendly locals. The location of the house with the dock going right out onto the water was great. The house is not as secluded as it leads on to be. There’s a boat tour company next door so there’s constantly groups of people coming in and out. The groups going on tours also swim in Quinta Mais private swimming area using the doc as well. There’s not a tall fence separating the properties so the lack of privacy is not ideal. The inside of the house gets very hot and stuffy unless your in the bedroom with the ac on. The house also seemed a bit neglected in regards to cleanliness. The lakefront location was definitely the highlight!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Susanne P.

Very nice place with direct access to the laguna
The location of the house could not have been better. We had our own dock leading to the incredible lagoon of seven colours. We enjoyed swimming and bathing all day long. Be sure to bring your hammocks to hang in the little beach house and book a tour with the guys next door to explore the secrets of the lagoon. Do not forget a good spray against the mosquitoes that appear in the dawn. Go strolling for the little town of Bacalar that offers excelentes options for food like e.g. La Playita or nip a very good coffee in the Toto Blue Café. The beds were comfortable, the air condition was doing a very good job and the wifi was working fine. The only thing that needs a little maintenance is the kitchen where water was leaking from the sink. The washing machine was not working. And some wasps intended to take over the palapa roof above the dining table. But all in all nothing to worry about, a slice of heaven we found unexpectedly during our trip of Mexico.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

kiran n.

Beautiful house on the laguna!
This house was perfect for our group of 5 friends vacationing together. We especially enjoyed lying around on the dock, the beautiful water, the kitchen that allowed us to cook much of our food, and the spaciousness of the property. There are so many places to hang out and rest-- a front dining area, a back dining/table area, a casita by the laguna, and the dock-- that we all were able to get some quite alone time when we wanted, and also had enough space for groups dinners together.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Barry S.

Fantastic location...real taste of Mexico
Great vacation, in a great location...the lagoon is as stunning as the photos show. Bacalar is a real getaway from it all, and a chance to sample an area not fully on the tourist route. Great local food, great local people...and the Mayan ruins around the area are amazing.