Pehaltun in Bacalar

Pehaltun – a large, lakeside property two kilometers north of Bacalar – offers  guests a choice of three gracious and private accommodations, each of which highlights in its own way the lake’s incredible beauty and tranquility. The gated property is rich with fruit trees, flowers, and birdlife.

The three rental units are well separated and each provides an enchanting outpost for observing and enjoying beautiful Laguna Bacalar. A full-time groundskeeper/guard keeps the property well-maintained and secure. A handsome dock with covered palapa allows visitors to swim, kayak, sun or just hang out in the hammocks. Bird-watching is superb and guests can enjoy just strolling the property or relaxing with a book or one of the DVDs from the shared library.

Directly on the shore, Bob’s Cabana offers the ultimate in privacy and lake access. A sweeping stone staircase takes you from the driveway and parking area down to the Cabana. The Cabana sits right above the water with mature trees shading it and a large outside deck with built-in counter on the lake side. A palapa roof keeps things cool inside and the single bedroom (can be air conditioned) has a lovely tile bath adjoining it.

The handsome tile kitchen -- with hardwood cupboards, full-size fridge, stove, and ample counter space --  is compact and well organized. An open floorplan has the kitchen leading to the living room, with seating plus windows opening onto the lake just two meters away. A spacious ceramic tile deck in front of the palapa is surrounded by an artistic stone wall and cement-stone stairway leads you five steps into the lake. The water is crystal clear and the solitude amazing.Rates are $50 USD per night for from three to six nights; $300 USD per week; or $900 USD per month for double occupancy.

Diane’s Palapa sits ten meters above the lake with a wonderful vista and a stairway directly down to the covered, octagonal, hardwood dock. The two-story Palapa has a small kitchen with full-size fridge, two burner stove with oven, nice size living room, huge deck, loft with king bed and lots of ventilation, plus bath with shower.

The living room has very large windows (with screens) facing the lake and provides comfortable seating, including a trundle bed for guests. A large porch-patio offers plenty of room for sitting and relaxation, a charcoal grill, an out-door shower, and a great lake view. Rates are $60 USD per night for from three to six nights; $300 USD per week; or $900 USD per month for double occupancy.

The air conditioned, well-appointed Casita is decorated with Ginny's treasures. Recently renovated, the Casita offers a queen bed and sitting area with trundle bed, deck overlooking the laguna, TV and DVD player (DVD’s available in main house from Ginny), wireless internet access, and includes a small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate and Talavera sink. The Casita is spacious and airy, with large windows, tile floors, and tasteful decorations and is surrounded by bougainvilleas and other flowering plants. Bathroom includes a large tub-shower and another Talavera sink.

Rates are $60 USD per night for from three to six nights; $300 USD per week; or $900 USD per month for double occupancy.

Laguna Bacalar is one of the world's most beautiful lakes and offers a variety of nature-oriented activities, plus water sports like swimming, snorkeling, scuba, wind surfing, kayaking, lake tours, and bird tours.

Within 90 minutes of Bacalar are a dozen or more Maya ruins where tour busses never visit and wildlife shares the site with the few visitors who make their way.

The state capital, Chetumal, offers plenty of provisioning and shopping options as well as several tour companies providing Rio Hondo, caribbean, and jungle adventures. Belize is just 30 minutes from Pehaltun and provides visitors with another set of options for day trips or overnights.

Bob's Place - Rates are $50 USD per night for from three to six nights; $250 USD per week; or $750 USD per month for double occupancy.

Diane's Palapa - Rates are $60 USD per night for from three to six nights; $300 USD per week; or $900 USD per month for double occupancy.

Casita - Rates are $60 USD per night for from three to six nights; $300 USD per week; or $900 USD per month for double occupancy.