The Explorean Selva Maya Kohunlich
Family-friendly resort in Escarcega. Quiet, Romantic.
Things to Know
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(143 discussions)
The Explorean Selva Maya Kohunlich is one of the most unusual all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and it makes no apology for that. This is a 40-room eco-lodge buried in the Mayan jungle of southern Quintana Roo, and everything about it is designed around immersion rather than indulgence. The all-inclusive rate includes a guided excursion for every night booked - biking to Kohunlich ruins, kayaking the impossibly blue Bacalar Lagoon, hiking jungle trails with naturalist guides, exploring mangroves - and guests who come for those experiences leave raving. The 30-meter infinity pool looking out over unbroken jungle canopy is one of those genuinely striking moments you don't forget.
The tradeoffs are real. Getting here from Cancun takes most of a day. The bungalows are beautiful but rustic - thatched roofs, jungle sounds, and actual insects are part of the package. Guests who need strong wifi, multiple restaurants, evening entertainment beyond the scheduled program, or the energy of a social all-inclusive pool will be miserable. The food has gotten mixed reviews from repeat visitors who feel the quality has softened over time. The property is intimate by design, with around 40 rooms, so there's no hiding if something isn't working.
This resort is purpose-built for a specific traveler: adults who want to disconnect from screens and connect with an ancient landscape, who find Chichen Itza too crowded, and who are comfortable with nature as both entertainment and roommate. It competes with properties like Hacienda Chichen (Yucatan) and Azulik (Tulum) in the eco-luxury segment. For couples celebrating milestones, archaeology enthusiasts, or seasoned all-inclusive travelers looking for something genuinely different, Kohunlich delivers an experience that's hard to find anywhere else in Mexico.
Pros
- +All-inclusive rate includes guided excursions - one per night booked - covering biking to Kohunlich Mayan ruins, kayaking in the Bacalar lagoon, mangrove exploration, and jungle hikes
- +The 30-meter infinity pool overlooking the jungle canopy is a stunning centerpiece that guests describe as one of the most beautiful pool experiences they've had anywhere
- +Private thatched-roof bungalows with hammock terraces and rain showers blend seamlessly into the jungle, creating an immersive eco-lodge feel unlike any standard all-inclusive
- +Kohunlich Mayan archaeological site is an undervisited gem - Temple of the Masks with its giant carved faces is genuinely awe-inspiring and far less crowded than Chichen Itza or Tulum
- +Small, intimate property with a boutique hotel feel - staff know guests by name and experiences feel curated rather than mass-produced
- +Birdwatching at Kohunlich is exceptional - toucans, parrots, and dozens of jungle species visible from the property and on guided morning walks
- +The spa uses local botanical ingredients and offers treatments designed around the surrounding jungle environment, earning high marks for authenticity
- +Bacalar Lagoon kayaking excursion, where the 'Lake of Seven Colors' delivers extraordinary blues and greens, is frequently described as a trip highlight
Cons
- −Getting here requires serious commitment - the resort is in a remote part of Quintana Roo near the Belize border, roughly 3.5 hours from Cancun or 1.5 hours from Chetumal, with no direct resort shuttle from major airports
- −The small property and remote location means nightlife and off-property dining don't exist - guests who want options beyond the resort will feel stranded
- −Rooms are rustic-chic with thatched roofs; some guests have reported roof leaks during heavy rain that make the porch and sometimes interior unusable
- −The property is in the jungle, which means insects are present - guests who are highly sensitive to mosquitoes or bugs will find the environment uncomfortable regardless of repellent
- −Limited on-site amenities compared to larger all-inclusives: no waterpark, no casino, no multiple restaurant options or nightly entertainment beyond scheduled programming
- −Wifi is available but signals in the bungalows can be weak, which is by design in a digital detox-oriented eco property but frustrating for guests expecting connectivity
- −Price per night is high relative to the room category; the value proposition is the experience and included excursions, not the hardware, which disappoints guests expecting luxury furnishings
- −Food quality, while decent, has drawn criticism from returning guests who feel the menu has gotten more average over time and no longer justifies the premium pricing
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“What a unique place to stay in the jungle! The stay included daily tours and the all inclusive experience elevated this lodging to something truly special. It was great to return each afternoon to a refreshing infinity pool and afternoon drinks. We p...”
“Just got back from a 6 night stay at the Explorean Kohunlich. The experience was fantastic with the all inclusive including all the excursions. The service and food was amazing with a different menu everyday. The tour guides were knowledgeable, court...”
“Amazing experience! We had only stayed at large resorts before this, and this 40 room place blew us away. Love how close and easy everything is. There was always a table at the amazing restaurant and a lounger by the pool. Fantastic food and service....”