Paamul’s Beach and Palapa Community are tucked away in a nice secluded area. Its serene setting is perfect when wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the neighboring towns and their tourist traps. This quiet community has its own clubhouse, a beachside pool, restaurant and bar, hotel and even its own little church. The eco-friendly neighborhood has little to no impact on its tropical surroundings.
Our companion who also chauffeured us around on this marvelous day, turned off Mexico’s Federal Highway 307 and onto a dirt road that led to a metal gate (pictured left). We explained to the guard that we were here to have lunch and enjoy the seemingly private beach. They recorded our license plate number and allowed us through with a day pass.
We drove a little further on the dirt road until we found a place to park. The community was surrounded by palm trees and dense jungle. The open- air restaurant and bar offered great views almost anywhere you sit. The slightly elevated dining area overlooks the beach and the Caribbean water.
The pool is conveniently situated next to the restaurant and looked to have a very relaxing atmosphere. I could see myself wading in the pool while enjoying the fabulous views.
On this particular day the sky was a spectacular bright blue that seemingly reflected the Caribbean’s turquoise water. Put your favorite beverage in hand, select a lounge chair either in the sunshine or under a shady palm or palapa and let your imagination run free.
This charming and unspoiled beach has an unbelievable setting. It is semi-private and only available to the community’s residents, people who are staying at the hotel, and outside guest who want to come and experience the Paamul Restaurant. There are perfectly placed thatched roof palapas on the beach. They provide lounge chairs and small connected tables where you can place your drinks and snacks.
The shoreline has a variety of terrain that goes between soft white sand and rocky edges that hold small tide pools (pictured above - left).
The un-doctored and true-to-life video to follow shows the restaurant and the pool with their incredible views. Enjoy!
The Palapa community that is tucked gently within the tropical environment is very unique in so many ways. People begin with a motorhome, camping trailer or some type of mobile residence and build out from there. Most owners will construct a oversized palapa that covers the entire area which will eventually become their living space.
There are several odd features to these unique homes that are sometimes hard to understand. But once you see them up close, you will realize how they combine indoor and outdoor living under one giant thatched roof. Its overall space is comparable to camping out with a continuous extension from the basic - beginning living quarters.
There are a few palapa styled homes that utilize as much local timber as possible. It gives them more of a natural looking façade. The thatched roofs keep with the communities namesake. The palapa house shown left, is a perfect example how relaxed the neighborhood really is. There is a hammock on the second floor, a swing chair hanging on the porch, and a child’s pretty pink bike in the front yard. It looks like a picture right out of a Norman Rockwell Illustration.
The streets are not curbed, guttered or riddled with storm drains. There are no stop lights or confusing intersections. No obnoxious signs saying this way or that way. Actually there are very few if any street signs polluting the scenery. What you will see is simple dwellings coexisting amongst nature’s landscape. Paamul Beach and Palapa Community’s property lines extend from the Caribbean water’s edge to the lush tropical foliage.
The secluded community isn’t without its amenities. Besides the fabulous pool area, there is a community center that also has a worship hall for Sunday services. Its small curving bay offers kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and diving tours. There are also plenty of spots on the beach to settle in and have a day of fun in the sun.
As mentioned in the above paragraphs, Paamul’s Restorante serves great food and a variety of cold beverages at very reasonable prices. When we were having lunch, the table over from us was selecting from one of the fresh caught fish for their afternoon entrees. This is not to say that our meals weren’t good. Our compliments to the chef!
It felt so good to be out and away from the city and all its rustling crowds. Paamul’s Beach and Palapa Community is not your mainstream tourist destination. Its nice to sometimes just get away and relax, clear your mind, and breath in the fresh sea air. When visiting the Riviera Maya zone, its recommended that you take time to visit this out of the way destination.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Videography: Anthony Scopel & Crew
Article Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
“A gracious thank you to Patricia Hanson for providing such a great afternoon”
