Villas B'alam Ya

We loved waking up to breakfast delivered to Villa Mirador and spent one evening enjoying the private chef dinner. Marvin was friendly and quick to help, from arranging rides to and from the property to sharing recommendations. There are kayaks and an outdoor lounge area, plus services like massages that we didn't try. The villa was huge for the four of us and could easily have fit six. Every room had a fantastic lake view, and the grounds were immaculate. The only drawback is the steep incline, which could be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. Still, I highly recommend B'alam Ya for a visit to Lake Atitlan.

The lake views were breathtaking, and we could use kayaks and stand up paddle boards at no extra charge. My partner and I spent three nights in January 2023 in a one-bedroom villa. The place felt remarkably peaceful and unlike anywhere I've stayed before. The different-sized lodges sit among lovely, well-kept gardens and flowers. I can't recommend it enough.

The staff were the real highlight for us. They got back to me right away whenever I had a question or needed something. We stayed in the Bambú Villa, which works for 3-4 people and can take up to 5. It was beautiful, with a great view, and we enjoyed the fireplace, kitchen, and kayaks. Both shower heads in our villa had problems, though they seemed to know about it and were looking into a fix. Apart from that, we had an awesome stay and would happily come back. Highly recommend.

Marvin, the concierge, was quick to help arrange massages and tuk tuks, and even helped me get medicine when I got sick. Katie, one of the owners, was wonderful too. We stayed in Villa Jade, a good fit for two, with unbeatable views, lush private grounds, and easy access to the lake. The full-size kitchen and patio make it easy to stay in and cook, or you can get to Panajachel in about ten minutes to explore town and catch the water taxi. We had a wonderful stay and couldn't recommend it more.