Cen Balam: Cherished for years, this lovely two- bedroom, two-bath La Sirena #5 is a corner unit located directly on Half Moon Bay, Akumal in between the beach and the complex's beautiful, tropical gardens, which surround the large, blue- tile lined pool, with both a lap lane and a sunning ledge.
Experience the best of the Mayan Riviera here: the snorkeling, the food (from restaurants or your own kitchen), the local renowned craftsmanship, and of course the sunset views, all in a quiet tropical beachfront setting.
Cen Balam's owners love this part of the world and have traveled throughout Latin America collecting amazing, one-of-a-kind Latin American artwork. This artwork adorns the condo and is it's focal point. Exotic objet d'art include Mayan wood carvings, oil paintings of local flora and fauna, and Guatamalen weavings. All beautifully displayed.
With the floor to ceiling windows and patio on the beach side, and the multiple patios on the courtyard side, panoramic views abound. White sand and the turquoise waters of the bay, and sea beyond, amazing garden views of flora and fauna, and the jungle beyond dominate.
Inside, each of the two bedrooms has a very comfortable king- size bed, with quality linens and wonderful detail, and each has its own private patio. The two accompanying bathrooms are well equipped, as is the kitchen, indoor dining area, living area, and outdoor dining area on the beach side patio.. There is even a mini-office for that work day or e-mail!
As travelers ourselves we have adapted our policies to be much more supportive than the standard, including more flexible payment and cancellation options. We have also implemented the most modern current cleaning protocols. And our staff are dedicated only to us, they don't move around to other complexes... Less exposure. Finally our complex is twice the size as others, with the same number of units. So social distancing is natural. Check out our website for details!
Everything is provided for a stress free vacation: Free parking, Wifi, daily maid service (except on Sunday), unlimited bottled water delivered to the unit, full air conditioning, satellite TV, all linens, including beach towels, and so much more!
Make sure to look at our other 2 bedroom listings and their reviews VRBO # 44902 #4523903 and VRBO # 4315869.
DETAILS Cen Balam (Cave of the Jaguar) was intended as a private second home and has only recently become available as a vacation rental. The owners and guests love the second-floor, corner location, with its feeling of increased privacy and security, and its views over Half-Moon Bay and the Caribbean beyond.
The condo's design and location provides wonderful flow-through sea breezes. There is also A/C throughout, and ceiling fans in all rooms, including the open-air beach front beach front patio. Cen Balam is also one of the few units in the area that have the finest in upgraded doors and windows, which provide increased security, protection from the elements, including noise, heat and storms.
The kitchen, with its custom made window shade, has been remodeled, with additional cabinets, and new appliances while still retaining the local tropical rustic character. It is well stocked with Fiesta Ware dishes, and green, hand-blown Mexican glassware, as well as matching cutlery. Enjoy playing in this wonderful kitchen surrounded by views of Half Moon Bay.
The dining area boasts a large supply of table linens, many of which are local or Guatemalan handicrafts, as are the throw-cushions and bed scarves in the bedrooms.
Both bedrooms can be opened to the breeze. Both feature Mexican and/or Maya décor, including framed antique prints of Frederick Catherwood's original drawings of Maya ruins. Both beds have embroidered Guatemalan throw-cushions and hand-made bed scarves, and both bedrooms have their own private patios, with a table and chairs, ensuring a peaceful place for that early morning cup of coffee, as well as a shady place to relax. These patios overlook the beautiful gardens surrounding the swimming pool and the jungle beyond.
All the rooms are decorated with original Mexican or Maya art. Many of the wood carvings are by Efrain Cetz, acknowledged as one of the finest Maya craftsmen practicing today. His large, bas-relief, cedar carving of a Maya Death Canoe overlooking the dining area was based on an original design carved on a piece of ancient bone found at the Maya site of Tikal in Guatemala.
The pieces in Cen Balam represent commissions by the owners, but carvings by Efrain Cetz (aka "Chino") are now available in Lamanai (a not-to-be missed shop on the beach, outside the Lol Ha Restaurant Palapa). Many of the paintings in Cen Balam are by Isabel Schober, a local resident and artist.
A permanent library on Maya art and history (books are clearly marked) is available for guests' use while in Cen Balam. There are also various paper back novels for relaxing on the beach ("take one if you need to; leave one if you can"). An assortment of games is present in the condo, and a television (with Netflix) has been installed for the convenience of guests.
And to make your vacation even more stress free, we can help with airport transfers, groceries and even tour planning! Let us know what you wish!
As a reminder, we follow a seasonal cancellation policy. As there are constant changes being made by the OTAs, this may not always be reflected properly in their system. As an integrated partner with proven exceptional service and fairness, our Rental Agreement takes precedence. For Details see our rule or feel free to ask Ask Questions.
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Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Sea view
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Great snorkeling from this beachfront condo, AC in bedrooms!
Akumal
Great snorkeling from this beachfront condo, AC in bedrooms!
For Holiday rentals, we require either Christmas or NY week, or both weeks. We cannot accept partial weeks that include both. You may add on each end.
All bookings require the signing of our Rental Agreement, sent to you as a separate email, and includes detailed rules and policies.
Cancellation/change policies are detailed in the Rental Agreement. Summary: If we can easily make a change we will. Refunds are seasonally dependent.
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
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Akumal
Located in Akumal, this condo is near theme parks and on the beach. Riviera Maya Golf Club and Puerto Aventuras Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Half Moon Bay and Akumal Beach. Xel-Há Park and Akumal Ecological Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and horse riding.
Akumal, QROO
What's nearby
Half Moon Bay - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Yal-ku Lagoon - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Akumal Beach - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
Riviera Maya Golf Club - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
Xcaret Eco Theme Park - 29 min drive - 36.6 km
Getting around
Tulum Intl. Airport (TQO) - 81 min drive
Restaurants
Pueblito Lindo - 9 min drive
Oishi Japanese Restaurant - 9 min drive
Mezcal Lobby Bar - 9 min drive
Restaurante Rodizio Steak House - 8 min drive
Gaia - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art!?
As of 18 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art! on 20 Apr, 2026 start from S$190, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Akumal condo building is within a 10-minute walk of Yal-ku Lagoon and Half Moon Bay. Akumal Beach is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a lovely 11 day stay ar the beachfront condo in Akumal. Staff were friendly and it was a noxe quiet and peaceful stay close to other great beaches and great spots to eat. Fully stocked kitchen for amenities and just an all around lovely and tranquil spot.
Annie P.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jan, 2026
We're so happy that you had a wonderful time with us. We do work hard to maintain our quiet and peaceful lovely environment.
The beds were cozy, the kitchen was stocked. Having an 18L bottle of purified water was so handy as we all drink a lot of water. The community felt safe and was quiet. The beach area was seaweed-free despite a huge amount having come into the area a few days before. You can see the sunrise and sunset from this unit's deck. There are actually three decks in this unit. We even saw a Pygmy Owl! We would definitely stay again.
Shannon J.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Apr, 2026
Shannon, Thanks for the review, and I'm so glad you saw the pygmy owl. Our complex, La Sirena, is the only complex in Akumal that has the gardens to support them and other precious animals. We actually plant specific items to provide food and shelter for them. And yes, we are also the only complex that always has a clean beach!
The condo is beautiful and has everything we could need. The garden was amazing and the views gorgeous. This was our favorite stop in the Yucatan Peninsula.
sabrina s.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
alanna t.
10 Nov, 2025
Paradise
The property was amazing! Great location, great staff. The pool was beautiful although we spent most of our time in the ocean. Bring water shoes, we bought some there at big grocery store for cheap. We didn’t want to leave and hope to be back one day! Local restaurants and shops were great. There a so many activities near by we had full days and still did not cross everything off the list.
The condo and grounds are amazing and well maintained. While Half Moon Bay was disappointing for snorkeling, Yal Ku was 2 minutes away and provided a unique experience. Also, nearby National Guard post was reassuring although never felt unsafe. The reason for three stars was for one week, the noise coming from condo next door was loud and constant and really negatively affected time in the condo. My wife goes to bed by 9:30 and the noise made it difficult for her to get to sleep. Unfortunately, the condo is directly exposed to noise from their pool and outdoor deck. The host attempted to address issue but with limited success.
We were staying at an all inclusive resort but there were too many people there so we booked this place last minute to save our holiday. Best decision we made.
Chad A.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jun, 2025
Chad, You got it! That's exactly what happened to us! And we never looked back. So next time, if this condo is booked, look at 44902 3834981 and 2297825 all incredible condos and only in La Sirena ! Our repeat guests say we are the private hidden micro-resort!
The front balcony looked over the ocean... the courtyard and pool area looked like a botanical garden. The condo is very nice and full of beautiful artwork
Matthew B.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jun, 2025
Matthew, thanks so much for the wonderful compliments. Our gardens are the pride and joy of our owners. And no where else in Akumal!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jerome and Ann G.
2 Mar, 2019
Peaceful adventure
Very relaxing and peaceful setting with the bay in front and pool in back for variety.
Jerome and Ann G.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
HI Jerry, Thanks for staying with us! We agree, we thing that having both our big beach area, as well as our pool and gardens makes an especially inviting vacation. Honestly, as much as we love the beach, sometimes we need a break from the salt. And we do love all the flowering tropicals, birds and butterflies they attract. Come back at a different time of the year, and see different things !
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Elena O.
28 Jan, 2025
Amazing apartment
Great location,quiet and peaceful
My husband and I loved to staying here. The apartment is beautiful and clean. We have been coming to Half Moon Bay for 5 years now and are always very happy. Would definitely recommend to others!!!
Elena O.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Katie M.
7 Apr, 2024
Excellent
This is a wonderful property with an excellent view.
The place had everything we needed and then some. I highly recommend booking here.
Katie M.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr, 2024
Hi Thanks so much for the review. We owners especially love that while we are in the middle of Mayan Riviera with everything easy to get to, it feels as though we are very secluded. And yes our views are to die for!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy B.
1 Dec, 2025
Best pool and gardens
Cen Balam is our favorite condo in Half Moon Bay, and we have stayed in many different condos up and down the bay. The kitchen is fully equipped, the beds are comfortable and the balcony is perfect for sunsets. The northern part of the bay has easy access to snorkeling in the bay along with great tide pool exploring. There are always sun loungers and palapas available to enjoy on the beach, unlike other condo complexes. The swimming pool is great for little ones, as it has a large shallow platform, and plenty of deeper water for adults. But my favorite part of La Sirena, is the gardens. You really feel like you’re in a tropical oasis. Actually, you are in a tropical oasis!
Jeremy B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Judy S.
26 Feb, 2024
Comfortable and a beautiful view
Enjoyed our time spent at this comfortable and beautiful condo. We enjoyed sitting on the porch. Being near the water and spending time on the sand sunning is wonderful.
Everything was ready upon our arrival. Beautiful sight ocean and the gardens were lovely. Highly recommend.
Kerry F.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Feb, 2024
Kerry, Thanks for the great review. We owners of La Sirena feel the same: we love having both our gorgeous tropical gardens and the best beach views of Akumal. Be sure to check most website for more photos and updates!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kerry W.
2 Apr, 2019
Fantastic tropical getaway
Our family of four had a great stay. Beautiful well-appointed condo, friendly staff, very quiet & relaxed atmosphere, exactly as advertised. The views from the balcony were breathtaking, lagoon snorkeling was magical and there was so much to see and explore. Our family of four had a wonderful, rejuvenating holiday. Highly recommended!
Kerry W.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
Kerry, thanks so much for a great review. Come back when it's turtle season. It's even more magical!
This property is blissful and soul refreshing. We spent 90% of our time on the porch. Perfect location. Great pool.
Anne Y.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Feb, 2024
Anne, Thanks so much for the review and we are so glad you had a wonderful time at both the condo and our complex La Sirena. Our repeat guest tell us we are the hidden jewel of Akumal as no one realizes how special we are from the road because you can't see it! Once people walk past our infrastructure building, it's a totally different world! Come and and enjoy us again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mariya K.
12 Feb, 2024
Perfect
A beautiful condo with everything you need. Location is perfect. Easy walking distance to Yal Ku and several great restaurants. Very nice reef right off the property beach. The grounds are lush and the pool was great. Thank you!
Mariya K.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr, 2024
Thanks so much for the review, they are so important for other potential guests. You can also see more reviews on my website!
I have stayed at La Sirena several times now and keep returning because it is excellent. This was my first stay in number 5 and I enjoyed it immensely. The views from all the condos here are lovely and the design of the condos is such that the vistas can be enjoyed from virtually anywhere. The gardens and pool are particularly attractive, night and day. Once again, my only complaint is that it is time to go. Thank you to the owners who clearly take such pride in the decoration and upkeep of their condos.
Cen Balaam was everything we had hoped for: a comfortable apartment, a lovely beach, a large, welcoming pool. We spent a good bit of time on our corner deck looking out at the beautiful water. Daily housekeeping was a plus, and everything was exceptional clean. The beds were extremely comfortable; the air-conditioning worked perfectly; the sun never failed to shine. There are some wonderful restaurants within walking distance. All in all, a great place .
Mill J.
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Pat D.
17 Aug, 2024
This condo has it all
This is a perfect Akumal condo on the quiet end of Half Moon Bay. Snorkeling is right out front and a short walk to YalKu and several restaurants. The view is the best! You can see the entire bay with the floor to ceiling windows. We like to cook and the kitchen has everything, even a maid to clean up! The large swimming pool located in the beautiful garden in the middle of the condo was great to cool off.
We visited in August and found the whisper quiet AC in every room kept things cool when the sea breezes were not enough. This was our second stay in this condo and we're already planning a trip back.
The place was just as described, though I would say the art and brightness of the condo was even better than the photos show. The concrete base for the couch made us more likely to do other things than hang out in the condo. it was hot in June so we did mostly water activities. The pool was so hot, we never used it. We didn't rent a car, so had to rent bikes to get to the restaurants and mini-mart. Had it been cooler, the walks would have been doable. a taxi to dos ojos was about $100 US dollars, so consider that as a comparison to the cost of renting a car. snorkeling just outside the condo in the early morning was my favorite thing.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at La Sirena Condos on Half Moon Bay, Akumal. The Cen Balem corner unit is in a perfect location on the bay for views out to the ocean and of the bay. Snorkeling is very good right out from the front of the condos. We enjoyed being able to sit on the balcony and look out on the bay or sit on the balcony on the other side of the unit when the sun was too hot. The inner courtyard is beautiful with many lovely flowering plants. The unit was very quiet and complete with a well supplied kitchen and comfortable beds. It was easy to contact Diana whenever we had questions about the unit or places to go. The location is also great for touring Mayan ruins (Tulum, Coba and Muyil) and exploring cenotes (many within a few minutes). We enjoyed having a great home-base to come back to that was peaceful with the ocean surf to listen to. We'd stay again, it was great!
Melissa W.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Feb, 2024
Melissa, Thanks for such a comprehensive review. We do love our complex and our condos. And you are right: we are literally in the middle of the Maya Riviera so it's so easy to get to everything; yet when you are in our small complex, it feels like you are in a private reserve!
About the host
Hosted by Diana
Besotted with the Maya, and after traveling the Yucatan (collecting many beautiful things), Mary Sue and Glen bought this condo naming it Cen Balam "Cave of the Jaguar', their reprise from the rest of the world. Now when they can't be here, they share it with others.
Why they chose this property
Our little complex, La Sirena is special in that we have double the space that other properties in HMB. This allows us to have a wonderful large pool, as well as gardens and no crowds on our beach. The set up of our building is such that it feels more like attached houses, not condos.
What makes this property unique
We are on Half Moon Bay (HMB) which is considered the 'original' Akumal, along with Akumal Bay. HMB, now called 'North Akumal' is where most of the beach front houses and small condo complexes are; and is a designated ecological zone, therefore it is very low density. So while you are close to everything you feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere because its very private and quieter.
All types of water sports are available, including deep sea fishing and swimming with dolphins. There are also many close by activities, Nature Parks, Hiking/Walking, and Museums. Being a center of strong ecological conservation, Akumal has incredible snorkeling and some of the best diving in the Caribbean, being on the Meso-American reef (2nd longest reef system in the world), With an established environmental center Centro Ecologica Akumal (CEA), you also have opportunities to various eco-tourism activities such as turtle monitoring.
In addition to the water sports and adventure parks, there are many culture activities, as our area has many Mayan ruins close by, the major ones being Coba, Tulum, Muyhuil, and Ek-Balam.
We truly are the center of a great vacation spot!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests