Apartment in State of Quintana Roo
5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this apartment rental
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, maid service, 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.
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, maid service, 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.
Amenities at Beachfront+Snorkeling+Stunning Pool+Gardens & Art!
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of State of Quintana Roo
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
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.
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2025
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!
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2025
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.
5 / 10·Jan 2021
Can Balam is a well-appointed 2nd floor 2BR condo on the northern most part of Halfmoon Bay. The grounds of the property are safe and very well maintained. The gardens and pool are meticulously maintained daily and are beautiful. The unit itself is home to a lovely collection of Meso-American art and boasts a well-stocked kitchen. We cooked in for the majority of our stay. The tile finishes in the bathrooms are a bit dated but they are clean and well maintained. The water pressure is great. Air temperature can be set separately for both bedrooms and the living area. The windows can also be opened front and back for wonderful cross breezes and having the huge windows in front open meant the sound of the ocean filled the unit. The unit is so close to the water that from most perspectives inside looking out through the huge windows it’s as if you’re floating in the ocean; a magical effect. The corner balcony was a nice place to enjoy breakfast looking SW down the arc of the bay. The access to the reef is easy, less than 100yds. Our teenagers snorkeled often in varying conditions and were always safe. The ocean was warmer than the pool by several degrees... amazing. You can walk one block away for paid access to Yal Kul lagoon. We opted to simply swim into the lagoon from the point; a safe and interesting snorkel starting in salt water and ultimately ending in freshwater. We enjoyed or extended stay here and felt it was an excellent value. We would return without hesitation. 5 stars!
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Top rated by guests
9.9Outstanding
(56 Ratings)
"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 kitche..."
Annie P.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
