Bakabá is a preconstruction residential development in Playacar Phase 2, the most consolidated gated community in Playa del Carmen, along Av. Paseo Xaman-Ha. Its premise is uncommon for the area: genuine low density. The master plan spans 69,700 m² with more than 60% dedicated to green areas, gardens and amenities —preserved jungle instead of the tower saturation that dominates much of the Riviera Maya. The name is of Maya origin (BAAL: protects · KAAB: earth · Á: yours) and the architecture, by Darkitectos, works white volumes, stone and wood with green roofs and planted terraces.
Inventory ranges from 1 to 3 bedrooms in three formats: ground-floor Gardens with private garden and pool, Middle Floor units on intermediate levels, and Penthouses with a private rooftop (solarium, jacuzzi and grill). Bathroom count matches bedrooms —1, 2 or 3— and 2- and 3-bedroom penthouses add a half-bath on the rooftop. Sizes start around 70 m² and reach ~266 m² in the 3-bedroom penthouses.
Prices from $315,300 USD (≈ $5,424,000 MXN at the DOF exchange rate of 17.2023, Jun 17 2026) for the entry 1-bedroom unit, up to ~$832,300 USD (≈ $14,318,000 MXN) for the penthouses. Flexible payment in three plans: 30/70 with no discount, 50/50 with 3% off, and 80/20 with 7%. Delivery from December 2027.
As with any preconstruction, the value here is appreciation during the build and the structural scarcity of land inside Playacar, not immediate cashflow. Foreign buyers acquire via bank trust (fideicomiso), since Playacar sits within Mexico's 50 km restricted coastal zone. Nautilus coordinates due diligence, fideicomiso and bilingual closing, and verifies each unit's price and availability directly with the developer before any offer.
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Vista Aérea
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Arquitectura Conjunto Residencial
Arquitectura Edificios Selva
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Plano Maestro Conjunto
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Specifications
Recámaras1
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Construcción70.39 m²
Playacar Fase 2 — la comunidad cerrada más consolidada de Playa del Carmen✓
Baja densidad real: 69,700 m² con +60% de áreas verdes✓
1 a 3 recámaras en tres formatos: Gardens, Middle Floor y Penthouse✓
Gardens en planta baja con jardín y alberca privada✓
Penthouses con rooftop privado: solario, jacuzzi y asador✓
Baños iguales a recámaras (PH de 2-3 rec con ½ baño en rooftop)✓
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bakabá and why does being in Playacar Phase 2 matter?
Bakabá sits on Av. Paseo Xaman-Ha, inside Playacar Phase 2, in Playa del Carmen (Solidaridad municipality, Quintana Roo). Coordinates: 20.6087102, -87.1011804. Playacar is the most consolidated gated community in Playa del Carmen: a private development with a 24/7 security gate, scarce land and proven demand. From the development there is access to Fifth Avenue, the Caribbean beaches, the Cozumel ferry and the Hard Rock Riviera Maya golf course. That consolidation —there isn't much new land left inside Playacar— is precisely what supports long-term value.
What unit types, sizes and bathroom counts are there?
The development offers 1 to 3 bedrooms in three formats: Gardens (ground floor with private garden and pool), Middle Floor (intermediate levels) and Penthouse (with a private rooftop, solarium, jacuzzi and grill). Per the developer's floor plans, bathroom count matches bedrooms: 1 bedroom = 1 bath, 2 = 2 baths, 3 = 3 baths; additionally, 2- and 3-bedroom penthouses add a half-bath on the rooftop (2.5 and 3.5). Sizes range from ~70 m² in the 1-bedroom unit up to ~266 m² in the 3-bedroom penthouse, and Gardens units add a private garden.
How much does it cost and what is the payment plan?
Prices start at $315,300 USD (≈ $5,424,000 MXN) for the entry 1-bedroom unit and reach ~$832,300 USD (≈ $14,318,000 MXN) for the 3-bedroom penthouses. The USD figure is referential, at the DOF FIX rate of 17.2023 (Jun 17 2026), and adjusts with the daily exchange rate. The developer offers three payment plans: 30% down and 70% on delivery (no discount), 50/50 (3% off) or 80/20 (7% off). Nautilus confirms each unit's price and availability directly with the developer before any offer.
When is delivery and what does buying preconstruction involve?
Delivery is from December 2027. Buying preconstruction means the return is built mainly through appreciation during the build and the scarcity of land inside Playacar, not through immediate rental cashflow (there is no unit to rent until delivery). In exchange, you access preconstruction pricing and deferred payment plans. It's a patient-capital thesis: it suits buyers purchasing for location and the preconstruction-to-delivery spread, with awareness of construction timelines.
What makes Bakabá different from other Riviera Maya developments?
Its differentiator is low density: 69,700 m² with more than 60% dedicated to green areas and amenities, versus the tower saturation that dominates much of the market. In practice that means ground-floor Gardens with private garden and pool, penthouses with their own rooftop, three tiered pools with waterfalls, 25 m lap pools, paddle and pickleball, spa, gym, yoga studio and the Centro Bakabá (café-deli, lounge, business center, sports lounge and an events hall for 100). Darkitectos' architecture prioritizes integration with the jungle over maximizing unit count.
Does fideicomiso apply for foreigners and what are the closing costs?
Yes. Playa del Carmen is within the restricted zone (50 km from the coast), so foreign buyers acquire via a bank trust (fideicomiso), a standard legal vehicle granting full ownership rights (use, rental, sale and inheritance) with a 50-year, renewable term. Approximate cost: $2,500-$4,000 USD setup plus ~$600 USD annually. On top of that are the ISAI (acquisition tax, 4% in Playa del Carmen) and notary and trust fees at closing. The maintenance fee (HOA) is confirmed by the developer per unit type. Nautilus coordinates a bilingual notary and fiduciary bank.