Property is heavenly ! Marvin’s service was superb we loved the view the tranquility of the room and the overall peacefulness the place exudes! Definitely get the massage it was blissful and one of the best I’ve ever had

Stayed in March 2024

While close to Panajachel, you will need to use tuktuks to get around. Our villa was conveniently at the top, but others may be down further steps.

We had an incredible experience staying at the B’alam Ya! The view onto Lake Atitlán is unparalleled and the location is close to Panajachel which makes your trip more flexible. We loved renting the (free) kayaks to watch the sunrise from the water- I recommend it early in the morning before the ferries start. Marvin was excellent as the property manager- he helped us organize tuktuks and boat rides, plan our trip, order food, using kayaks, and even called a company to see if they’d be open. Deborah was also delightful providing breakfast in the morning- trust me, the fruit and yogurt is more than fine and comes with many additional treats. The villa was very comfortable with blessedly hot, strong showers. The bed was perfectly firm yet soft, and the TV actually worked well with online options like Netflix- a first for us in Guatemala. The kitchen was very well stocked, as well. We loved the little patio to read during sunsets, and I really can’t stress enough bough how great the view is. I also think it was very clean. I honestly can’t recommend this place enough!

Stayed in March 2024

It‘s a bit far from everything, but I appreciated as I was able to wind down completely.

Marvin, the do—all, is an asset! He organizes just anything for you: Tuktuks, hikes, food etc. The location is wonderfully kept, the access to the lake is excellent, the views breathtaking.

Stayed in March 2024

Beautiful views on a beautifully maintained property with very friendly and responsive staff!

Stayed in February 2024

B’Alam Ya is a little paradise. The grounds are gorgeous and are so beautifully maintained. My husband and I stayed in the Jade Villa and loved every minute of the time we were there. Waking up to the view of the volcanos, listening to the birdsong, relaxing on our private deck- it really was paradise. Marvin was exceptional. From the moment I booked through to when my husband and I checked out, Marvin was very responsive and helped us with any need we had. Everything about B’Alam Ya is exceptional. We loved our stay!

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

The villa is located right on the lake with spectacular views! The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The manager was available at any time. We hired a chef for one night who prepared us great food. I would go back in heartbeat.

Stayed in February 2024

It was amazingly beautiful and clean. Close enough but far enough away from Panajachel that you can go to great restaurants and shop but be with peace and quiet at night. Everyone was super helpful.

Stayed in February 2024

There is nothing much not to like. Just a reminder, that some of the cottages are located along a steeply inclined path. If you have a problem with your knee, it might not be the easiest to walk up and down from the parking lot. They did very kindly arrange a private cart for us though.

Balam Ya is a wonderful boutique property, where you can have your private moment. While the location is fantastic, right on the lake with its private jetty, the best thing about the property is its staff. Marvin, the Manager was extremely responsive to all our needs. He ensured that we had the perfect stay. Can't thank him enough.

Stayed in January 2024

The property is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. The staff were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to help. The views were fantastic. Availability of transport options was great.

Stayed in January 2024

The whole cabin was amazing. The room was comfortable and the facilities excellent. The view was unbelievable, especially for the sunset. The property is a good location, nearby to the large town where a lot of the tours go from. We were also able to get a boat tour right from the jetty at the property

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing really. Just a note that there’s no food at Balam Ya so it’s important to plan ahead for meals. We did the private chef dinner one night and it was delicious!

Marvin and Ericka were incredibly helpful and responsive at answering all my many questions! Huge thank you. The stay was perfect.

Stayed in January 2024

That we had to leave😭

Absolutely everything. The villa was beautiful, the beds were comfy, the view was spectacular. The staff went out of their way to be so kind and helpful. I cannot thank them enough. Their service is stellar. Nothing is too much trouble. If I could give them a higher rating than 10 I would.

Stayed in December 2023

The villas were beautiful and all had incredible views! The property and gardens are also a highlight, and the staff were always responsive and helpful!

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing

The privacy. The help given by Marvin. Having a private chef.

Stayed in November 2023

The Mayan dinner option was not worth the price. The unit was located on a hill which was great for the view but very difficult to walk up and down to the lake. Marvin was very helpful though and drove my friend back and forth on his motorcycle. I would have like the option to choose a different unit that was closer to the lake. We used the boat tour offered by the property and it was very expensive. I would suggest people get a boat from the town where it is much more reasonable. Would have liked to have more coffee options like espresso. It is Guatemala so not hard to find great coffee!

Marvin was an incredible host!! He looked after every detail. The breakfast was very good. We paid for the additional option. The young woman who takes care of breakfast and cleaning the room is also great! The view was great and enjoyed paddle boarding of off the dock. The lake is incredibly clear and clean and despite what I had read elsewhere, a great location to swim. Highly recommend watching sunset and sunrise from Balam Ya.

Stayed in November 2023

The access to the property (a lighting signal would be great for the night) and the narrow road to drive to our villa.

The stunning view from the villa, the quiet and the wild area, (with all the sounds of the birds), the garden in the property, the service and the kayaking in the lake.

Stayed in July 2023

We had a wonderful experience here at Villa B’alam Ya! Prior to arrival, Marvin provided directions to the villa and options to get there. We had arrived earlier than the check in time, so they allowed us to drop off our bags while we went to explore the town. Marvin & Erika messaged us when the room was ready, and when we arrived, our bags had already been sent to the room ! We had hiked Volcano Acatenango the day before, so I was very sore and struggled to walk down to the villa. Erika had asked a staff, Carlo, to drive us down to the villa ! During our stay, everything was wonderful. We enjoyed our time on the lake kayaking and paddle boarding. On our very last day, I had unfortunately fell very ill, likely from something I had eaten in town. Marvin took care of us. I messaged him in the morning asking if someone could help me go to the pharmacy, he went there personally and delivered medicine to us. Even though the villa was full and we couldn’t stay there any longer, he helped us by making some calls, booked us a new hotel room in town, and asked a staff to drive us straight from our room to the hotel. When we were departing the villa, Marvin told us to reach out if there’s anything else he could assist us with. I cried. In a very unfortunate circumstance, a kind person’s action really makes a difference. Marvin even provided 2 hospital’s names and phone numbers. I went to one of the hospital he suggested, and received very good care, and was sent on my way the correct medication to recover in my hotel room. Thank you to Marvin and his team. We had an unforgettable experience.

Stayed in May 2023

Nothing - of course a little expensive but worth it

We enjoyed everything, we had the villa Soluna, the place is Amazing, the staff is very nice, helpful and accomodating So quiet and relaxing with a breathtaking view One of the best stay of my life !

Stayed in May 2023

Nothing.

Top notch service, beautiful property, amazing stay.

Stayed in April 2023

The location was incredible and the property managers went truly above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable.

Stayed in March 2023

Stunningly beautiful. surrounded by nature and scenic views of the lake. Five star staff and Marvin is absolute gem of a person. Extremely attentive and helpful with everything we asked of him.

Stayed in February 2023

a bit far out

gorgeous

Stayed in March 2023

more pillows!

the general manager, Marvin, went above and beyond at every opportunity

Stayed in February 2023

Ordering food can be challenging. plan ahead or bring your own food and use the kitchen.

amazing location between Pana and Santa Catarina. secluded and beautiful.

Stayed in February 2023