I want a list of scenic/touristic lakes in Mexico, as well as beaches
where one could build a resort/lodge with nice views of water.
In case of beaches I am not interested in the pacific side (except for
the Cortés Sea from Baja).

I am Mexican and have lived in Mexico most of my life.

Here are some places I highly recommend you check out:

- Valle de Bravo: A 2 1/2 hour drive west of Mexico City, will bring
you to this beautyful town set in a heavyly wooded area. It has a lake
which is actually a dam that is commonly used for sailing and water
ski, This is a very popular destination for Mexico City's richest. It
is a place that I really love and, in my opinion, has a poor hotel
offer right now.

- Lake Patzcuaro: In the western state of Michoacan, about a 1 hour
drive from Morelia City, there's lake Patzcuaro. The small town that
goes by the same name, Patzcuaro is the main population center around
the lake, which is known for its very good white fish. In the very
center of the lake there's Janitzio island, which is also inhabited
and a very popular tourist destination, however, the island is so
small that as far as I know there isn't any space left to build a
hotel. Most hotels in the area are set in Patzcuaro, and people take
ferry boats to make day trips to the island of Janitzio. They really
need a NICE hotel in the area, because it's really popular, but the
best yu can get right now is a 3 star hotel.

- Mayan Riviera: It all started in the 70's with Cancun in the
eastside of the Yucatán peninsula. South of Cancun, there's the small
town of Playa del Carmen (also known by some as Playacar). Playa del
Carmen has grown a lot under the influence of Cancun and has become an
alternate detination for many tourists. The very long strip of land
and virgin beaches between Cancun and Playacar are slowly being
developed with all kind of hotels, from big name resorts, to small
boutique hotels. If you choose this destination, hurry up, because
prices of land are going up fast. With amazing views of the Caribbean
and surrounded by thousands of different attractions that range from
archaelogical sites to great shopping and activities for kids, adults
and older people, as well as all kind of golf or extreme sports, this
is a sure bet.

Of course there are MANY MANY additional options, but these are some
of my favorites and I'm actually quite familiar with them. My personal
choice, if I had the money, would be Valle de Bravo or Riviera Maya.

I hope this helps.

Sam.

Thank you very much Sam