What it is

The whitewashed oceanside getaway of an Italian duchess turned 51-room boutique hotel.

What it isn't

A massive megaresort. This hotel feels like home...if home is a photo shoot–worthy slice of oceanfront nirvana.

What we think

If you don’t currently have any friends who own leafy 50-acre estates perched on turquoise Riviera Mayan shores, you do now. Checking in to Hotel Esencia is like slipping into an alternate reality, too pretty to be believed. There’s a palapa-roofed spa set beside a cenote; But unlike at any friend’s house, it’s impossible to overstay your welcome here; the staff treat you with the same kid gloves that they would have used with the Duchess, the property’s former owner. “Sure, you can have a cold-pressed watermelon juice sprinkled with bee pollen.”

You're here because

You can no longer stomach all-inclusive or run-of-the-mill resorts, not least because you always return home feeling worse than when you left. This place is something truly special.

The Moment

In the hushed reprieve of temple-like spa, you’re experiencing something akin to transcendence: The spa journey begins with a traditional Mayan kitchen laboratory where therapists tailor bespoke, restorative programs, using the purest ingredients harvested from the waters of the Caribbean and soil from the Mayan jungle.

Restaurants & Bars

The Speakeasy – A cozy bar hidden in the jungle, with its own secret entrance, featuring lavish interiors and a state-of-the-art sound system

Taiyo – A poolside restaurant offering a Japanese dining concept with a Mexican twist

Beefbar Esencia – A selection of exceptional meat cuts from Australian Black Onyx and Wx Wagyu beef and Certified Japanese Kobe beef.

Mistura Xpu-Ha – Beachfront restaurant offering unparalleled majestic sea views, a creative selection of seafood dishes, specialties from the grill, and beloved comfort foods

The Coffee and Juice Bar @ Mistura—We offer a wide selection of coffee beans from different regions in Mexico, and our Juice Bar menu offers a delicious selection of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies made to order, and our popular superfood bowls.

The Beach Bar – Creative signature cocktails while enjoying the warm sea breeze and the best views in the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Esencia

Location

An unspoiled, private corner of beach in the Riviera Maya, slung between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Sea turtles know this particular stretch of sand as the perfect place to create their nests. Local drivers know it's an easy 50-minute trip from the Cancún airport.