Hotel Esencia

Situated between Tulum and Playa del Carmen in Mexico, the 50-acre estate of Hotel Esencia is nestled along one of the most picturesque beaches on the Mayan Riviera. Originally built as a private hideaway for an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia soon became an idyllic retreat for honeymooners and visitors alike due to its seducing timelessness and serene comfort.

Featuring three exclusive restaurants, watersports activities, and adventurous excursions to the likes of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba Mayan ruins, cenote snorkelling, the picturesque towns of Merida & Valladolid, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere to the south. Hotel Esencia truly presents a unique representation of its organic local cuisine and embraces the exploration of the historically rich culture of Mexico.

As the hotel’s centrepiece – standing in its original glory – the Main House is surrounded by footpaths leading to the 42 suites and 3 villas featured at Esencia, designed with the inspiration of modern reimagining that respects its historical authenticity.

Settled away from the distractions of large resorts and roaring pleasure boats, Esencia has become a haven for the local sea turtle population for their annual nesting season. Making it not only the ideal haven for sea turtles to care for their next generations but also a truly unique haven for visitors to make a home in the tropics.

Location & Getting There

Hotel Esencia is fifty minutes south of Cancún and thirty minutes north of Tulum by car. It is just over an hour from Cancún International Airport, and the hotel can arrange transfers to and from Cancún Airport.

Accommodation

Hotel Esencia offers eight different suite types. The Ocean, Penthouse, Master, Beach, Master Beach, and Jungle Suites vary to accommodate a variety of luxury stays. Each includes a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, a large terrace, and a spacious all-white bathroom with double vanities and double showers.

The new addition of their two-storey Rooftop Wellness Suites features its private fitness studio that can include a The Mirror virtual personal trainer, a personal Peloton bicycle, or a Technogym treadmill all available upon request. The second level includes a rooftop terrace, heated pool, solarium, and outdoor shower under the jungle canopy. All Rooftop Wellness Suites offer a large king bedroom with a seating area, a sizable outdoor dining terrace, and a spacious all-white master bathroom with double vanity and double shower.

The most private and newest suite is found at the 30,000-square-foot Presidential Bungalow. Featuring all of Hotel Esencia's signature comforts and amenities, the Presidential Bungalow also includes a wrap-around terrace and private beachfront accompanied by unobstructed views of Xpu-Ha Bay.

The two-bedroom, two-storey Pool Villas feature multiple terraces, a media room, a private courtyard, and a full-sized pool, that offer an unmatched retreat into serenity and privacy. The Private Villa of Yum-Ha is a colonial-style villa with a 15-acre plot of land. The three-bedroom villa is steps away from the beach, accommodating up to six people, which features en suite bathrooms, secluded terraces with outdoor dining space and garden views, a Mexican-styled kitchen, and a living and dining area.

Activities

Esencia is conveniently 20 minutes away from its surrounding city centres, historical landmarks, and Riviera’s greatest nightclubs. Offering several excursions, such as visits to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum or touring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sian Ka’an, and activities that include diving, golfing, or deep-sea fishing, at Esencia, adventure is truly just stepping away.

The five restaurants and bars featured at Hotel Esencia are all a culinary voyage and coming home in one experience. Made with simple, yet impactful locally sourced ingredients, the cuisine is a sophisticated take on Mexico’s varied range of distinct regional cuisines alongside the familiar comforts of Mediterranean cooking.

Children

Children are most welcome at Hotel Esencia. A fan-favourite activity for children over 5 is found at the daring location of X-Plor Adventure Park. Still, they are also welcome to partake in the watersports available. Babysitting services are available upon request.