Hotel Esencia is a majestic 50-acre estate at the midpoint between Tulum and Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It has long enjoyed a storied past in this ancestral cradle of culture, cuisine, and comfort.
Originally built as the private hideaway home of an Italian duchess on the most beautiful beach of the Mayan Riviera, it later became a hotel, and, for some time, has been a sought after destination for honeymooners seduced by the serene comforts of this timeless mansion.
A new chapter began in 2014 with the arrival of a new owner and a bold, worldly outlook on how to savor paradise. The estate’s provenance as a place of leisure for nobility is the guiding inspiration for a modern reimagining.
The Main House remains the hotel’s centerpiece, around which footpaths lead to only 38 suites and 3 villas where guests enjoy genuine privacy and top flight hospitality.
Ideally situated far from huge resorts and the roar of pleasure boats, the immaculate bay of Xpu-Ha is a natural haven where each year sea turtles make their nests. Hotel Esencia invites the happy few who know how rare it is to find a place that is truly unique, to make it their home in the tropics.
Hotel Esencia invites the happy few who know how rare it is to find a place that is truly unique, to make it their home in the tropics.
The private terrace and sitting area built into the contours of the room offer a peaceful view on the garden canopy or an impressive panorama of the Caribbean.
Every room at Hotel Esencia by any other standard would be called a suite.
The main house’s Ocean Suite offers stately seclusion only steps from the hotel’s beating heart.
A large private terrace surveys the pools and Xpu-ha cove, while an airy living room, spacious bathroom, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities come together as a proper home away from home.
All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and an in-room sound system with hookup for iPods and other digital accessories.
JUNGLE SUITE WITH PLUNGE POOL
A plunge pool, rain-like shower room, and spacious outdoor dining terrace with sofa distinguish every Jungle Suite with Plunge Pool as uniquely equipped for calm and restoration. Some suites include an indoor plunge pool and some feature an outdoor plunge pool within a terrace solarium.
All suites in this category feature spacious bathrooms including large bathtubs, walk-in closets, high definition televisions, and an in-room sound system with hookup for iPods and other digital accessories.
JUNGLE SUITE
Jungle Suites are quiet, cooling sanctuaries that encircle the estate’s tropical gardens. Available with one king or two queen beds, like suites, the suites have a private terrace with seating area.
All Jungle Suites at Hotel Esencia feature an in-room double bathtub, walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and in-room sound systems that are easy to connect to iPods and other digital accessories.
Rooms are spacious private hideaways enveloped by the palm jungle set back 200 meters from the main house but only a short two minute walk to the beach and restaurants. Available with one king or two queen beds, the Rooms have a total of 60 sqm. including the private terrace with seating area.
All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and in-room sound systems that are easy to connect to iPods and other digital accessories.
Barely 20 meters from the sea itself, and with unobstructed sea views, these sumptuous new suites will delight beach lovers looking for a true ‘barefoot in the sand’ experience together with the finest comforts of home. Each new Beach Suite features a private beachfront terrace, an in-room double bathtub, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities.
The two Master Suites (70 sqm and 106 sqm) of the main house each offer panoramic views of the grounds and the Caribbean.
With a king bed, master bathroom, and grand terraces, these are the architectural diamonds of Hotel Esencia, steeped in history and world-class luxury.
What is not taken from Hotel Esencia’s garden is sourced locally from farmers and artisans in Quintana Roo, or further afield from the places in Mexico known for exemplary delicacies — moles from Oaxaca, fruits from Yucatán, and wines from Baja.
Dining at Hotel Esencia is at once a culinary voyage and a coming home. Meals are simple yet sophisticated, drawing as much from Mexico’s eclectic range of regional cuisines as from the well-loved comforts of Mediterranean cooking.
Located in the 2-level beachside palapa, during the morning hours, Juice Bar serves an original section of freshly cold-pressed juices, smoothies and super-food bowls. Select from the menu or create your own with an assortment of daily fresh fruits, vegetables and super-food shots.
In the afternoon and until 11 pm, enjoy any of creative signature cocktails with the best views in the hotel.
07.00h - 23.00h
This new destination restaurant is overseen by one of the world’s most exciting and influential chefs, Dimitris Katrivesis, who brings a tropical peruvian style of cooking featuring a clever fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors together with the best ingredients of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
Mistura premieres this season: a multi-cultural gastronomic experience under a towering beachfront ‘palapa’ with spectacular 180 degree views.
Lunch and dinner
Located in the heart of the palm garden, The Garden Restaurant offers a refined take on Mexican cuisine from the Yucatán and beyond.
While the décor and service might remind guests of an old world resort, the creative menus offer fresh approaches to tradition.
19.00h - 23.00h
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and apt updates to coastal staples from Latin America and around the world, the menu is an ode to the south.
Situated between the pools and the beach, The Pool Restaurant is a picturesque spot to start one’s day.
07.00h - 16.00h
Housed under traditional palapa roofs, the fitness room, juice bar and spa integrate hallmarks of modern wellbeing with ancient customs of cultivating beauty, balance, and peace.
At the east end of the gardens is Hotel Esencia’s new health club overlooking the estate’s cenote.
Esencia Spa beauty therapies are consistent with hollistic approach to well-being and inner peace.
Prepare your skin for a perfect tan with the unique antioxidant properties of strawberries.
This complete treatment, firms and lifts the skin using natural muscle-relaxing neuropeptides to instantly reduce wrinkles.
The climate controlled fitness room features Technogym cardio machines, Pilates reformers, weights, and personal instruction in various body arts.
Healing regimen that combines ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology.
Foot ritual, massage and a private jacuzzi filled with salts and aromatic scents are the three parts of this treatment.
The spa begins with a state-of-the art laboratory where therapists tailor bespoke, restorative programs.
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline which originated in India.
Situated squarely between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Mayan Pyramids, underground cenotes and some of the Riviera’s best nightclubs, all are only 20 minutes away.
For an adventure only steps off the hotel’s beach, there is a reef sanctuary for sea turtles and colorful exotic fish – one of the region’s best kept secrets.
Chichen Itza which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza“, is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today.
Freediving with Macarena Benitez, Chile Womens record holder and certified FII Level 1 and Waterman Survival Instructor.
Whether intimate or grand, events at Hotel Esencia offer all the boutique services and conveniences of nearby Cancún.
31-42 foot boats are departing 10 mins away from the hotel to catch barracudas, groupers and many more.
A passion for golf has no limits.
Ride horses along the Caribbean Sea before diving into a quiet cenote at this EcoPark.
Experienced or beginner, adventure starts 15 mins away from the hotel.
Mérida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yutucan as well as the largest city of the Yutucan Peninsula.
Río Secreto could very well be one of the great world wonders.
Akumal is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coasts of the Caribbean Sea.
With a little imagination and knowledge, the ruins become a giant puzzle waiting to be pieced together.
HOTEL ESENCIA
Carretera Cancún – Tulum km 265Xpu-HaQuintana Roo 77750Mexico