Why choose Hotel Esencia?
This 50-acre estate, featuring sprawling guest suites and expansive villas, offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and intimacy in Riviera Maya. Guests enjoy immediate access to pristine white-sand beaches and secluded cenotes, making it an ideal getaway.
Set the scene
After a rejuvenating sunrise yoga session at the property’s two-story, ocean-facing palapa, visitors indulge in a healthful breakfast featuring omelettes and fresh fruit bowls at the beachfront palapa, which boasts expansive views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. During the afternoon, guests can often be found swimming laps in one of the two heated pools or lounging in oceanfront cabanas along the beautiful Xpu-Ha cove.
The backstory
Originally designed as a private sanctuary for an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia was purchased by Hollywood producer Kevin Wendle in 2014. Under his direction, it has transformed into one of the chicest beachside retreats in the area. This intimate setting attracts travelers seeking both seclusion and celebrity-approved luxury, with visits from stars like Bella Hadid and Lupita Nyong’o.
The rooms
Beyond the original house, stone pathways lead to four expansive guest villas, each staffed with private butlers, along with an additional 47 suites. Many of these accommodations feature private terraces, some equipped with heated pools and solariums that overlook the Caribbean. Highlighting luxury on the premises is the new Esencia Mansion—a four-bedroom villa complete with three swimming pools, a cinema, and a hidden speakeasy accessible through a clandestine entrance.
Food and drink
Guests can indulge in delightful breakfasts as the Hotel Esencia team delivers hot coffee or tea and a basket of pastries to each guest room. For larger meals, the on-site café offers orange muffins and buttery croissants, while there are also options for fresh smoothies and acai bowls. The dining experience features three exceptional restaurants, including an omakase, a beef bar, and a Yucatán eatery, serving Mediterranean cuisine like green gazpacho with fresh crab or grilled octopus with creamy garlic mole. In the evenings, a split-level beach bar hosts mezcal and tequila tastings, perfect for unwinding after a day spent in paradise.
The spa
Upon entering the circular spa compound, guests are welcomed by an altar featuring the goddess Ixchel, the Maya deity of love and fertility. The serene atmosphere is complemented by glowing lanterns and soothing herbal scents. Guests can choose from a variety of spa treatments inspired by ancient Maya healing practices, as well as facial therapies using all-natural products from Tata Harper. The spa amenities include steam rooms, jacuzzi plunge pools, and a relaxing waterfall pool. Additionally, an on-site temazcal offers a traditional steam ritual with herbal infusions for deep detoxification.
The neighbourhood
While nearby Playa del Carmen and Tulum experience rapid development, the Xpu-Ha area provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling resorts and eco-hotels. This secluded location offers a unique escape, where activities like guiding sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean replace traditional nightlife.
The service
Hotel Esencia’s boutique size allows for personalized, hands-on service and tailored experiences, such as morning paddleboarding excursions in nearby cenotes, where guests may spot the resident manatee family.
For families
Although the property does not have specific amenities for children, babysitting services are available for families seeking a relaxing getaway.
Eco effort
From March to October, Xpu Ha beach serves as a nesting ground for six of the seven species of sea turtles globally. The Hotel Esencia team actively participates in conservation efforts, including protecting coastal dunes and restoring the jungle, as well as encouraging guests to help release baby sea turtles. Daily operations incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as composting organic waste and treating water for irrigating lush gardens.
Anything left to mention?
The property revolves around the original main house, which once served as a private refuge. Today, its library provides a picturesque setting for afternoon tea, where guests can enjoy cookies amid ocean views.
Hotel address: Tulum km 265 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77750 Mexico
Price: From approximately £1,150 per night for doubles.
