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 42 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.

ACCOMMODATION

Every room at Hotel Esencia by any other standard would be called a suite. The private terrace and sitting area of the room offer a peaceful view of the garden canopy or an impressive panorama of the Caribbean.

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 features 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 iPhones and other digital accessories.

ESENCIA JUNGLE SUITE  – As close to the beach as possible without facing the beach itself, our premium Esencia Jungle Suites are quiet, cooling sanctuaries that encircle the estate’s tropical gardens. Available with one king or two queen beds, these spacious suites have a large private outdoor dining terrace with a sofa. Esencia Jungle Suites all feature extra-large all-white bathrooms with double showers, double sinks, an in-room double bathtub, walk-in closets, large screen WiFi-connected televisions, Bluetooth speakers that connect to iPhones and other digital accessories, air conditioning, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities. Some Esencia Jungle Suites are in their own stand-alone buildings, available with one king bed plus an optional rollaway (sleeps up to 3).  Others are equally spacious but configured differently, available with either one king bed or two queen beds (sleeps up to 4). Some Esencia Jungle Suites are available to connect to our Master Beach Suites, an ideal combination for families or friends traveling together. Please be sure to consult with our reservations team to ensure the in-room configuration of your choice.

ROOFTOP WELLNESS SUITE  – Our most exciting new addition, opening in December 2020, these premiere duplex Rooftop Wellness Suites are truly at the top of their category in every way. Within a three minute walk from the beach, these spacious duplex suites are on the top two floors of an independent bungalow with treetop views.  These exceptional suites feature an extra large king bedroom with seating area, a large outdoor dining terrace with sofa, and – for a true in-room wellness experience – a private fitness studio comprised of; the virtual on-demand personal trainer The Mirror, a personal Technogym weight set, yoga mats, a professional steam shower/sauna with our own blend of essential oils aromatherapy and, for an additional charge, a personal Peloton bicycle, TRX suspension training equipment, or any other custom equipment requested in advance.  One more level up is a spacious rooftop terrace with a private heated plunge pool and solarium, immersed within the jungle canopy. All Rooftop Wellness Suites feature extremely spacious all-white master bathrooms with double showers, double sinks, and walk-in closets. These suites also include large screen WiFi-connected televisions, air conditioning, Bluetooth speakers that connect to iPhones and other digital accessories, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities (sleeps up to 4).  Our Rooftop Wellness Suites are available to connect via an interior or exterior staircase to a Jungle Suite with Plunge Pool below on the ground floor for families or friends traveling together who’d like the entire building as their own private mini-villa (sleeps up to 8).

OCEAN SUITE – The main house’s Ocean Suites offer stately seclusion only steps from the hotel’s beating heart. A large private terrace surveys the pools with peekaboo sea views through the lush foliage between the main house and Xpu-ha cove, while an airy seating area, 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 hookups for iPhones and other digital accessories.  The images shown are representative of the room category however each room in the main house is individually decorated and no two rooms are alike. Some are on the ground floor with a large terrace, some are on an upper floor with a balcony, and some have bathtubs. Please be sure to consult with our reservations team to ensure the in-room features of your choice.

PENTHOUSE SUITE  – Each of our Penthouse Suites is truly a luxury apartment in the sky with sweeping jungle views high above the treetops. Perched three levels above our palm garden, these spectacular two-story suites feature a large master bedroom with a king bed, a separate adjoining room, a spacious bathroom with double sinks, a bathtub, and walk-in shower, and a large outdoor dining terrace with a sofa. Up a short staircase is a private rooftop terrace with a heated plunge pool and champagne bar overlooking all 50 acres of Hotel Esencia and Xpu-Ha bay from the highest vista. All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and in-room Bluetooth speakers that connect to iPhones and other digital accessories.

MASTER SUITE  – Hotel Esencia’s six Master Suites either at the heart of the original main house or near it, all directly face the sea, offering lovely views of the grounds, our main pools, and the Caribbean. With a king bed, master bathroom, grand terraces, and private heated plunge pools, these are the architectural diamonds of Hotel Esencia, steeped in history and world-class luxury. All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen WiFi-connected televisions, sound systems that connect to iPhones and other digital accessories, air conditioning, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities.  The images shown are representative of the room category however each room in the main house is individually decorated and no two rooms are alike. Some are on the ground floor with a large terrace and some are on the upper floor with a balcony. Please be sure to consult with our reservations team to ensure the in-room features of your choice (sleeps up to 2 or 4 depending on the choice of the suite).

BEACH SUITE  – Barely 20 meters from the sea itself, and with unobstructed sea views, these sumptuous suites will delight beach lovers looking for a true ‘barefoot in the sand’ experience together with the finest comforts of home.  Each Beach Suite features a private beachfront terrace, spacious bathrooms including double showers with direct ocean views, an in-room double bathtub, air conditioning, and all of Hotel Esencia’s signature amenities. All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and in-room Bluetooth speakers for iPhones and other digital accessories (sleeps up to 3 with optional roll-away).

MASTER BEACH SUITE  – Each of our two spectaculars Master Beach Suites is designed with an eye toward maximum privacy, comfort, and independence. With windows on three sides and extremely spacious bathrooms with love seats, these suites also include a private heated plunge pool.  The ground level Master Beach Suite features an outdoor plunge pool surrounded by a terrace with built-in seating, while the upper-level suite features an extremely private heated plunge pool next to the double walk-in shower (sleeps up to 3 with optional roll-away). Our Master Beach Suites are available to connect to an Esencia Jungle Suite for families or friends traveling together who wish to have the entire top or entire bottom floor of the building to themselves for maximum privacy.

PRESIDENTIAL BUNGALOW  – Our most private and newest suite, this Caribbean style beachfront bungalow – on its own 30,000 square foot independent property – features all the comforts and signature amenities of Hotel Esencia. This exceptional suite under a large palapa roof features a master king bedroom overlooking the sea, an adjacent living area convertible to a second bedroom, a spacious master bathroom suite with double sinks, bathtub, and shower, a large walk-in closet, a guest bathroom with shower, and a large wrap-around outdoor terrace with unobstructed views of the paradisiac Xpu-Ha beach.  This breathtaking suite includes 120 feet of private beachfront, with sunbeds and a large beach palapa for lounging or beachfront private dining. With wide-screen WiFi-connected smart TV, sound system, ceiling fans, and air conditioning, butler service, and all Hotel Esencia amenities.

POOL VILLA  – Hidden in the garden foliage, the two-bedroom, two-story Pool Villas offer unparalleled serenity and privacy. Rather than beach bungalows these are well-appointed residences unto themselves, with multiple terraces, a media room, and a courtyard furnished with hammocks, entertaining furniture, and a full-size swimming pool. All accommodations at Hotel Esencia feature walk-in closets, large screen high definition televisions, and an in-room sound system with hookups for iPhones and other digital accessories.

PRIVATE VILLA  – ‘Yum-Ha’ is a majestic colonial-style Villa discreetly located on a lush 15-acre property right next to Hotel Esencia. The 3-bedroom Villa is just a 3-minute walk from the beach and can accommodate up to 6 people.  The property features ensuite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the garden, a Mexican style kitchen, living room, dining room, and a terrace with an outdoor dining area.  Villa Yum-Ha comes with private butler and housekeeping services.

DINING

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. Ingredients are 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.

BEEF BAR ESENCIA – XPU-HA, MEXICO  – The international reference for all meat lovers, established in Monaco in 2005, has found a new home in the heart of our luscious Palm Garden.  Beefbar Esencia – Xpu-ha, Mexico is a true epicurean experience thanks to a menu based on simplicity, the finest high-quality ingredients, and a selection of exceptional meat cuts from Australian Black Onyx and Wx Wagyu beef, and Certified Japanese Kobe beef. Simple, comfort food delicacies prepared to order in our open kitchen and brick oven.

MISTURA  – A refined and authentic Mexican gastronomic experience under a towering beachfront ‘palapa’ with spectacular 180-degree views. Offering a creative selection of seafood dishes and specialties from the grill, with the best ingredients of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and beyond. This sea-to-table experience now features a roaring new open fire grill.  Our Mistura menu is available for dinner service in both Mistura Restaurant and Café Esencia.

CAFÉ ESENCIA  – Situated between the pools and the beach, Café Esencia is a picturesque spot to start one’s day. With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and apt updates to coastal staples from Latin America and around the world. Enjoy casual family dining options – salads and sandwiches, fresh fish, tacos, and ceviches – the perfect complements to siesta and surf.  Our Café Esencia menu is available for lunch service in both Café Esencia and Mistura Restaurant.

COFFEE BAR & JUICE BAR An addition to our poolside Café Esencia, our new Coffee Bar offers coffee lovers a wide selection of coffee beans from different regions in Mexico as well as renowned international brands. All coffee beverages are prepared with freshly ground beans and brewed on demand. A selection of mouth-watering house-made Mexican pastries are also on display.  This charming new edition also features our Juice Bar, offering a delicious selection of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies made to order, and our popular superfood bowls.

BEACH BAR – Located in our two-story beachfront palapa, this is where you can savor our creative signature cocktails while enjoying the warm sea breeze and the best views in the hotel.

SPA & HEALTH CLUB

At the east end of the gardens is Hotel Esencia’s health club overlooking the estate’s cenote. Housed under traditional palapa thatched roofs, Esencia Spa and the fitness room integrate hallmarks of modern wellbeing with ancient customs of cultivating beauty, balance, and peace.

ESENCIA SPA – 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. Guests leave Hotel Esencia cleansed and whole. It is a matchless experience of health that opens a new chapter to a life of sound mind and body.

GYM – The climate-controlled fitness room features Technogym cardio machines, a Pilates reformer available upon request, weights machines, free weights, and personal instruction in various body arts, all under a soaring thatched ceiling.