Hotel Esencia

Riviera Maya, Mexico

About the hotel

Style
Cosmopolitan
Rooms
40

"Set on a quiet beach within an unspoilt stretch of coastline, Hotel Esencia is an exclusive getaway paradise with striking rooms, delicious Peruvian-Japanese dining and a Mayan-inspired spa."

The stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya coastline are known for their idyllic white stretches of sand and waters of spectacular aquamarine. All are magnificent – making the few that remain undeveloped small slices of heaven itself. One of these few is Xpu-Ha, a quiet beach tumbling into a jungle between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Home to Hotel Esencia, it’s a getaway paradise within the natural one surrounding it.

Once the home of an Italian Duchess, the hotel was designed to cater to a different kind of royalty – Hollywood A-Listers seeking a hidden escape (and some of us mortals as well). The tradition of privacy and exclusivity will be palpable from the moment you arrive. Even strolling on the beach feels like you’re being let in on a secret, and in the summer months, it transforms into a nesting spot for sea turtles.

All of the Esencia rooms are brilliant white with dark wooden accents and furniture. The decor is elegantly minimalist, with pops of colour coming from the...   Show more
The stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya coastline are known for their idyllic white stretches of sand and waters of spectacular aquamarine. All are magnificent – making the few that remain undeveloped small slices of heaven itself. One of these few is Xpu-Ha, a quiet beach tumbling into a jungle between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Home to Hotel Esencia, it’s a getaway paradise within the natural one surrounding it.

Once the home of an Italian Duchess, the hotel was designed to cater to a different kind of royalty – Hollywood A-Listers seeking a hidden escape (and some of us mortals as well). The tradition of privacy and exclusivity will be palpable from the moment you arrive. Even strolling on the beach feels like you’re being let in on a secret, and in the summer months, it transforms into a nesting spot for sea turtles.

All of the Esencia rooms are brilliant white with dark wooden accents and furniture. The decor is elegantly minimalist, with pops of colour coming from the geometric designs of throw blankets and pillows. Next-level nirvana can be found in the private full-size pools of the Pool Villas, or in the champagne bars of the Penthouse Suites. The wealth of amenities does not disappoint; no matter your room, you’ll have walk-in closets, unpacking services and Nespresso machines, in addition to delightful perks like the coffee and pastries that will be left outside your bedroom each morning.

Small though it is (the hotel has just thirty-eight suites and three villas), you’ll find no shortage of things to do here. Horseback riding, deep sea fishing and scuba diving are all easily arranged. If you can bring yourself to leave, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are just thirty minutes south.

If you can’t tear yourself away (and truly, who could blame you?), see to it that you’re pampered at the Mayan-inspired spa. There are special treatment options for children as well, and two outdoor tubs overlooking the jungle.

The hotel has a number of options for food and drink; among them are the Coffee Bar and Juice Bar (the fresh smoothies are a perfect light breakfast), and Mistura for Peruvian-Japanese fusion in an enormous, colourful palapa with the water just a stone’s throw away.

Wherever you dine, make sure you have a margarita (or several). Perhaps it’s the ingredients, perhaps it’s the atmosphere – here, they are particularly sublime.

Hotel amenities

Air conditioning
Laundry/valet service
Restaurant
Room service
Wheelchair access
Lounges/bars
Children welcome
Pets allowed
Beachfront
Smoke-free property
Fitness centre
Parking complimentary
Show less
The stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya coastline are known for their idyllic white stretches of sand and waters of spectacular aquamarine. All are magnificent – making the few that remain undeveloped small slices of heaven itself. One of these few is Xpu-Ha, a quiet beach tumbling into a jungle between Playa del...   Show more
The stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya coastline are known for their idyllic white stretches of sand and waters of spectacular aquamarine. All are magnificent – making the few that remain undeveloped small slices of heaven itself. One of these few is Xpu-Ha, a quiet beach tumbling into a jungle between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Home to Hotel Esencia, it’s a getaway paradise within the natural one surrounding it.

Once the home of an Italian Duchess, the hotel was designed to cater to a different kind of royalty – Hollywood A-Listers seeking a hidden escape (and some of us mortals as well). The tradition of privacy and exclusivity will be palpable from the moment you arrive. Even strolling on the beach feels like you’re being let in on a secret, and in the summer months, it transforms into a nesting spot for sea turtles.

All of the Esencia rooms are brilliant white with dark wooden accents and furniture. The decor is elegantly minimalist, with pops of colour coming from the geometric designs of throw blankets and pillows. Next-level nirvana can be found in the private full-size pools of the Pool Villas, or in the champagne bars of the Penthouse Suites. The wealth of amenities does not disappoint; no matter your room, you’ll have walk-in closets, unpacking services and Nespresso machines, in addition to delightful perks like the coffee and pastries that will be left outside your bedroom each morning.

Small though it is (the hotel has just thirty-eight suites and three villas), you’ll find no shortage of things to do here. Horseback riding, deep sea fishing and scuba diving are all easily arranged. If you can bring yourself to leave, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are just thirty minutes south.

If you can’t tear yourself away (and truly, who could blame you?), see to it that you’re pampered at the Mayan-inspired spa. There are special treatment options for children as well, and two outdoor tubs overlooking the jungle.

The hotel has a number of options for food and drink; among them are the Coffee Bar and Juice Bar (the fresh smoothies are a perfect light breakfast), and Mistura for Peruvian-Japanese fusion in an enormous, colourful palapa with the water just a stone’s throw away.

Wherever you dine, make sure you have a margarita (or several). Perhaps it’s the ingredients, perhaps it’s the atmosphere – here, they are particularly sublime.

Hotel amenities

Air conditioning
Laundry/valet service
Restaurant
Room service
Wheelchair access
Lounges/bars
Children welcome
Pets allowed
Beachfront
Smoke-free property
Fitness centre
Parking complimentary
Show less

Room types

  • Beach Suite

    • 93 m² / 1,001 ft²
    • King bed
    • Beach view

    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. 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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
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    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
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  • Jungle Plunge Pool Suite

    • 69 m² / 743 ft²
    • King bed
    • Rain forest view

    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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Jungle Suite

    • 95 m² / 1,023 ft²
    • King bed
    • Rain forest view

    Jungle Suites are quiet, cooling sanctuaries that encircle the estate’s tropical gardens. Available with one king or two queen beds, these suites have a large private outdoor terrace with seating area. All Jungle Suites at Hotel Esencia also feature spacious all-white bathrooms, an in-room double bathtub, walk-in closets, large screen wi-fi connected televisions, and in-room sound systems that are easy to connect to iPhones and other digital accessories.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Master Beach Suite

    • 105 m² / 1,130 ft²
    • King bed
    • Various views

    Each of the two spectacular 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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

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  • Master Jungle Suite

    • 69 m² / 743 ft²
    • King bed
    • Various views

    Featuring the best qualities of our Jungle Suites, these new suites are elevated to the next level, more like luxurious apartments than suites.
    With multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, grand master bedrooms, spacious master bathrooms with double bathtubs and optional steam shower, these suites feature either a second bedroom or a separate living room or office space that can easily be transformed into an extra sleeping room, and a second full guest bathroom.
    These centrally located jungle sanctuaries are just steps from the beach and also feature extra large plunge pools immersed in the thick luscious jungle foliage.
    Each Master Jungle Suite is unique. Be sure to check with our reservations agent to ensure the floor plan you desire.
    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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Master Suite

    • 93 m² / 1,001 ft²
    • King bed
    • Various views

    The two Master Suites 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. 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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

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  • Ocean Suite

    • 63 m² / 678 ft²
    • King bed
    • Sea view

    The main house’s Ocean Suite offers 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 hookup for iPods 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 and some are on an upper floor with balcony; some have a plunge pool and some have a bathtub while others, though more spacious, have neither.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Penthouse Suite

    • 115 m² / 1,238 ft²
    • King bed
    • Ocean view

    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 storey suites feature a large master bedroom with king bed, a separate adjoining room, a spacious bathroom with double sinks, bathtub and walk-in shower, and a large outdoor dining terrace with sofa.
    Up a short staircase is a private rooftop terrace with 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 an in-room sound system with hookup for iPods and other digital accessories.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Pool Villa

    • 336 m² / 3,617 ft²
    • King bed
    • Rain forest view

    Hidden in the garden foliage, the two-bedroom, two storey 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 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 hookup for iPods and other digital accessories.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • Presidential Bungalow

    • 2,787 m² / 29,999 ft²
    • King bed
    • Sea view

    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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

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  • Rooftop Wellness Suite

    • 102 m² / 1,098 ft²
    • King bed
    • Beach view

    Our most exciting new addition, these premiere suites are truly at the top of their category in every way. Within three minutes walking distance from the beach, these new duplex suites are on the top two floors of independent bungalow buildings. Featuring a private fitness studio comprised of the virtual personal trainer The Mirror, a personal Peloton bicycle, or a Technogym treadmill upon request – all of them feature a personal Technogym weight set, yoga mats, and a steam room/shower with our own blend of essential oils aromatherapy. TRX suspension training equipment available upon request.
    One more level up is a spacious rooftop terrace with a private heated pool, solarium, and outdoor shower – immersed within the jungle canopy. All Rooftop Wellness Suites feature an extra large king bedroom with seating area, a large outdoor dining terrace with sofa, extremely spacious all-white master bathrooms with double showers, double sinks, and walk-in closets. These suites also include wide-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).

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
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  • The Esencia Suite

    • 259 m² / 2,788 ft²
    • King bed
    • Various views

    The crown jewel of the original Main House building created by the first owner, an Italian Duchess, The Esencia Suite is our truest expression of space and comfort.
    Featuring a master bedroom with ocean views, a domed living room, a light-drenched master bathroom with double bathtub and steam shower, a second full guest bathroom, a reading den (or second bedroom) immersed in the jungle with windows on three sides including more ocean views – and a Peloton bicycle – this grand suite offers the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living.
    Its spacious corner terrace on the lower level faces the canopy of the jungle, and its glorious 80m2 rooftop terrace features full 360 degree views of Xpu-Ha beach and the jungle treetops, as well our largest rooftop plunge pool, a covered outdoor second living room, sun beds, and a space for al fresco entertaining, with capacity for up to 20 people.
    For those who wish a Presidential Suite experience, The Esencia Suite was conceived to easily connect with one or two of our Master Suites, taking over the entire north wing of our Main House.
    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.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
    ASMALLWORLD VIP

    All our benefits

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  • The Essencia Mansion

    • 930 m² / 10,011 ft²
    • King bed
    • Rain forest view

    Hotel Esencia presents the majestic ‘Esencia Mansion’, one of the most grand private villas in the Riviera Maya. This new 10,000 sq ft., four-bedroom villa, with three swimming pools, just completed in 2022, was designed to be immersed in nature, with 360 degree rooftop ocean views, providing the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, yet less than a five minute walk to the beach, restaurants, spa, gym, and all hotel facilities. Our helicopter landing pad and private tennis court are just a few steps away.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
    • Our lowest price
    • Breakfast included
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  • Yum-Ha Private Villa

    • 300 m² / 3,229 ft²
    • King bed
    • Various views

    ‘Yum-Ha’ is a majestic colonial-style Villa discreetly located on a lush 15 acre property right next to Hotel Esencia. The 4-bedroom Villa is just a 3 minute walk from the beach and can accommodate up to 8 people.
    The property features ensuite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the garden, a Mexican style kitchen, living room, dining room, and a terrace with outdoor dining area.

    Villa Yum-Ha comes with a private butler and house keeping services.

    Lowest rate

    Most affordable

    Room not available – minimum stay requirements may apply
    Benefits included:
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    • Breakfast included
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Location of the hotel