We stayed here twice before the new owner, Kevin Wendle, bought it in 2014 and invested millions to transform it from an exclusive hideaway with 29 rooms to an exclusive playground with 49 rooms including six beautiful beachfront suites. Along with rates that more than doubled, he also added an upscale gym, exquisite steakhouse with wood-burning oven for meats, veggies and very tasty pizzas, and a sushi restaurant. We booked the beachfront suite at $2900++ per night. We wanted the master beachfront suite instead but was $900 more. Why? Same suite but with a small plunge pool and patio. The food served at the restaurants is best-in-class. However so are the prices. Salads are $35, ahi tartare $75 and breakfast for two averaged $160. We booked through Virtuoso which includes breakfast so if you do book, make sure to use them. Figure on $500-$600 daily for lunch and dinner. Plus wine. I had the opportunity to talk to Kevin about a few issues at the resort, cost of food being one of them and he told me that he imports a lot of the food and the costs keep going up. Perhaps that is one reason why the food is so good. Now mind you we knew the rates up front and loved the property before. Now that it was rated 5-star by Forbes, we splurged. We were there during spring break and there were a lot of families with babies and kids. I asked Kevin about this since I always remembered the property as an adult hide-away and not for kids. He told me that for two weeks during spring break and Thanksgiving holiday, kids rule. I will make sure to come back in February or April next year. Our beachfront suite was literally 20 steps to the ocean. The suite itself is white, white and white that features a dual shower, plenty of closet space and small patio. There are no drawers but Kevin assured me they were available on request. You have an option of beach level or second level. We had the beach level but it's close to the main sidewalk where the workers come and go. The second level offers better views and two lounge chairs but then there are the steps. The beach huts remain the same as before and hopefully they will offer an adult section on our next visit. Service on the beach was spotty. Another nicety added was afternoon tea with pastries at 4:00-6:00 which is served in the main house which also features the library filled with books and board games. Overall, it's nice to have an individual owner like Kevin invested in the property that can make updates as needed to bring the best guest experience. I view Hotel Esencia like a fine bottle of Cab, it will only get better as it matures. I'm looking forward to my return trip next year and popping open the cork.

All the beautiful photos you see here don’t fully capture this lovely slice of paradise. The palm jungle greets you on arrival like a warm hug and you don’t see concrete everywhere like at other big block hotels, this is so different! Once we arrived at the main house I wanted to pinch myself seeing all of the authentic works of design. I was told by my lovely concierge Esmeralda that this was once the private villa of an Italian duchess and is now owned by a Hollywood producer. And you feel like you’re a guest in his aristocratic beach home, it’s not overdone but simple and just a feast for the eyes. From there she brought us to see the beach, what looked like miles of unblemished white sand with a warm gentle surf. Though I heard that the hotel was almost full we felt like we had it all to ourselves at certain points of the day. And the food! So many dining options from sushi to tacos to the freshest fish to brick oven pizza, the quality of which rivals anything I’d order at a popular big city restaurant, and in many cases better. But what really makes it work here is how you FEEL, the people working here genuinely care about what they do and checked in with us often, but not in an overbearing way. We had a couple of special requests and the answer was always yes without hesitation. Thank you Hotel Esencia, you are a true gem and we will be back for sure.

One of a kind hotel and experience. From the moment we arrived at the property we noticed the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere that is unique to Esencia. The rooms are beautiful and well maintained. The hotel is excellent for couples and families. During our stay there were families with babies, toddlers and teenagers. Our five year old daughter made lots of friends and enjoyed the pool and the activities they had for children. The service is excellent and the three restaurants are superb. The beach is unlike any other in the area. Hotel Esencia is a secluded, welcoming paradise and a hidden gem.

I'm really upset, I was disappointed with the treatment and the service, just because I'm not white, racist, what annoyance this type of thing causes me on vacation knowing that I paid more than 1000 usd per night I will never return, I promise

Prior to my stay, I believed that the perfect beach vacation did not exist. I had been looking for that elusive destination for years because I've always had such exacting criteria: beautiful/safe beach, intimate/boutique feel, private, luxurious (but not over the top), exceptional food and service, kid friendly (pool, sitters, sand toys, etc.), lots of amenities and attractions on property and closeby, AND easy to get to from Montana. So imagine my delight when I found Esencia!! Every detail of our stay was impeccable and I truly felt relaxed for the first time in years! Not only does this resort check all of my boxes, it sets the new standard for "5 Star Service". My children were so thrilled with every little thing--from the palm-frond critters made by Augustin at lunch to the hermit crabs that the staff helped them find at night. And when they would both fall asleep in my lap at dinner (exhausted from a full day of play), the staff were quick to pull up a sofa with pillows so I could continue eating and they could continue sleeping (they also carried my heavy purse all the way home from the restaurant since my hands were full with slumbering babies). I have yet to visit a place that is more accommodating to children--and weary parents--so this vacation was worth every peso and more! Don't even get me started on the healing power of a massage with Carla!! Lastly, although there were lots of guests staying at Esencia when we were there, I often felt like we had the place to ourselves and that everyone there was exclusively caring for my family. Who could ask for anything more!?! Everyone was so kind, helpful and polite... and we miss them all already! A return trip is certainly in our future.