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A new playground on Mexico's Riviera Maya, Hotel Esencia boasts a prime beachside setting ideal for seekers of sun and solitude. This lush tropical refuge an hour south of Cancun offers a complement of luxurious suites, each possessing an elegant simplicity, a private terrace and fabulous sea views. Gourmands will delight with Sal y Fuego, featured as one of the Best New Restaurants in the Caribbean in Food & Wine.
Hotel Esencia
Carr. Cancun-Tulum Km . 265 Predio Rústico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
CP 77710
Nearest Airport: CUN
I will give this hotel the highest compliment I can offer. I do not even want to write a review so we keep this hotel our secret, but because of how highly we thought of our experience I am obligated to. They deserve all the recognition for being outstanding in every way. The concierges are amazing, every staff including Marcos the lifeguard, Alfonso the server, and Kennedy the waiter (and these are just a few names) understand customer service. We cannot wait to return. Their attention to detail is impeccable. Thank you!
Discover08027141802
It was quite fantastic when I recently stayed at Hotel Esencia with two of my closest friends. The warmth and individuality of the staff who contribute to the hotel's success, as well as the property's beauty, astounded us from the moment we arrived. Discovering that such a small, cozy boutique hotel could boast three utterly amazing and unique restaurants was one of the most enjoyable and surprising aspects of our visit. We always had the ideal choice nearby, whether we were in the mood for a properly cooked steak, fresh seafood by the beach, or something light and sophisticated. Each had its distinct flavor and attitude. What felt genuinely surreal, though, was the spa. It felt like a getaway into another world and went beyond simple wellbeing. We were captivated to discover that a large number of the beauty oils and balms are created using flowers and herbs cultivated in the spa garden, which provides a vast array of treatments and rituals. We even attempted the sensory deprivation tank one day, which was an incredible experience in and of itself. Everything felt exceptional due to the service we received during our visit. The concierge staff's Joselym was wonderful; she was incredibly considerate and helpful, and she ensured that my friends and I had everything we needed, frequently before we even realized it. Kennedy was a star at Mistura, a restaurant on the ocean. He was already fully aware of our preferences by the second day, and his suggestions were consistently excellent. Every time we sat down to eat, it was as if we had a personal host. Ivan was equally amazing at BeefBar; he was very gregarious, interesting, and a pleasure to converse with. His enthusiasm made every meal there feel informal and enjoyable, as if we were frequent diners. We were struck by the staff's warmth and personal touch. Interactions with hotel workers are typically courteous yet aloof. It was different here. Every person we encountered was sincerely kind, engaged in discussion, and made an effort to get to know us. It added a certain closeness and charm to the entire stay that is difficult to find elsewhere. To be honest, it's difficult to describe how unique the experience was. Thanks to the people, the details, and the atmosphere of the hotel, Hotel Esencia is one of the few places that feels as lovely as it looks.
Tyler C - Malibu, California
Have been to esencia many times before and it remains one of my favorite spots beach wise. This year however was hugely disappointing and I have never felt as unwelcome. We could not stay this year but wanted to showcase the beach and the amazing restaurant and great service to my family and friends. Therefore I booked the restaurant for lunch. When I arrived to the restaurant I was ambushed by the concierge and was Armstrong to pay US$250 per person just because my kids wanted to swim in the ocean before eating (even if we were not using ANY of the facilities and the beach is a public space in Mexico) . Have never felt as UNWELCOMED by a concierge.
Alvaro C
Was amazing, super luxurious, the beach was amazing and the staff were great, smiling, welcoming and friendly. The place looked like a peace of heaven.
Areen S
While the grounds are immaculate, the rooms are impeccable, and the food is sensational, the standout feature at Hotel Esencia is the staff. Everyone is personable, charming, attentive, and simply delightful to be around. We are a family with young (under-11) children who spend very full days at the beach — building sand castles, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and riding ‘seabobs’. The staff helped us navigate between activities and did so with genuine smiles and laughter throughout. Plus, the hotel arranged and guided us on a fantastic excursion that included snorkel and swimming with the manatees at a nearby lagoon (highly recommended!). We would encourage everyone to ‘wake up starving’ because breakfast is phenomenal with pancakes, eggs, smoothies, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches to rival the very best otherwise offered in Mexico City. We will be back and sincerely recommend the Hotel Esencia experience!
Dave M
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