Hotel Esencia

Hotel Esencia is truly one of the most magical places on earth. Nestled between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, this boutique estate feels like a private sanctuary, beautifully preserved, intimate, and rooted in the history of its original Italian duchess owner. The moment you enter the property, the quiet luxury, lush grounds, and pristine Xpu-Ha beach set the tone for an unforgettable escape. We celebrated our wedding here in November 2025 with 35 guests, and it exceeded every expectation we had. I chose not to hire an outside wedding planner, and the on-site wedding coordination team (Karla and Karina) supported us so personally and thoroughly that I never once felt stressed. From the planning process to the seamless execution, they handled every detail with such care, professionalism, and genuine warmth. Our guests were blown away. Many said it was the most beautiful and special hotel they had ever visited. The room block was well handled, the preferred vendors were exceptional, and the entire event felt elegant, effortless, and deeply personal. Even after the wedding, our guests continued to rave about the food, the thoughtful service, and the serene, uncrowded atmosphere. Hotel Esencia offers the rare combination of privacy, charm, and world-class hospitality. It is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. We are already planning to return for anniversaries and future celebrations because this property now holds such a special place in our hearts. If you are considering a romantic getaway, a meaningful celebration, or simply a peaceful place to escape, Hotel Esencia is a true gem, a destination that feels both luxurious and deeply human.

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!

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.

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.

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.