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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
Armado, Augustin, Carlos, Daniel, Apollo, Juan and all the other waiters made us feel super welcomed and cosy.
Lili M
Kevin, What an amazing week we had at Esencia! What you have accomplished and created in this beautiful part of Quintana Roo is priceless. The food, the atmosphere and above all, the wonderful staff. The perfection to detail with everyone who took care of us was unbelievable. This was our 6th journey to your paradise, and looking forward to our next. Thank you! Karla and Lydell
Lydell T - San Antonio, Texas
Our stay at Hotel Esencia was very nice. thanks to Lea, the reservations manager, who gave us a lovely room meeting my criteria of quietness, privacy and closeness from the beach. The property is beautifully designed, with a rare sense of space, privacy and harmony with its surroundings. Unlike many hotels in the area, there is no visual or noise pollution. The atmosphere is consistently calm, discreet and elegant. The beachfront is wide, clean and peaceful, with none of the crowding or constant activity seen elsewhere. It is a place where you can genuinely relax and disconnect. The rooms are lovely — The indoor-outdoor flow is particularly well executed, creating a seamless connection with nature while maintaining a high level of comfort. Service is impeccable throughout: attentive without being intrusive, and always focused on making the stay effortless. The food is also a highlight, with consistently high quality and a strong sense of place. What stands out most is the coherence of the experience: everything matches the promise. This is a true boutique luxury hotel where calm, beauty and authenticity are not just marketing words, but a reality. We would absolutely return and highly recommend Hotel Esencia to anyone looking for a peaceful, high-end and genuinely restorative stay.
ElodieGL - Esher, United Kingdom
An Eleutherian Oasis of Tranquility Nestled discreetly within its own sprawling estate on the verges of powdery white sands of Xpu-Ha, The 5-star Hotel Esencia is less a hotel and more an experience – the very elixir of enchantment. Tucked between the vibrant towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this luxurious hideaway promises and delivers an eleutherian escape where excellence, exceptional service, and pure euphoria are everything. The Arrival: The moment you step onto the grounds of the property, an overwhelming feeling of calm washes over you. Check-in is seamless; the adventure begins: whisked away in a jungle buggy, guided by a friendly concierge, through the winding, Jumanji-like jungle path. Setting the tone: a blend of pristine luxury and untouched nature. Every detail of your stay is handled with a humble expertise that is refreshing. The Jungle Suite: Modernist Luxury King bed Suite with Plunge Pool. The suite's design is a triumph of aesthetics, featuring stark white lacquered floors. Colonial shuttered doors complete the look, while modernist furniture and vibrant artisan Mexican soft furnishings provide a brilliance of colours against the glossy backdrop. The walk-in wardrobe held thoughtful amenities: complimentary logo flip-flops and a beautiful bespoke Esencia in-house-coloured striped beach bag. The minibar was generously stocked with complimentary juices, sparkling water, and every flavour of tea imaginable. The Experience: Tailored Tranquility A basket of homemade pastries, along with a fresh carafe of coffee and pot of tea, is delivered to a secure wooden box on your private terrace at your chosen time of the morning. This beautiful traditional touch allows for a perfect start to the day, accompanied by the dawn chorus melody of bluebirds and the sounds of the jungle orchestra. We even had friendly tree bears pop by for the pastry crumbs! The resort offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Days can be spent chilling by one of the pools or in the beach cabanas, exploring the long shoreline and white sands, perfect for serene reflective walks. A HIGHLIGHT of Our Stay We enjoyed an organized manatee snorkel trip in the hotel's private cenote lagoon. Dining: The three restaurants ensure exceptional, palatable culinary delights throughout your stay. Complimentary daily afternoon tea in the main house is a highlight. Our evening dinner in the Michelin Beef Bar. The fillet of beef, featuring delicate fusions of flavour, was enticingly exceptional. Day of the Dead Celebrations & Lasting Touches Our visit coincided with the week of celebrations for the Day of the Dead. Returning to our villa, we found thoughtful gifts waiting on our terrace table: a photo frame and marigold candles for the remembrance of loved ones. These personal touches extended to our wedding anniversary celebration, marked by another beautiful gift. The Verdict Hotel Esencia is a place where you can genuinely disconnect and experience true freedom. It is an exceptional, exciting, and unforgettable destination that delivers excellence in every aspect. The "essence of Esencia" stays with you long after you leave.
dee elle dee D - Bern, Switzerland
In December 2025, I had the pleasure of attending a New Year's Eve dinner at this wonderful hotel, undoubtedly a hidden gem. From the beautifully landscaped pathways and well-maintained buildings to the delicious food (with great attention to detail and the talent of Chef Jeovani) and the warm service from everyone who attended to us, it was certainly a fantastic dinner to close out the year.
victor_itg - Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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