Hotel Esencia

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.

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.

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.

First of all, I have heard about this incredible resort from so many of my friends that have been there many times and always raved about it, but have never had the opportunity to experience it myself! So, when a girlfriend of mine said she was putting a group together and invited me, I was the first to say YES, emphatically! The resort and the experience on EVERY level exceeded my every expectation, truly. From the moment I got into the car to be driven there to the moment I left, everything was extraordinary! So THANK YOU, Hotel Esencia! I can only begin to describe the rooms as flawless! And when I say "rooms" its almost an insult, because they are truly suites, not to be believed!! EVERY single detail is thought of and curated to perfection! I mean a plunge pool IN my room at 85 degrees?? At the end of the night before bed is like a dream... The grounds are impeccable, the beach is stunning as is the service no matter where you go! The physical architecture and styling everywhere was also just beyond beautiful, but never felt untouchable or pretentious at all...you could just walk around barefoot and plop down anywhere and be right at home! And don't get me started on the food!! The food is not only healthy and delicious but also beautifully presented! We had the privilege to be there on a weekend that Hartwood, a Michelin star restaurant, was doing a pop-up! How was this my good fortune?!? The spa is also an incredible experience with an infrared sauna, multiple steam rooms, cold plunge and jacuzzi all included in your stay! Additional spa services such as facials, massages and the like, were world class as well! We were quite a large group and had many special requests, but Yuri and the Concierge Team there handled everything without a hitch! They learned everyone's name and it all felt so personal and welcoming! Unfortunately, I did have one bad experience...that was totally MY FAULT! I flew out of Cancun airport and had to fly directly to Palm Beach for work following this incredible experience. Cancun airport was EXTREMELY busy and very unorganized so as I was going through security I had to take my laptop out of my carry-on and place it in a separate tray. I was rushing to get my bag and get away from all the mess there, I failed to grab my laptop and flew to Palm Beach without it. Of course I only realized this when I got to my hotel in Palm Beach. I cannot explain what Yuri and the Concierge team did for me to retrieve my laptop from airport security over the next few days! I can't even begin to understand the herculean efforts they must've gone through for my stupidity for leaving it behind!! Thankfully I had a friend from NYC staying until the end of the week, so they were able to retrieve my laptop from the Cancun airport and get it into my friends hands so she could bring it back to NYC for me! Are you serious?!?! There are no words I could ever express to thank them for what they must've gone through to make this happen! I have worked in the service industry most of my career, and I now I have my own business, and what those employees did is beyond anything I've ever experienced ANYWHERE!! I also know that they are most likely only following the example and leadership, of the owner, Kevin, which I am eternally grateful. Hotel Esencia has the most INCREDIBLE employees and I just wanted anyone reading this far to know how much they went through for me. Thank you for reading this very long review AND for such an incredible experience at your world class resort! Until next time...

Esencia is an absolute rarity, unlike anything I've ever experienced with a hotel. My twin brother and I had an unforgettable trip here & we will remember if for a lifetime! Esencia is peaceful, intimate and feels both luxurious and a place where you can heal and relax. What made our stay truly special was how effortless everything felt. Going and eating breakfast at the beach cabanas after the spa became our daily routine. We'd settle in and get served right away, and the kitchen was so accommodating about customizing our breakfast so we could eat healthy without missing out on anything delicious. Every morning we woke up to fresh pastries and coffee waiting outside our door at 8 AM, which was such a nice touch. The spa was unbelievable. Each day my brother and I would walk out feeling like an entirely new person. One of my favorite moments was playing tennis with my twin brother on this hidden court tucked into the jungle. Beef Bar was exceptional. The food was excellent and the ambiance at night is intimate and perfect for a special dinner. But what really sets Esencia apart is the people. The service and hospitality here is what makes it world class. Every staff member genuinely cares and you can feel it in every interaction. This is hands down one of the best wellness hotels in the world. If you want an exclusive, unforgettable experience where you can actually relax and recharge, this is the place. Can't recommend it enough.