Etereo, Auberge Resorts Collection

We just got back from a week at Etéreo (7/24 - 7/31). I would give it 100 stars if I could. — The Preamble — All I can say is WOW. Believe every single review on here. Everything not only lived up to the reviews and hype, but far, FAR exceeded them. To establish some credibility for this review: We have stayed at some of the best resorts / hotels in the world, including numerous Aman properties. My fiancée and I work extremely demanding jobs with long hours and lots of travel (lawyer / financier). We were completely burnt out and desperately needed a vacation. We’re from SoCal and figured we’d give Mexico a shot (my first time, her third). 4.5 hours from LAX, and door to door service with the private driver once we landed ($400 round trip), brand new, highest-tier Chevy suburban, air conditioning, TV’s / wifi in the car made it an absolute breeze. Cold compresses, cold beer, water, snacks and a courteous, friendly driver were our welcoming gifts. 30-40 mins to Kanai and you enter the gates of paradise. We booked knowing it was the low season / hurricane / hot season. On those fronts: (1) it rained once (and we spent the 15 minute shower in the warm pool sipping our daiquiris and enjoying the popsicles the attendants brought around, despite the pouring rain). Every day (including the rain day) was blue skies, with occasional partly-cloudy patches; (2) we had absolutely zero problem with the resort being quiet and intimate (I’m sure it’s still fantastic during the high season, but I think we will only be coming during the low — there were still a decent amount of guests); and (3) yes, it was hot and humid, but we did not mind. Our plan was to rot on the beach and use the pool / outdoor showers to cool off. The heat typically broke at night and lowered to high 70s low 80s. One of the restaurants (Che Che, by the pool) is outdoor with ceiling fans, and the other, bigger restaurant, Itzam, is enclosed with ample AC. Typically a decent to moderate amount of wind that helps throughout the day / evening). If you can’t handle heat / humidity, the summer months may not be for you. If you’re okay with a little sweat / late afternoon mugginess before sunset (easily rectified with a dip in the ocean, pool, cold plunge, or shower), by all means, book in the low season. — The Rooms — Meticulously clean and ultra luxe. High quality materials, great technology (wireless, in-ceiling speaker, AirPlay to the new flatscreen (if that’s your jam), huge windows (easy to open), a “cold” plunge pool (perfect for post-beach cool down, although the high ambient air temp brought the water to 80/82-ish) (certainly no complaints on that), big glass water bottles refreshed every day (an insane amount of water — you will never be thirsty in your room and it’s all free, obviously), clean, tasteless shower / tap water (yes, you can drink the water let it get into your mouth, it’s purified and 100% safe), plush bedding (pillows a little too soft / flattened out easily but that’s just personal preference), thoughtful, organic, “raw” decor throughout (with lovely touches of Mayan / Mexican artistry, big and small). Big closet space, in-drawer safe, free soft drinks / water in the minibar, organic snacks, free branded water bottles that you’re encouraged to use throughout your stay (and take with you). Meticulous housekeeping (seriously — it’s some of the best housekeeping we’ve seen at any beach resort), linens changed every day if you so wish, fresh towels rolled to perfection (you will never run out of towels), bathroom counters organized, thoughtful touches based on your patterns that they perceive, on and on). On / dim / “night” switches for the lights next to your bed (the lighting is EXCELLENT and every light is controlled by the switch with wonderful, perfectly calibrated light settings). Really sets the mood. To be expected at a high-end resort but just trying to be thorough. Separate W/C, shower is large, fully enclosed glass room with excellent water pressure, rainfall head / handheld. We were on the first floor and the room / shower have big, floor to ceiling windows which are eye-level with a pathway off in the distance to another building (maybe 75-100 feet across the mangrove). The shower / room have blackout shades (but maybe you’re the voyeuristic type — not here to judge). — The Food — Hands down the best resort food we’ve ever had. Not even close. I wouldn’t even call it resort food. It’s extremely high-quality dining that just so happens to be available for consumption at a resort. The restaurants could easily stand on their own in a big city — no joke. We did a private dinner on the beach (just wow), the Abuela dinner (look it up), and Tacology dinner (look it up), in addition to regular menus at the restaurants on the alternating nights (in the low season, one restaurant is open each night, with the other open for lunch). You don’t know me, but trust me — excellent food is a critical component of my life. This checks the box 100x over. — The Property — What can I say — you’re in paradise. The beach is beautiful, white sand (raked clean daily). Yes, seaweed is plentiful during this time, but there are folks walking the beach and cleaning literally all day (unobtrusively). It is lush, there is a huge amount of wildlife (birds with tropical calls, iguanas (some are HUGE!), “trash pandas” (they are Mexican raccoons but look like lemurs, not dangerous, very cute, clearly living the dream on the property), lizards). Very few bugs. Like… almost none. I thought it would be TEEMING with insects. Not even close. Some mosquitos here and there but by no means something you need to worry about — just bring some “Off” if you’re wearing a dress / short sleeve etc. Windy nights = zero mosquitoes. You’ll be fine. The property is extremely, EXTREMELY lush. Thoughtful landscaping throughout the property that makes it feel like the resort simply dropped on top of the mangrove (not a far way off from reality — everything is on stilts / built just above the mangrove line), a very natural feel, with abundant limestone / sandstone everywhere, 1-2ft pools with sculptures and lighting that gives the property an extremely luxurious but natural feel. You will walk on the property and realize the photos / YouTube videos do not do this place justice. We were wide-eyed and jaw dropped as we went on the tour with our guide. Basically, you can’t tell where the property landscaping begins and the mangrove ends (in the best way possible). That’s how it should be for an eco resort like this. The beach is excellent. Please go to the beach. Why are you at a beach resort to sit at the pool? To each their own, but there’s nothing like soaking in 90 degree salt water. It’s healing. And you will get world class service / food brought to your lounge / cabana within minutes of ordering. — The People — I’m saving the best for last. The staff is comprised of truly some of the most lovely, joyful, sweet, caring people I’ve met. They call you their family while you’re there. You may think it’s corny or a gimmick or a “you’re spending lots of money so let’s kiss your butt” — NO. Not so. These people are genuinely incredible. You DO feel like family. Extremely hard workers who take pride in their work — and it shows. Everyone will take the time to learn your name, learn your preferences, and go the extra mile for you. Be kind to them in return. Give respect and you’ll get it back in spades. They don’t expect tips — but please tip them generously. 50/100 pesos here or there. That’s a couple bucks USD. It means nothing to you and a lot to them. Don’t be a classic American abroad (coming from an American). Take that how you want. Example of them going above and beyond on the little things: the beach ran out of strawberries one day (no doubt because my constant flow of daiquiris blended through their stock). They had different flavors to offer, but the beach guys knew I preferred strawberries. Instead of saying, “we’re out but here are the other flavors,” they personally ran to the storeroom / kitchen in the 95 degree heat, replenished our stock, ran back, and kept the strawberry daiquiris flowing with a 10 minute interruption. One of the guys even walked the daiquiri out to me in the water. It’s the little things. Mega shout out to Gabriel, Luis-Jorge, and Victor at the beach. Amazing guys who bust their butts 10 hours / day running around the sand, in the stifling heat, constantly bringing (free) buckets of ice waters, and anticipating your every need. — Overall — We came home feeling 100% recharged and ready to close the year out. Come to this place. Drink it in. The energy is special. It’s odd — it’s like there’s something magical about it. You feel it in your bones. It’s a beautiful, soulful experience. Deeply invigorating and enriching. Etéreo (“ethereal”) is the PERFECT name. You may think I’m being hyperbolic in this review. That I’ve drunk the Kool-Aide. I promise you — none of this is an exaggeration. This place is UNBELIEVABLE. We will be returning every year forever. I’m already looking at dates next spring / summer and will probably book in the fall. Thank you to the entire staff for such a beautiful experience. Wow.

My family and I just returned from our first stay at Etereo, and it was absolutely incredible. After getting sick during our last trip (last year)to Riviera Maya at the Belmond Maroma we were a little hesitant to come back to the area, but Etereo completely changed our experience. The service was truly outstanding. Every staff member was warm, genuine, and always seemed to anticipate our needs. Our butler, Daniela, was fantastic and made everything so easy, from dinner reservations to spa appointments. Also a special thank you to Jesus, who went above and beyond to make sure my son, who uses a wheelchair, was comfortable throughout our stay. His kindness and attention meant so much to our family. As to the food, it was the best we've experienced at any luxury resort in Cancun and Riviera Maya. There was an amazing variety of cuisines, and every meal was exceptional. Chef Noelle deserves a huge shout-out for preparing (upon our request) the best beef carpaccio we've ever had and also creating an incredible red cactus gazpacho for us on the spot. She also did a private cooking class that my daughter and I absolutely loved! We stayed in an accessible ocean-view suite, and it was beautifully designed, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. It met all of my son's accessibility needs while still feeling luxurious. The resort has ramps throughout which makes it so easy to move around if you use a wheelchair or have strollers. The resort has a beach wheelchair which is fantastic for those with limited mobility. The spa was fantastic. They have the best therapists! My first treatment was so amazing that I booked a second treatment. We also loved the resort's Mayan cultural experiences. Our kids especially enjoyed learning about Mayan history, and the cacao ceremony was a memorable experience. Finally, the beach was calm and clean. The beach is perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a peaceful beach. Etereo exceeded our expectations in every way. From the exceptional staff and outstanding dining to the beautiful accommodations and meaningful cultural experiences, this was one of the best resort stays our family has ever had. We can't wait to return!

Our Etéreo visit was just fantastic -- the service, the spaces, the whole environment -- truly top notch. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Highly Recommend! Customer service was out of this world, food was incredible, and they provided such a relaxing experience.

Truly one of the best experiences I have ever had - everything from the spa location and property itself (stunning) to the food, and activities on the property, but without a doubt the best part of this resort is the staff - 12/10 for the high level of detail and attention to service, and every opportunity to go above and beyond. Some of the best service I have ever experienced, and would highly recommend to anyone considering this property.