Hotel Esencia | Luxury Mexico Hotel

Discover the romantic charm of Hotel Esencia, nestled on a secluded stretch of sand between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Why you'll love it here

Set on a majestic 50-acre estate midway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Boutique property with just 47 suites and 4 villas, offering unrivalled privacy
Experience the hotel’s storied past as the private hideaway of an Italian duchess
Quiet setting, perfect for romantic escapes and honeymoons
Overlook the immaculate bay of Xpu-Ha, where sea turtles nest each year

Best For

Honeymoon, Family,

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

01244 435 215

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Mexico holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Your holiday always includes

Premium lounge passes at UK airports
VIP meet & greet service at departure

Private transfers to and from your hotel
Personal concierge service throughout

24/7 assistance when travelling
The first-hand knowledge of our team

Full accommodation information

Hotel information

Originally built as the private hideaway of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia is a serene retreat on the Riviera Maya, perfect for discovering a truly secluded paradise. Set away from large resorts and busy beaches, yet just 30 minutes from Tulum, the immaculate bay of Xpu-Ha is a natural haven between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where sea turtles nest each year.

The hotel’s Main House is the centrepiece of the estate, with winding footpaths leading to just 47 impressive suites and four private villas, offering exceptional privacy and best-in-class hospitality. Every suite offers refined luxury, featuring plunge pools, private fitness areas and expansive terraces, alongside some of the grandest accommodations in the Riviera Maya, including the Rooftop Wellness Suite with sweeping jungle views.

Dining further elevates the hotel’s relaxed sense of luxury, from the global steakhouse favourite Beefbar to the Japanese-inspired Taiyo and the Omakase bar, a traditional dining experience where guests are invited to leave it entirely in the chef's hands.

In 2025, Hotel Esencia was honoured by The Michelin Guide for the second year in a row with the coveted Three Michelin Keys, the only hotel in Mexico's Riviera Maya to achieve their highest award for extraordinary stays.

Room Options

All accommodations at Hotel Esencia offer boutique luxury, with just 47 spacious suites and four villas to choose from. Luxury amenities include plunge pools, private fitness areas, rooftop terraces with outdoor showers and private terraces or sitting areas with scenic views.

Jungle Suite

The Jungle Suite surrounds the estate’s tropical gardens, with a large private outdoor dining area featuring a sofa, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene landscape. It offers one king or two queen beds, extra-large all-white bathrooms with double showers and double sinks, and an in-room double bathtub. Some Jungle Suites can be connected to the Master Beach Suites, making an ideal combination for families or large groups.

Jungle Suite with Plunge Pool

The Jungle Suite with Plunge Pool is defined by its private plunge pool, either indoors or outdoors within a terrace solarium, and a rain-like shower room. A spacious outdoor dining terrace, large bathrooms with bathtubs, a walk-in closet and calming interiors that frame the serene views make it the perfect hideaway for rest and restoration.

Rooftop Wellness Suite

The Rooftop Wellness Suite at Hotel Esencia delivers a best-in-class experience, earning the Wellness Star of the Year Award from Forbes Travel Guide. Just a three-minute walk from the beach, these standout duplex suites occupy the top two floors of the tallest buildings, offering sweeping tropical views. A private fitness studio off the master bedroom, complete with a personal Technogym weight set, makes early-morning workouts a priority. The upper level features a spacious...

Master Suite

All nine Master Suites face the sea, with views across the grounds, the main pools and the Caribbean beyond. Expect world-class luxury, with a king-size bed, a master bathroom with double sinks, expansive terraces and the crowning jewel – a private heated plunge pool.

Beach Suite

A stone’s throw from the beach and framed by unobstructed sea views, the sumptuous Beach Suites offer a true ‘barefoot in the sand’ experience. Each invites laid-back indoor–outdoor living, with a private beachfront terrace, spacious bathrooms featuring double showers with direct ocean views and an in-room double bathtub.

Master Jungle Suite

The Master Jungle Suites elevate the Jungle Suite experience, offering the feel of a spacious private apartment. Expect multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, grand master bedrooms and expansive bathrooms with double bathtubs. While each suite is unique, all are centrally located jungle oases just steps from the beach, complete with extra-large plunge pools so you can immerse yourself in lush foliage.

Master Beach Suite

For maximum privacy and comfort, choose one of Hotel Esencia’s two spectacular Master Beach Suites. There are windows on three sides to make the most of the expansive views, as well as extremely spacious bathrooms with love seats and a private heated plunge pool. For families or friends travelling together, the suites can connect to a Jungle Suite, offering ultimate flexibility and privacy.

Pool Villa

The two-bedroom, two-level Pool Villas offer unparalleled serenity and privacy, tucked away in lush garden foliage. Alongside the spectacular jungle setting, enjoy multiple terraces, a media room, a brand-new fitness studio and a courtyard furnished with hammocks, seating and a full-size swimming pool.

Yum Ha Villa

Nestled within lush greenery, Yum-Ha is a colonial-style villa discreetly set on a 15-acre estate beside Hotel Esencia. The four-bedroom residence sleeps up to eight guests and is just a three-minute walk from the beach. Inside, expect en-suite bathrooms, private terraces, a Mexican-style kitchen, spacious living and dining areas and a terrace for outdoor dining. For added exclusivity, the villa includes private butler and housekeeping services.

Facilities/Amenities

Gym/fitness centre
Spa/wellness

Restaurants & Bars

From the casual Mexican–Japanese fare of Taiyo to sea-to-table dining at Mistura and the meat lover’s favourite, Beefbar, Hotel Esencia offers a culinary voyage through eclectic cuisines and flavours, all set against its spectacular beach location.

Mistura

Set beneath a towering beachfront palapa with views of the Caribbean, offering a sea-to-table dining experience with the finest ingredients from Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Beefbar

A menu rooted in simplicity, showcasing exceptional cuts of Australian Black Onyx and WX Wagyu beef, alongside Certified Japanese Kobe beef.

Dinner

Beach Bar

Savour creative signature cocktails in this two-storey beachfront palapa while enjoying the best views in the hotel.

Coffee & Juice Bar

Explore a wide selection of coffee beans from regions across Mexico, as well as international brands, plus freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and superfood bowls.

Mexico travel information

When to visit Mexico

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Good time

Ok time

Time zone: -6 GMT
Flight time: 10 hours
Recommended airlines: British Airways
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
Tipping guideline: 10-15%
Health considerations: travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/147/mexico

Capital: Mexico City
Population: 1.29388e+008
National languages: Spanish
Electricity and plugs: Type A, B, 127V
Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
UK passport visa requirements: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements

Want to know more?

Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Mexico experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

01244 435 215

Not sure where to stay in Riviera Maya? I'm here to help. Give me a call and I'll share my first-hand insights to find your perfect spot.

Enquire

Mexico travel guides

Want some more help planning your holiday to Mexico? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.