Esencia Hotel

Retreat to the beach in style at Esencia Hotel, a former exclusive beachside summer villa of an Italian duchess. Set in a 50-acre private estate of lush gardens and close to Xpu-Ha beach this delightful Mayan Riviera refuge has cottages and suites with a private pool, a calming organic spa and gourmet cuisine.

Rooms at Esencia Hotel feature high ceilings, crisp white walls and floors with native hardwood furnishings, mahogany doors and large windows that frame tropical garden or sea views. Several have plunge pools and a terrace or balcony while the cottages provide an extra level of privacy.

The days flow into one another as you spend time lazing on the beach or by the pool. Snorkelling sessions are interspersed with lying in a hammock on your terrace or sipping margaritas in the bar. Indulge in an aromatic herbal body wrap in the spa followed by the tantalizing flavour of fresh seafood at Esencia Hotel’s Sal Y Fuego Restaurant.

The spaciousness of Esencia allows an eclectic choice of accommodation in its 29 rooms (17 are suites): the main house has just nine rooms spreading themselves - with a very unique style - over its three storeys; each with large sun terraces and mesmerising sea views. Lost in the grounds are two private houses, both with four garden room annexes, perfect for friends and families, and there are a further ten individual garden suites with private solariam and plunge pools. An example of Esencia's difference is the local cuisine: world-class but with a twist! For example, one of the chef's specialities is seafood baked underground in banana leaves!