Hotel Esencia

Rooms

The decor throughout is utterly mindblowing, characterised by whitewashed walls, native wooden ornaments and padded sofas moulded seamlessly into the rooms. Big windows and sun terraces offer stunning views, mostly of the glistening beach out front. Fun design concepts include speakers in the bathrooms and remote-controlled blinds. Bathrooms have huge walk-in showers (some have tubs, too). And to top it off, the minibars are complimentary.

The Jungle Suites are nice and private, hidden down individual paths shaded by huge leaves and foliage. Those with Plunge Pool are a step up, with spacious decks, outdoor plunge pools and loungers, though the greenery means they don’t get much sun.

Fitness enthusiasts should splash out on one of the new Rooftop Wellness Suites, which come with a private fitness studio off the master bedroom, containing a Peloton bicycle, TRX suspension training equipment, or a Technogym treadmill upon request, as well as a private heated pool and solarium upstairs.

If you’d prefer a sea view to a jungle hideaway, opt for a Beach Suite. These are housed in two-storey buildings fronting the white sands, and are in high demand. You also get an in-room double bathtub (as well as a shower room), and a private sea-view terrace.

The Pool Villas behind the spa provide accommodation for a family or group. Upstairs are the bedrooms - a vast master with 2 terraces (1 with hammock) and a generous bathroom, plus a twin room with a smaller bathroom (ideal for kids). Down below, the large communal area opens onto a sociable deck for meals, plus a private pool. Out back there's a cinema room and a small kitchen, and you can request chef services if you want a change of scene for meals.

For a special treat, choose one of the Master Suites in the main house. Most popular is the Duchess’ former bedroom on the second floor. Its sizeable terrace has double vistas of the ocean in front and the treetops behind (great for sunsets), plus a roomy outdoor plunge pool. However, our favourite has a stunning 360-degree lookout over the horizon, thanks to its panoramic windows. And if this cinematic view isn’t enough, the push of a button transforms the windows into blinds, so the room can double as a private movie room with a high definition projector and a range of films.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

There are 3 restaurants to choose from - all cool, contemporary and delicious.

Cafe Esencia offers laidback, all-day dining. We liked the interesting breakfast options, including huevos motulenos (fried eggs with tortilla, refried black beans, ham, salsa motulena, green peas, fried plantain). Lunch and dinner options range from salads and sandwiches to fresh fish and tacos.

Beachfront Mistura is a bright, funky restaurant with a Greek taverna feel and killer sea views. At lunch, the fantastic signature ceviche makes a light and fresh meal. Also available are salads and fresh seafood from an open grill. This is a great spot for lazy afternoon drinks - or you can stay refreshed with a smoothie from the Beach Bar if you prefer.

Beefbar is the sparkling new steak restaurant, run by a Michelin starred team. Décor is urban chic - hanging plants everywhere, a cocktail bar, wicker chairs that spill out onto the garden with fairy lights and daybeds. A Cuban singer and guitarist provided the music on our visit. It all felt very special.

If you want a change of scene, there's a beach restaurant called Cielo that's very close to the hotel.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Laze by the pool, or in your private thatched palapa on the beach. Attendants are armed with towels, iced water, snorkelling equipment, and buckets and spades
  
• Take one of the free paddleboards or kayaks out into the calm morning sea - we spotted lots of rays and a turtle as we paddled over the reef
  
• Snorkel from the shallows - the world’s second-longest coral reef sits off the Yucatán’s east coast, and we saw a sting ray, a couple of crabs mating, and some sizeable fish just yards out from shore
  
• Spend a day on the hotel’s sailing boat for snorkelling on nearby reefs, fishing or just letting the ketch get some wind in her sails - a heady experience
  
• Swim alongside the world’s biggest fish in whale shark season (June-September). The highly recommended trip is run by Ocean Tours, exclusive to the hotel
  
• Bliss out in the Mayan Spa. The steam rooms are scented with bundles of fresh herbs, and the hot or cold Jacuzzis are deliciously open to the breeze, with sea views
  
• Visit the Dos Ojos cenote, 5km from the hotel. Bring a snorkel and mask to get a closer glimpse of what lies beneath
  
• Hire a car through the hotel and discover hidden Caribbean beaches on your way to Tulum's Mayan ruins
  
• Complimentary yoga classes are held in the outdoor pavilion every morning at 8am during the week; at the weekends there’s Tai Chi
  
• Head to the hotel library and browse the incredible collection of books, which are mostly big hardbacks about art and architecture from around the world
  
• Liaise with the hotel to arrange a romantic beach dinner under the stars
  
• Have a cookery lesson with the Guatemalan chef (suitable for children, too) and learn the secrets behind proper guacamole, sopa de lima and fajitas
  
• If you’re craving some nightlife, take a taxi to Playa Del Carmen for a buzzing carnival vibe, late night bars and clubs

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Well being
• Whale watching
• Yoga

Kids

Families are made very welcome - we kept noticing how sweet and friendly staff were with children. Almost everything you could need is laid on, from babysitting to kids menus, yoga classes and even kiddie spa treatments, and it's definitely popular with families, but manages to shy away from feeling like a 'family hotel'.

Under 2s go free; depending on where you're staying, children might be included in the price of your accommodation or you might have to pay half the adult price (up to age 12) for an extra bed.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The spacious Jungle Suites (if you have 1 child), or the more private Pool Villas with heated pool (if you have 2+ children). Most rooms can take an extra bed or cot; one of the Master Suites can connect with an Ocean Suite.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour
• Doctor: 15 minutes
• Nearest shop: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Hotel Esencia is located on the beach at Xpu-ha, 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

By Air:
Fly into Cancun International Airport (76km away).

From the Airport:
The hotel can arrange transfers, or you can take a taxi.

By Car:
If you want to hire a car for the duration of your trip, see our recommendations. If you want to hire a car for a day or 2 after you arrive at the hotel, staff can arrange this for you.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.