Hotel Esencia

Esencia's 50-acre private estate offers an intimate atmosphere with just 40 guest rooms and suites, the breathtaking jungle and beach front location offers an appealing tranquillity, away from the crowds of nearby bustling Playa del Carmen and popular Tulum. With two ocean front swimming pools, an extensive spa, two restaurants and friendly, discrete service, Esencia is a firm favorite of Scott Dunn's for both families and couples.

The guest rooms and suites are simple and elegant, featuring native hardwood furnishings, crisp white walls and floors, twelve-foot high ceilings, mahogany louvered doors and large windows that frame tropical garden and sea views. Other features include 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and Molton Brown amenities. The extra-large bathrooms have double rain-shower heads and private chef and butler service is available at all times. Esencia has two Two-Bedroom Cottages, which are the perfect choice for families and afford plenty of space and privacy and have their own private pool. For larger parties, inquire about Esencia's beach front villa, accommodating nine people, making it ideal for a family vacation home or a big celebration.

The Aroma Spa features five treatment rooms, four Jacuzzis and two Mayan-styled domed steam rooms. The ancient holistic treatments include massage, herbal saunas and facials all performed with traditional organic methods using pure indigenous fruits, plants and herbs. The hotel’s beachfront restaurant Mistura serves delicious Mexican cuisine, while the pool restaurant is better suited to casual dining with a mix of cuisines and more simple dishes on offer. There is a also a renowned Beefbar restaurant serving its internationally acclaimed Argentine steak.

Esencia is just 20 minutes south of Mayakoba and Playa del Carmen and 25 minutes north of Tulum. Given its privileged beachfront location, there is an abundance of non-motorized water sports on offer including scuba diving, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. Day expeditions to swim in fresh-water cenotes or dive in underground caverns, to visit ancient Mayan ruins from Tulum to Coba with expert guides and day trips out to the barrier reef to snorkel or dive can be arranged.