Set on a blissful stretch of white-sand beach and surrounded by a 50-acre tropical oasis, Hotel Esencia is the most elegant boutique retreat on the Riviera Maya. Formerly the private home of an Italian duchess, you’ll find that peace and tranquillity reign here. Whilst less than an hour from Cancún, you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

50 minutes from Cancún International Airport.

Just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, on the pristine sands of Xpu-ha Beach on the Riviera Maya

The 40 rooms, suites and private villas feature clean, simple designs with beautiful hand-crafted furnishings, oversized bathrooms with rain showers, and louvered doors that open onto a private balcony or terrace with views of the gardens or ocean. All accommodation is well appointed with air conditioning, a satellite television, DVD player, iPod docking station with pre-loaded iPod minis, Nespresso machine, and mini fridge stocked with complimentary water, soft drinks and beers. Some suites also have a private plunge pool. Garden Rooms and Suites are located in the estate’s tranquil gardens and offer complete privacy, whilst the Ocean View Suites and the spacious Master Suite are in the main house, close to the swimming pool and beach. The newly-opened Beach Suites are located merely 20 metres from the sea and the split-level, Two Bedroom Pool Villas with full-sized private pool are ideal for families.

There are three restaurants and one bar. The Pool Restaurant is located between the pools and beach, and serves up fresh, seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Mistura sits under the shade of a beachside palapa and offers spectacular 180-degree views of the ocean which you can take in alongside an exciting menu of Peruvian/Japanese fusion cuisine. The Garden Restaurant serves refined Mexican cuisine in the palm garden, and The Beach Bar offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, superfood bowls and cocktails on a double-storey palapa on the beach. Complimentary afternoon tea is also served daily.

Room Only Bed & Breakfast

Facilities include two swimming pools and a stunning stretch of beach where a range of watersports, including diving, snorkelling and paddleboarding, are available. In the exquisite spa, therapists tailor holistic treatments to you based on ancient Mayan practices, including massages, facials, scrubs and reflexology. Complimentary yoga and meditation classes are available in the main house terrace or garden area and Mexican cooking classes are also on offer. Other facilities include a gym and a hair and beauty salon. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are only 20 minutes away by car.