Originally built as the private hideaway home of an Italian duchess on what is considered the most beautiful beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the 29-room, suite and villa Hotel Esencia is located on a private 50 acre estate surrounded by the Mayan jungle.
This boutique luxury hotel was converted into a hotel in 2005 and in 2014 began a new journey when award-winning entrepreneur and art collector Kevin Wendle became owner.
Since taking over, Wendle has undertaken a major refurbishment programme to enhance the hotel’s facilities, accentuate its natural beauty as well as add a truly one-off collection of art and antiques.
Located just 50 minutes from Cancun and 30 from Tulum, Esencia is full of character, charm and heritage. The main house is the centerpiece of the hotel around which footpaths lead to the 29 suites and villas. There are also a two restaurants, a new beach bar, two large pools, juice bar and organic spa. Each room and suite boasts a private terrace and seating area with views of either the luxuriant gardens or the Caribbean Sea.
The handpicked collection of art and antiques within the hotel is one of the things that makes Esencia’s décor so unique. With Wendle’s desire to reimagine the property, came an entire collection of furniture designed specially for the hotel which, in addition to hand-woven rugs, bed throws and table tops, pay homage to mid-century Mexican and European art and design. Artwork by celebrated Spanish and Latin American artists decorates the walls including works by Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero and Eduardo Santiere.
All rooms come equipped with complimentary mini bar, Mastro Raphael Italian bed linen, Malin + Goetz bathroom amenities and a curated collection of art and design books.
Hotel Esencia is home to two outdoor restaurants as well as a new beach bar, poolside grill and cold-pressed juice bar. Situated between the two main pools and the beach, The Pool Restaurant places emphasis on seasonal ingredients and seafood while The Garden Restaurant offers a sophisticated take on Mexican dishes.
Xpu-Ha beach is considered the finest on this 180km stretch of Caribbean coastline. Protected by the Mesoamerican Reef, the sea is calmer here than the rest of the coast and the snorkelling is excellent.
Hotel Esencia, Carretera Cancún, Tulum km 265, Xpu-Ha, Quintana Roo 77750, Mexico, hotelesencia.com
