Aristocratic coastal cove
Shaded footpaths wind through 50 acres of coastal jungle, connecting whitewashed estate villas to the tranquil waters of Xpu-Ha bay.
“Accommodations and common areas come simply adorned in crisp white paint, natural wood details and cozy hammocks.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Mid-century furniture by Pierre Jeanneret sits beside hand-woven Oaxacan wool rugs.
Remarkable
An authentic Náhuatl temazcal sweat lodge anchors treatments blended from local botanicals.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Americas
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
an intimate beachside escape, an antidote to the tacky high-rise hotels elsewhere on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
“Wendle has invested each of the Esencia’s 29 rooms and public spaces with a striking, mid-century quality that combines Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret furniture…”
“Surrounded by 50 acres of lush jungle and manicured, palm-fringed grounds, Esencia pairs the amenties and comforts of a larger hotel with the attentive care typical of a boutique property or B&B.”
“This Edenic oasis is hidden away at the point where the exotic, Mayan jungle opens up to the pristine, white sand beaches of Xpu-Ha.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tucked between dense rainforest and the Caribbean Sea, the estate sits on Xpu-Ha bay, a protected nesting haven for sea turtles.
The rooms
Mahogany louvered doors open to private ocean or canopy terraces, with select suites offering private heated plunge pools.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two heated pools sit along the beachfront lawn, tiled with custom motifs by artist Marcel Dzama.
The spa and gym
Circular hydrotherapy tubs overlook the jungle foliage, and the vaulted fitness pavilion is equipped with Woodway treadmills.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Mistura Xpu-Ha
Set under an open-air palapa, this beachfront restaurant serves fresh ceviche and wood-fired seafood overlooking the bay.
It’s a quiet, stylish, supercool escape that hits just the right note. You feel hidden from the world, searching for a small, hardly signposted entrance...
At the table
Evenings move from barefoot drinks at the beach bar to a hidden jungle speakeasy with a frescoed ceiling.
How it began
Originally constructed as a secluded Caribbean getaway for an Italian duchess, the private residential estate opened to guests in 2005.
“All of its interior spaces are open-air, spacious and effortlessly chic, with each of the rooms possessing a private terrace…”
Good to know
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Hotel Esencia
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Riviera Maya
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.