Hotel Esencia
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Xpu Ha
Vibe
Whitewashed architecture and garden footpaths emerge from fifty acres of coastal jungle onto the quiet, white sands of Xpu-Ha bay.
“Aristocratic coastal cove”
Dedicated personal butlers, morning tea delivered at dawn, and bespoke bath amenities across private seaside suites.
Whitewashed arches pair mid-century furnishings, handwoven Oaxacan wool textiles, and custom ceramic pool tiles by Marcel Dzama.
An authentic Náhuatl temazcal sweat lodge, circular hydrotherapy circuits, and botanical treatments set amid coastal jungle.
On a private estate along Xpu-Ha bay, between jungle and sea away from town.
“an intimate beachside escape, an antidote to the tacky high-rise hotels elsewhere on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.”
Rooms
Suites open onto private terraces facing the canopy or sea, featuring mahogany louvered doors and heated plunge pools in select layouts.
“Accommodations and common areas come simply adorned in crisp white paint, natural wood details and cozy hammocks.”
Wellness
The Organic Mayan Spa combines open-air treatment palapas and botanical therapies with an infrared sauna, hydrotherapy circuits, and an authentic Náhuatl temazcal.
“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...”
Backstory
Originally constructed as a Caribbean hideaway for an Italian duchess, the secluded estate was transformed into an art-filled boutique hotel in 2005.
“Wendle has invested each of the Esencia’s 29 rooms and public spaces with a striking, mid-century quality…”
Eat & drink
Enjoy coastal seafood under Mistura's beachfront palapa, savor omakase beside the pool at Taiyo, or find late-night cocktails in the jungle speakeasy.
The neighborhood
Set along the protected turtle nesting shores of Xpu-Ha bay, the private estate offers complete seclusion midway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.