Hotel Esencia is the ultimate luxury retreat in Mexico. Originally a vacation home built in 1985 by Mexican architect Gabriel Núñez for the Italian Dutchess, Rosa del Ferrari, in one of the most idyllic beaches in the world (Xpuha Beach). New owner Kevin Wendle, since 2014, has transformed this slice of heaven into a boutique beachfront hotel with 40 private suites just 55 minutes away from Cancun.
Unlike most resorts in the Riviera Maya; Esencia Hotel (Esencia meaning Essence, representing everything this property stands for) stays under-the-radar with a small access on the 307 highway, guarded by a simple rope and a fine gentleman that greets you with a smile. For me, this simple detail was very refreshing and just added to my excitement. Driving through the Mayan jungle in a golf cart to get to your private villa and hearing nothing but the sounds of nature is what makes this place so magical. You can’t help but tune into a more peaceful mindset.
When Kevin Wendle; producer, co-founder of CNET Networks, E!Online and Fox Broadcasting Company; acquired this “gem”, he added small touches of sophistication to the delight of all art/design/music lovers and foodies in the world. Here are just some of the details that caught my attention:
- Sleek mid-century styled furniture by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Guariche, Pablo Picasso and Serge Mouille. Along with a few commissioned pieces from Mexican artisans.
- In-suite iPod with a unique playlist by sound designer Michel Gaubert.
- Complimentary tea and freshly baked pastries placed outside your villa every morning.
- An organic SPA that offers ancient Yucatan remedies in a circular Mayan-inspired building, with open-air massage tables.
- The main house is a beautifully designed space for guests to meet & greet, have a drink, enjoy the view, play board games or read a book.
- The property is situated in Xpuha. A powdery and dreamy beach far from the huge resorts in the area. It’s also a nesting place for turtles and a snorkeling haven.
- The NEW Mistura restaurant by acclaimed chef Dimitris Katrivesis. Offering a delightful fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine in a chic beachfront “palapa” with breathtaking 180-degree views. Sunsets from this restaurant are the best I’ve ever seen!!! This is an addition to the 2 existing restaurants at Esencia Hotel: Jardin & Pool.
- A boutique shop showcasing the best of Mexican products along with other fine collections from around the globe.
Hotel Esencia Suite. Boutique Beachfront Hotel in Riviera Maya. Photo by Tanveer Badal
Hotel Esencia, Main House. Luxury Retreat in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Ael Becker Weddings
Mistura Xpuha by Hotel Esencia. Fine Dining Experience in Mexico.
Romantic candlelit dinner at Hotel Esencia, Beachfront Boutique Hotel in Mexico.
Organic Spa at Hotel Esencia. Luxury Retreat in Riviera Maya, Mexico
It’s no surprise that this ultra high end yet simple beach hotel is listed in the 100 Best Hotels in the World!! If you are looking for a luxury retreat, family getaway or the ultimate dream beach wedding (with up to 300 guests) … Hotel Esencia is your best bet!!! Contact them today for more info: http://hotelesencia.com/.
Special thanks to the incredible management and sales team for receiving me and giving me the opportunity to write about this true gem in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Can’t wait to come back for more!!!!!
[…] and tastefully decorated lobby by Mexican designer Paulina Moran (who also worked her magic at Hotel Esencia), is a breath of fresh […]