hotel esencia

Xpu-Ha, Mexico

hotel esencia Wins 2025 Global Recognition Award

At precisely 4 PM each day, the pool loungers at Hotel Esencia undergo a subtle transformation that reflects the property’s thoughtful approach to hospitality. Staff members replace every white cushion with black ones, gently signaling the shift from daytime leisure to evening ambiance. This daily routine, often noticed by guests pausing to take in the scene, captures the hotel’s commitment to detail and guest comfort across its 50-acre estate on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Hotel Esencia has received a 2025 Global Recognition Award for its consistent standards in hospitality, joining a select group of properties recognized for setting new benchmarks in luxury travel. This distinction is significant in a competitive market where travelers increasingly value authenticity and meaningful experiences. The hotel’s track record includes placement among the World’s 50 Best Hotels for two consecutive years and recognition as one of only eight hotels in North America to receive three Michelin Keys, the guide’s highest rating.

Originally built as a private retreat for Italian Duchess Rosa de Ferrari in the 1990s, Hotel Esencia has maintained an atmosphere that blends privacy with attentive service. The property’s repeated five-star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide and its status as Mexico’s only independent five-star hotel reflect a sustained focus on quality, distinguishing it from larger chain hotels.

The Distinctive Heritage

Hotel Esencia’s defining trait is its heritage—a “noble bloodline” that gives it a character not easily found elsewhere. This is evident in details such as curated music playlists by Michel Gaubert, custom charging cord sleeves, and staff who respond to guest preferences with quiet efficiency. The team’s ability to anticipate needs, from remembering a guest’s favorite morning beverage to providing monogrammed amenities, helps create a tailored experience.

The property’s private cenote and mangrove lagoon offer guests the rare opportunity to swim alongside wild manatees, an experience unique to this stretch of the Riviera Maya. Guided by naturalists, these excursions are managed with respect for guest safety and local wildlife, reflecting the hotel’s environmental priorities.

Personal touches extend throughout the stay, from nightly turndown gifts—like locally made chocolates and bookmarks—to complimentary morning coffee and pastries delivered to each suite. These gestures, along with thoughtful in-room amenities, demonstrate the hotel’s focus on personalization and comfort.

Accommodations and Design

All accommodations at Hotel Esencia meet suite standards, with even the entry-level Jungle Suites offering private terraces, large bathrooms with double showers, and walk-in closets. The property’s 47 suites and four villas range from 800 square feet to the expansive Esencia Mansion, each designed to balance contemporary style with regional influences.

The design approach, described as “barefoot luxury,” uses white walls, terracotta roofs, and subtle color accents to create a calm, inviting environment. Rooms feature Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown toiletries, and entertainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity. Bathrooms include Italian marble finishes, heated floors, rainfall showers, and soaking tubs. At the same time, terraces offer views of either the jungle or the Caribbean Sea.

Guest feedback often mentions the residential atmosphere, with one visitor sharing: “You feel like you’re staying at your most refined friend’s private holiday home.” The Master Beach Suites and beachfront duplexes provide outdoor showers and private plunge pools, while rooftop wellness suites include fitness areas and terraces. In every accommodation, technology is integrated thoughtfully with HD televisions, DVD players, movie libraries, and Nespresso machines.

Culinary Approach and Local Connection

Dining at Hotel Esencia is centered around three restaurants that emphasize quality and regional sourcing. Mistura offers Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean influences and sea-to-table dishes, all served with views of the Caribbean. The menu changes with the seasons, focusing on ingredients from Quintana Roo and Yucatan.

BeefBar Esencia, the first Mexican location for the Monaco-based brand, features an open kitchen and brick oven, serving premium meats such as Australian Black Onyx and Japanese Kobe beef, alongside seafood and vegetarian options. The Italian brick oven is also used for artisanal pizzas, adding variety to the menu.

Taiyo presents Japanese cuisine with Mexican touches, including an omakase experience that adapts to the day’s freshest ingredients. The hotel’s commitment to local sourcing extends to its coffee and juice bars, where Mexican beans and fresh produce are used. Staff work directly with local suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients reach the kitchen first.

Wellness, Recreation, and Looking Forward

The recently updated spa at Hotel Esencia blends traditional and modern wellness practices. Facilities include a sensory deprivation tank, infrared sauna, ice baths, and Lumenis NuEra Tight treatments. The spa also offers Mayan-inspired therapies, Temazcal ceremonies, and herbal treatments using plants from the hotel’s gardens.

Recreational amenities include heated pools, a Technogym fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and sunrise yoga sessions. The private beach provides access to a coral reef for snorkeling, and the shoreline remains uncrowded. Complimentary water sports equipment and attentive beach service are available throughout the day.

Looking ahead, Hotel Esencia plans to expand its wellness offerings while maintaining its intimate scale and environmental values. The property’s approach to development—preserving existing trees and wildlife habitats—demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. For travelers seeking a thoughtful blend of comfort, local culture, and personalized service, Hotel Esencia continues to set a high standard, making it a deserving recipient of a 2025 Global Recognition Award.

  • Nestled on a 50-acre estate along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, offering both jungle and Caribbean Sea views.

  • Originally built in the 1990s as a private retreat for Italian Duchess Rosa de Ferrari.

  • Features a private cenote and mangrove lagoon, providing unique opportunities to encounter local wildlife, including wild manatees.

  • The property’s design emphasizes privacy and tranquility, set apart from larger chain resorts.

  • Recognized as Mexico’s only independent five-star hotel, with a heritage that blends noble history and contemporary luxury.

  • All 47 suites and 4 villas meet suite standards, starting at 800 square feet, with private terraces and large bathrooms.

  • Entry-level Jungle Suites offer walk-in closets, double showers, and views of lush gardens.

  • Master Beach Suites and beachfront duplexes include outdoor showers and private plunge pools.

  • Rooftop wellness suites feature private fitness areas and terraces for added exclusivity.

  • In-room amenities include Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown toiletries, Italian marble bathrooms with heated floors, and advanced entertainment systems.

  • Three restaurants on-site: Mistura (Mexican-Mediterranean, sea-to-table), BeefBar Esencia (premium meats, artisanal pizzas), and Taiyo (Japanese-Mexican fusion, omakase).

  • Menus emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from Quintana Roo and Yucatan.

  • Coffee and juice bars use Mexican beans and fresh produce, supporting local suppliers.

  • Open kitchens and brick ovens create a dynamic dining experience, with vegetarian and seafood options available.

  • Culinary offerings are complemented by stunning Caribbean views and attentive service.

  • Recently renovated spa with sensory deprivation tank, infrared sauna, ice baths, and Mayan-inspired therapies.

  • Recreational facilities include heated pools, Technogym fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and sunrise yoga.

  • Private beach with direct access to a coral reef for snorkeling; shoreline remains uncrowded and serene.

  • Complimentary water sports equipment and personalized beach service available throughout the day.

  • Guided naturalist excursions to the cenote and lagoon, allowing guests to swim with wild manatees.

  • Staff anticipate guest preferences, offering personalized touches such as monogrammed amenities and curated music playlists.

  • Daily transformation of pool loungers at 4 PM, signaling the shift from day to evening ambiance.

  • Nightly turndown gifts, complimentary morning coffee and pastries, and thoughtful in-room amenities.

  • Quiet, efficient service that blends privacy with attentive care, reflecting the property’s noble heritage.

  • Consistently recognized for hospitality excellence, including Forbes five-star ratings and three Michelin Keys.

  • Development approach prioritizes preservation of existing trees and wildlife habitats.

  • Excursions and activities are managed with respect for guest safety and local environmental impact.

  • Spa treatments incorporate herbs and plants grown in the hotel’s own gardens.

  • Commitment to local sourcing for dining and amenities supports regional producers and reduces environmental footprint.

  • Ongoing plans to expand wellness and sustainability offerings while maintaining the property’s intimate scale and eco-friendly values.

LOCATION

77734 Xpu Há, Quintana Roo, Mexico

RESORT INFORMATION

77734 Xpu Há, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Industry

Hospitality/Luxury Hotels

Location

Xpu-Ha, Mexico

What They Do

5-star luxury hotel and resort

Year Founded

1993

Company Size

51- 200 employees

Website

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