Hotel Esencia

Hotel Esencia, a luxury retreat in Xpu-Ha Bay

Hotel Esencia occupies a 50-acre estate located midway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, in Xpu-Ha Bay, Quintana Roo. The property presents itself as a luxury accommodation away from large resort complexes, on a stretch of coast where the Yucatán jungle meets the sands of the Riviera Maya. The property was originally the private residence of an Italian duchess and later operated as a hotel; in 2014 it began a new chapter with the arrival of a new owner and a contemporary reinterpretation of its past as a leisure retreat for nobility.

Accommodation: 47 suites and 4 villas

The complex is arranged around the Main House, from which paths lead to the hotel's 47 suites and 4 villas. The property stands out for its limited capacity and the privacy it offers its guests. Notable accommodations include the Esencia Mansion, spanning 12,000 square feet, described in press coverage collected by the hotel itself as a tropical sanctuary elevated above the tree canopy. The hotel also mentions the Presidential Bungalow, with private beach access.

Dining and spa

The hotel has three restaurants, including one serving Japanese omakase cuisine. Its spa has been rated by Forbes as the best in Mexico, and Esquire describes it as the crown jewel of the complex. In 2021 the property received the Wellness Star of the Year award for a wellness initiative that included the introduction of the Rooftop Wellness suites, designed to enhance rest and care for guests.

Recognitions

The hotel's recent history is marked by an accumulation of international distinctions. In 2026 it was included for the third time in The World's 50 Best Hotels list and received the Three Michelin Keys for the third consecutive year, the guide's highest award, making it the only hotel in Mexico's Riviera Maya to achieve this. It is also the first and only independent hotel in Mexico to receive the Forbes Travel Guide Five Stars, a distinction it has earned for five consecutive years between 2022 and 2026. Added to this are its inclusion in La Liste 2026 among the world's thousand best hotels, the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2023, 2019, and 2018, and its presence on the 2024 Goop list.

Natural surroundings and experience

Xpu-Ha Bay is described as one of the least developed stretches of coastline in the Riviera Maya, with no large complexes or heavy boat traffic. The white-sand beach is semi-private and flanked only by private homes. Each year sea turtles nest in the area, and hotel staff notify guests when the eggs hatch. The estate combines mid-century interiors with Mexican antiques, according to reviews collected by the property itself.

Events and activities

The hotel has spaces for private events and has been highlighted by Brides Magazine as Mexico's top destination for destination weddings. Its programming includes guest activities and organized experiences, as well as special dinners in collaboration with other restaurants, such as the series held with Hartwood Tulum. The site also mentions the possibility of staying at Château de Curzay, a property linked to the same group.

Location and contact

Carretera Cancún – Tulum km 265, Xpu-Ha, Quintana Roo 77750 Mexico · Phone: + 52.984.873.4830 · Email: contact@hotelesencia.com