Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Esencia on the Riviera Maya, Mexico!
Our 2015 got off on the right foot in the white (with a hint of pink a la our beloved Harbour Island!) sand beach at the relaxed yet luscious Hotel Esencia. This elegant, luxurious property is tucked into the Mayan jungle bordering a stunning beach about 30 minutes north of Tulum and one hour south of Cancun. We stayed for three nights after our five action packed days in Tulum and it was the perfect place to unwind and recharge before re-entering "real" life.
Under new ownership, the Hotel has gone through a spruce up and will not fail to wow. The rooms are fresh and inspiring with private balconies, terraces, and/or plunge pools. Most rooms and the two villas, are scattered throughout the extensive property. Most are nestled in the jungle as was our two bedroom villa which is perfect for families-- it also has a media room with a glass door that closes where we put Ever's crib. Pack your black garbage bags and duct tape and you can black out the door for optimal baby sleep! The villa has a mini fridge stocked with complimentary beverages and the hotel will supply organic milk for baby upon your request. We also experienced some of the awesome wildlife of the jungle-- iguanas, racoons, coatis, all kinds of birds were visitors to the villa.
A short walk along a path takes you to the incredible spa which is one of the most dramatic and lovely we have ever seen. Guests can pop in for a jacuzzi and a steam without a spa appointment although we did experience the Stress Relief massage therapy supplemented with an ancient Mayan recipe of rosemary, mint, cloves and pepper applied in warm bundles which left us completely revitalized and at peace.
Continue past the spa, and you'll find one of the two restaurants where we had an elegant dinner overlooking an expansive lawn illuminated with torches. There is a well equipped fitness center as well. The Main building is truly out of a movie. With some of the best rooms/suites on the property, it also houses a chic living room where complimentary tea and cookies are served each afternoon. An open air yoga pavilion sits just in front and we thought the complimentary morning yoga was some of the best resort yoga we have partaken in.
Two magnificent pools (one is for adults only), another restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast and dinner, sit right on the stunning beach. The beach is well appointed with palapas and chairs that are immediately set up and arranged by the friendliest staff who are there when you need something (like fish tacos for lunch, a glass of rose, a margarita....) yet are incredibly unobtrusive.
It was easy to order room service for Ever in the evenings and the hotel arranged for a lovely babysitter for our dinners out and an afternoon to ourselves. The lovely guys down at the beach also volunteered and brought us a big bucket full of sand toys!
This is indeed a very family friendly place where you can actually have a VACATION on your trip. Yet, it is refined and lovely as well. One of the biggest rock stars in the world was also staying while we were there! So you see, Hotel Esencia caters to travelers with a range of needs and interests.
It truly is a special place and we can't wait to return! xoxox