In the know
- Our favourite rooms
- The Deluxe Ocean View suites have 360º views; watch the sun set from the terrace and enjoy sunrise from your giant bed. The private two-storey, two-bedroom cottages set in the gardens are enormous and wonderful for family holidays: they even have their own full-sized swimming pool, multimedia room, bar and chef. The Rosa suite in the Casa Grande was the master bedroom when the Duchess of Ferrari owned the property, so the entire hacienda can be viewed from its enormous terrace.
- Packing tips
- Bikinis are a must; a swimsuit is probably more practical if you want to try snorkelling or scuba diving. Bring some comfy shoes if you plan on following any of the nature, culture, biking or hiking trails.
Current offers
- Smith card offer
- A complimentary cocktail each and a snorkelling trip for two.
- Current special offer
Esencia
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico [view map]
- Style
- Less-is-more luxe
- Setting
- Tropical Caribbean seaside
This blissful boutique-style resort set on the Mayan Riviera's most beautiful beach is fabulously spoiling. Esencia's luxurious main hotel building, the whitewashed three-storey Casa Grande, was built to satisfy the whims of a wealthy European duchess and designed for her guests. It combines sophisticated simplicity with all mod cons, including black-out curtains to guarantee a good night's sleep. Seamless service, miles of lush tropical beach, expertly mixed tequila cocktails and a pampering spa… we'll be extremely impressed if you make it out to see the Mayan ruins.
Need to know
- Rooms
- 29 in total, including 17 suites and two cottages.
- Rates
- $525–$2,800 a room a night, including breakfast; excluding 10 per cent service and 12 per cent tax.
- Check-out
- Midday, but flexible, depending on room availability.
- Facilities
- In-room DVD/CD players, plasma TVs, iPod docks, Internet access; DVD/CD library and iPod loan; organic spa with Jacuzzis, steam room, beachside temazcal and phytotherapy treatments; chef's tables; complimentary yoga; scuba instructors.
- Poolside
- There are two swimming pools (one for families, one adults only) with sun loungers, plus a white-sand beach.
- Hotel closed
- Esencia will be closed for routine maintenance from 17 September to 7 October 2008.
- Also
- Dogs weighing three pounds or less are allowed but owners are responsible for their food. Smoking is allowed; non-smoking rooms are also available.
Food & drink
- Hotel restaurant
- Esencia's rustic but elegant restaurant Sal y Fuego (meaning 'salt and fire') offers Meso-American cuisine made with fresh local produce. Seafood is a speciality.
- Dress code
- Informal and relaxed; a little dressier in the evening, if you feel like it.
- Top table
- For lunch, go for a beachside table with a sea view; for dinner, one of the tables overlooking the cenote, an underground freshwater pool that's romantically illuminated by night.
- Last orders
- Food is served in the restaurant from 7am till 11pm.
- Room service
- Round the clock: hot food is available until 11pm; after the kitchen closes, cold snacks are still available.
- Hotel bar
- Sip drinks in the chill-out lounge in the main house, by the pool or on the beach up till 11pm. Try one of the killer tequila-based creations; we love the mezcal and pineapple-packed Esencia Carbeña. Rooms have minibars with complimentary beer, too.
Smith card offer
A complimentary cocktail each and a snorkelling trip for two.
If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).
Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member
Smith concierge
If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.
Esencia
Carretera Cancún Tulum
Pedio Rústico Xpu-Ha Lote 18
Quintana Roo
Check availability