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.

Children

Welcome; the resort has multi-lingual nannies and babysitting can be arranged at $25 an hour. High chairs and cribs provided. An additional third bed costs $150 a night; $75 for under-12s.

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.

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.

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).

Not a member? Join now

Smith concierge

If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. 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