Hotel Esencia

It’s always the chicest. It was our 10th time there and the service, food, accommodation - everything - has improved on an already perfect place. I just wish I could live there. It’s an easy getaway from all major cities and is always worth every cent.

This place is exceptionally beautiful. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Our room was wonderful. The beach is gorgeous. The plunge pool in our suite was exquisite. Our manatee encounter was a huge highlight. They also arranged for us a private snorkel and cenotes experience that was so fun. It was a special experience all around. My one quibble is that, as a scuba diver, I needed to get going every morning and be ready to be picked up by the dive company I hired. So I was counting on breakfast at 7 AM. The told us the first night that they could deliver coffee and pastries to our suite. That never happened. It wasn't late. It just never came. I went to the breakfast restaurant at 7:15 AM. It took them half an hour to get me avocado toast. To be fair, it was very delicious avocado toast. But I had no time to enjoy it. The second morning, coffee and pastries arrived to our room, but only after we called to remind them. On the third morning, it was finally on time without prompting. The staff seems to be a little slow to get moving in the morning. If you're not trying to eat at 7 AM, you would never notice this problem. Oh, and that avocado toast and coffee cost... $41. Which is steep.

I have stayed at some of the fanciest hotels (e.g., the Aman) but this one is definitely on the top of favorite list. Everything was so great. The experience I had at this hotel will ruin all future hotel experience. I love the fact that they do not nickel and dime you. Pool person always bring water and ice gratis. In addition, there are some complimentary activities available as well. Like some other reviewers have mentioned, the food is dismal for the hotel of this category. The food at the Beef Bar was a let down. Hopefully the food will be better the next time we come back.

In September 2023, my husband and I had an extraordinary stay at Hotel Esencia, which quickly became our favorite hotel. The experience was flawless, and we eagerly anticipated our return. Unfortunately, our second visit in 2024 fell short in several key areas. However, after sharing this feedback, hotel management graciously offered us a complimentary stay to make things right, which we accepted during January 2025. I’m happy to report that the experience this time was much improved. The property remains unparalleled with lush, peaceful grounds. The beach is breathtaking - a nearly-private space with pristine sand and crystal-clear water. The rooms are beautifully designed, impeccably maintained, exude understated luxury, and include many well-thought out details and items one would want while on vacation (eg: flip flops, beach bags, certain toiletries like sunscreen, etc). The staff also recognized we were celebrating a birthday and did a very nice job welcoming us with birthday treats and a room upgrade. Our arrival was a fantastic experience. The spa was open during our stay and was every bit as lovely as we had remembered. During this complimentary stay, the service noticeably improved compared to our previous visit. While it didn’t quite reach the impeccable standard we experienced in 2023, it was clear the staff made an effort to ensure we were well taken care of. That said, the general service approach feels more relaxed than it once was — it is simply less polished and anticipatory, though it remains very friendly and accommodating. This attitude perhaps reflects the overall barefoot luxury vibe at Hotel Esencia, and I'm sure many guests appreciate this unobtrusive approach. Regardless, Hotel Esencia’s unique charm is undeniable. The beach, facilities, and serene atmosphere remain unmatched, creating a sense of effortless escape. Special touches like releasing baby sea turtles and swimming with manatees or seabobs continue to stand out. Overall, this recent visit reaffirmed why Hotel Esencia holds such a special place for us. While the service feels more laid-back than during our first stay, the incredible setting, well-appointed accommodations, and world-class beach make Esencia a rare gem. We are grateful to the management for their generosity and effort to improve our experience, and we look forward to seeing how the hotel continues to evolve.

Hotel Esencia is a true slice of paradise. Surrounded by abundant nature, this hotel offers an unparalleled escape, blending luxury and tranquillity effortlessly. From the impeccable staff and exquisite cuisine to the thoughtfully designed interiors and perfect location, every detail is flawless. Simply put, there’s nowhere quite like Hotel Esencia.

My stay at Hotel Esencia was nothing short of magical—a true slice of paradise. From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I had stepped into an exclusive world, surrounded by lush jungle and the soothing sounds of nature. The resort is breathtakingly beautiful, and the beach is pure heaven. The staff are simply incredible—always smiling and making you feel like the most important guest on earth. Dining here is an experience in itself; every meal was exceptional. I fell in love with the chicken and lime soup, and my visits to Beefbar were unforgettable—the beef and chicken dishes were out of this world. The newly refurbished spa is the best I’ve ever experienced. With hot and cold plunge pools, an infrared sauna, and a chic herb and wellness room, it’s a haven of tranquility and style. My suite was pristine, stylish, and perfectly appointed, offering a serene retreat for a week of ultimate relaxation. Hotel Esencia is more than a resort; it’s a transformative experience. After a week of luxury and care, I left feeling completely rejuvenated—like I had been to the most exclusive rehab. I can’t wait to return to this extraordinary place.