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What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
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Travel safe during COVID-19
Visit our Travel Safe hub to see how we're helping you make more informed travel decisions during COVID-19.
What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
- Daily temperature and symptom checks for staff
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Updated 12/18/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Hotel Esencia
Updated 12/18/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#5 of 324 in Playa del Carmen
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Value
4.9
2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
Mexico's only 5-Star rated independent hotel by Forbes Travel Guide, Hotel Esencia is a 50-acre private estate, with an awe-inspiring 500 meter beachfront, two swimming pools, award winning spa, three restaurants, and an indulgent atmosphere fitting of royalty. In fact, the estate was once the exclusive beach-side retreat of an Italian duchess. Though friendly, warm and generous, the duchess demands the very best and Esencia still benefits from her superior taste, her impeccable style, and her zest for life.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Babysitting
Valet parking
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Swimming pool toys
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Private pool
Plunge pool
Yoga classes
Yoga room
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Game room
Snorkeling
Evening entertainment
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Car hire
Taxi service
Meeting rooms
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hammam
Hand massage
Head massage
Makeup services
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Solarium
Steam room
Waxing services
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Executive lounge access
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Private beach
Additional bathroom
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Desk
Dining area
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
iPod docking station
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Boutique
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
Full view
38Car recommended
Grade: 38 out of 100
86Restaurantswithin 5 miles
20Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
Carretera Cancun - Tulum Km 265, Playa del Carmen 77750 Mexico
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $9/day
236Reviews14Q+A47Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 225
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- 4
- 0
- 1
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Popular mentions
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Most Recent
Hotel of your dream and excelent service from all employees. A special reference to Luis Antonio Dzib mesero playa y alberca who took care of us in the beach. I would like to congratulate Esencia owner and management to have reach the excelence. See you soon again!
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Hotel's Favorite
My family just returned from one of our best vacations ever at Hotel Esencia. Truly the experience was as close to perfect as possible, and it felt like a dream escape after this last year we've all been through. The resort is small and quiet, and at first I was worried my two teenaged children would get bored, but within a couple of days, we all slipped into the peaceful, relaxed vibe that this place emanates. Because spring in Boston is not a warm and wonderful time, we typically try to escape to beach locations for March break, and this is one of the best in the world. The sand is pristine and white (thanks to the team of hardworking individuals raking the seaweed each morning) and the water is the kind of crystal blue you want when you are in the Caribbean. The beach service is on point--wonderful servers like Oscar (both Oscars!) and Jorge to keep everyone fed, watered and either in-or-out of the shade depending on the minute. If you are traveling with a family especially, do not miss swimming with the manatees in the lagoon nearby. It's a 15-minute walk with a lifeguard and it's well worth the experience. The manatees are so gentle and beautiful in their way. I would also recommend a private evening beach bonfire, complete with s'mores and candles all around. I could go on about all of the 5-star features that this resort offers, including excellent, fresh food (best ceviche ever), stylish and comfortable rooms, chic common areas, a spa that is one of the best we've ever been to in terms of the facility and treatment offerings (all using herbs and botanicals made by the spa itself) but what really make this a special place where we all want to return is the staff. Without exception, every staff member seems to truly care about making guests happy. You can't fake genuine warmth and hospitality that comes from the heart, and everyone we encountered offers that. Moises was like the mayor and his humor and warmth was something we looked forward to every day. Marco, Oscar, Peludo and all the servers at the beach bar were great. I can't imagine anyone being unhappy for long at this place. It is suitable for a couples' trip, a group of friends, and families looking for a relaxed getaway and I would recommend it without reservation. Thank you, Hotel Esencia, for the vacation we needed!…
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Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded Mar 27, 2021
Dear Jennifer S, What a pleasure to read this wonderful review. I'm going to post this in our staff cafeteria so all of my employees know how special and appreciated they are. Since buying the hotel in 2014 it's been my number one goal to find - and keep - lovely, caring employees with big hearts who are as committed to taking care of our guests as I am. We are a small family business and we enjoy meeting new friends from all over the world and want each of them to feel welcome visiting our "home" here in Mexico. As you may have heard, Hotel Esencia began as the private home of an Italian duchess and I think it's the feeling of "home" that keeps so many of our guests coming back. I sincerely hope that you and your family will consider this your own new home in Mexico whenever you need some sunshine. All the best, Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO
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+1
Esencia is probably the most beautiful and immaculate property I have ever stayed at, arriving at the entrance it felt like we were entering a secret garden! Being whisked through to our gorgeous seafront suite, there was nothing to fault. All the staff were great, service was faultless. Food and drinks were extremely good and the beef bar was not disappointing, what a magical setting! The beach is beautiful in front of the property and kept seaweed free, there is a small reef with a good assortment of fish. The highlight being the cenote, paddle boarding, thank you to Pasquale for being so patient to a complete novice, you are brilliant at what you do! Then snorkelling with the wonderful manatees, a very special experience. This beautiful property has been on my wish list for a few years and it lived up to my expectations, thank you Hotel Esencia.…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 6 days ago
Dear Beckybsketi, Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to write this kind review. I'm especially delighted to hear that you've been following us for years and that we met your high expectations! Just last month, Hotel Esencia was honored by Forbes Travel Guide with its first ever 5 star rating. We are one of the few independent hotels in the world to achieve this honor, and the only 5 Forbes 5 star hotel within an hour radius of Tulum, Mexico. We are humbled and honored by this achievement but it is the 5 star reviews here from so many refined travelers like yourself that mean the most to us. On behalf of our entire Hotel Esencia family, please accept my sincere thanks for your recent visit and for taking the time to recommend us. Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO
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+1
Hotel Esencia does not feel like a hotel at all. It felt like a luxury, yet casual private jungle oasis. The design team here are amazing from the architecture down to the candles on the table.Every space was beyond beautiful, functional and comfortable. The property is beautifully landscaped and very spread out . The staff and service were top notch. Hilda took great care of us. The food was fresh,and delicious. The beach was great with one section of reef for snorkeling. Pasquale the lifeguard took us to the cenote for paddle boarding and to swim/snorkel with the wild manatee family. This is really a special place to unwind get away and enjoy beach life. Very Magical!
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: I don't think there are any bad rooms
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My wife and I visited Hotel Esencia in 2018 on our honeymoon and could not wait to return. We recently did, and found it just as enthralling as our first visit. Inspiring design, incredible food (Beefbar- what a marvelous addition), and such warmth and attention from every member of the staff. You cannot help but feel embraced here. (Thank you to Hilda for giving us such a warm welcome 😉) I wondered if it would feel quite as magical on our second trip as it did on our first, and it absolutely did. Now the only question is how soon we can return for our third visit — or will we make the trip to the new France location first? Decisions, decisions!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Brent B, Thanks so much for your compliments and this lovely review! We are a small family business and we live here at the hotel ourselves so we take all of our reviews here personally as you might imagine. We were absolutely delighted to have you back with us for a second visit. More than half of our guests are now repeat clients like yourselves which is the highest compliment. We are also so honored to have been rated as one of the few Five Star hotels in the world by Forbes Travel Guide last month, the only independent hotel in all of Mexico with Five Stars and the only one within an hour radius of Tulum, Mexico. Our next Hotel Esencia in France won't be open for another year or so but we will be sure to alert everyone once we're ready and everything's perfect. In the meantime please consider Hotel Esencia as your home here in Mexico! All the best, Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO
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True to its name, Hotel Esencia is the heart of beauty in the Riviera Maya. It is absolutely the most exquisite place to be! The accommodations are perfect with elegant luxuriousness yet so, so comfortable; the staff are top notch, friendly and helpful always; the beach is devastatingly gorgeous with sand like the finest sugar. There are tons of things to do: paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming with the manatees in the cenote (within walking distance!) and jaunts on the Hobie Cat, or just lazing in the palapas on the beach. The spa is simply spectacular with so many interesting treatments housed in the most beautiful and original palapa. The food, the drinks, all of the restaurants are amazing and full of variety, so no need to venture off resort for any reason. The only thing you’ll want is to stay longer! Thanks to Kevin and the whole beautiful bunch a Hotel Esencia, you have every reason to be proud of this most deserved Best of the Best Traveler’s Choice rating!…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Every room is perfect and private.
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2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Nancy D, Such a joy for me to read your beautiful review this morning. Thanks so much for your recent visit and for this lovely 5 star rating. Thanks especially for detailing the many activities available at Hotel Esencia. We aim to offer much more than "a bed and a beach" and carefully consider and plan each guest's complete experience from the moment they step off the plane until the moment they arrive home. Of course those guests who prefer to just lie on our beach and relax all day are certainly welcome to do that! In addition to our recent Best of the Best rating from Trip Advisor we are extremely pleased to have just received our first ever 5-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide, the only independent hotel in Mexico to achieve such an honor and the only 5-Star hotel within an hour of Tulum, Mexico. Thanks again for your visit and your kind words. We hope to see you back here soon! Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO Hotel Esencia
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+1
Words cannot express the beauty and elegance of @hotelesencia so please see photos. Private and exclusive. Chic and comfortable. Attentive and caring staff. Delicious food, healthy and indulge worthy. Lush and expertly manicured grounds. Heavenly beach. Luxurious amenities. Thank you Kevin, Hilda, Sean, Kelly, Pasquale, Willy and Miguel for a magical trip.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: Please do not miss the spa, paddle boarding, room service, and morning yoga.
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3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Sharon and friends, Such beautiful photos! Thanks so much for sharing them here with your beautiful 5 star review. I'm delighted to hear that you and your friends enjoyed such a lovely vacation with us. Hotel Esencia is of course a labor of love for me and my family as it is our own family home in Mexico. We hope you will now consider it your "home" in Mexico as well! All the best, Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO
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+1
I am a connoisseur of Mexican Beach resorts as it's my favorite kind of vacation and I can say that Hotel Esencia is now my #1! I spent a magical 5 days there and didn't want to leave. I've previously stayed at Las Ventanas, Rosewood Mayakoba, Palmilla, Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons etc & Hotel Esencia beats them all. We entered down a jungle path & my room was surrounded by greenery and wildlife --it felt so private and relaxing ( I was often naked in my plunge pool and am certain no one could see.) The design details are so well thought out and gorgeous- the room decor, the amenities, the exquisite restaurants and of course the beach and pool are all extraordinary. Every staff member I came across was so personable, helpful and professional and made my stay memorable. The food was delicious for every meal- in the morning they brought coffee and fresh pastries that included a chocolate croissant that tasted like the best pastry chef in Paris made it. The ceviche and fresh fish were world class! I loved yoga with Olga in the treehouse overlooking the ocean, the gym was fabulous and had a Peloton bike and a "mirror" which I loved.The fact that Hotel Esencia is small makes it even more special- you never have to fight for a lounge chair at the pool or a beach palapa. There is plenty of room for all the guests to enjoy whatever they like and relax to the fullest. Thank you and kudos to Kevin Wendle and the entire staff at Hotel Esencia…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
1 Helpful vote1 Save
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear hollygolitely, Thanks so much for this lovely 5 star review. Clearly you are an expert on our region of Mexico and that makes your review even more special to us if we are now your #1! Your many thoughtful comments here will certainly be helpful to prospective travelers trying to decide where to stay here in the Riviera Maya. I've always thought that what sets us apart is that we are a family owned and operated business versus all of corporate owned hotels you've mentioned above. My family and I live here on property so it gives us great pleasure to provide our guests the same outstanding cuisine, comfort and service that we enjoy ourselves. Again, my sincere thanks for your visit and this kind review. Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO Hotel Esencia
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+1
Lux accommodations; the rooms are to die for! Super staff! Yummy food, from coffee and pastries at your door, to meals casual or fine dining. Beautiful beach! Great place to celebrate with friends, as couple, or with family.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear joyspike, I'm delighted to hear that you and your sister enjoyed her birthday here! We truly enjoyed having you here with us and we are extremely grateful for this generous 5 star review. My sincere thanks for your recommendation. We hope to see you both back here one day! Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO
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Hotel Esencia is an understated, boutique, gem hotel hidden in a very tame jungle next to a very beautiful beach. The suite we stayed in was unbelievably elegant with amazing views ,private pool, an outdoor dining room, and covered terraces, for when it rains for 3 minutes before the rainbow comes out and it's time for Margaritas on the beach. Service is understated but attentive, the staff seems knows you after the first day and spoils you for the rest of your stay. Breakfast was delicious from the morning coffee and fresh baked treats, delivered to your room every morning, to the beach front restaurant with the most luscious options. Japanese sashimi at Japanese quality was a pleasant surprise at Taiyo, which we enjoyed every day. We have never eaten fresher or better! Beef Bar was also a pleasant surprise. Cooked to perfection the Japanese meat was exceptional! We also enjoyed a table side tequila tasting. We can't wait to go back!!!…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Kevin Wendle, Owner at Hotel Esencia
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear brianbA3294JT, Such a beautifully written review! Thanks so much for recent visit with us. I'm so happy to know that you and your family had a lovely time. My sincere thanks especially for your comments about our restaurants. So many of our guests arrive with a handful of reservations outside of the hotel but then actually cancel them and stay here in the hotel to enjoy all of their meals. In addition to our Mexican seafood grill, and our award winning Michelin star Beefbar restaurant, our newest addition Taiyo featuring the most authentic Japanese omakase along with the freshest fish has received such glowing reviews. We so lucky to have partnered with one of the world's top sushi masters to offer this one of a kind restaurant in our region. We hope to see you and your family back here one day very soon! All the best, Kevin Wendle Owner and CEO Hotel Esencia
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PRICE RANGE
$1,236 - $2,090 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
esencia playa del carmen, esencia hotel playa del carmen
LOCATION
MexicoYucatan PeninsulaQuintana RooRiviera MayaPlaya del Carmen
NUMBER OF ROOMS
48
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Esencia
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel Esencia?
Nearby attractions include Escapology Riviera Maya (3.1 miles), Chikin Ha (1.4 miles), and Cenote Cristalino (0.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel Esencia?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel Esencia?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel Esencia?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel Esencia?
Yes, free parking, secured parking, and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel Esencia?
Conveniently located restaurants include Chez Waffle, Jessie Gelato, and 081.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel Esencia?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Hotel Esencia have airport transportation?
Yes, Hotel Esencia offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Hotel Esencia?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Esencia?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hotel Esencia?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.