Hotel Esencia: Mexico’s Luxurious Exhale

Hotel Esencia

I don’t know if I should even be telling you about this place because I think it’s supposed to be a secret. We would’ve never found this place if it wasn’t for @WhereLifeMeetsLiving via IG. I take that back, I may have seen it listed on The Top Romantic Hotels in Mexico or maybe it’s feature as The Chicest Hotel on The Riviera Maya. You may want to check out those links because I don’t know if I am doing them justice. I’ll try to be brief. Definitely watch my IGTV of the trip to grasp the experience. InterlacedVibes IGTV: HOTEL ESENCIA, MEXICO.

History

Hotel Esencia is the private summer home of an Italian Duchess. In 2005, it was transformed into a hotel later becoming a luxury hotel by Entrepreneur Kevin Wendle. It is such a timeless mansion laced with gorgeous art and decor. It sits halfway between Playa de Carmen and Tulum. It is tucked off on 50 acres of land. To be any more secluded, You would have to be on a private island.

Welcome

This hotel is beyond chic and romantic. It was a pristine luxury. Firstly, upon arrival, we were welcomed into a cozy grand office decorated like an Architectural Design magazine cover. Our luggage was whisked away quickly as we were offered cold water and whisked through the other side to a golf cart. This golf cart took us on a two-minute drive to the hotel property. We were greeted by a friendly concierge attendant, Yasmine, who gave us a tour of the property as we walked through the lush tropical garden. Yasmine led us down a trail past tall private villas with plunge pools were tucked behind trees. We were guided to the pool area and approached with a tasty Kiwi beverage. So refreshing after a long day of travel.

Amenities

The amenities are built-in in tremendous ways. Hotel Escenica has four restaurants including a beach bar, beachfront cafe, and World-renowned steakhouse, Beef Bar. The gym was small but powerfully enhanced with top of the line machines including The Mirror, a digital mirror with trainers that can instruct almost any type of workout. Everything we needed was one call or ten steps away. One of the priceless features was the baby sea turtles! The Sea turtles lay eggs on the beach in a secure area then the Hotel Escenica team and guests get to release them in the night using red light technology. It was such a full-circle moment! The food was exquisite as expected. We ate at the property restaurants and ordered room service also.

One of those restaurants was the world-renowned Beefbar. With locations internationally, it was a pleasure having on-site. Beefbar was generating topical romantic wavelengths with jazzy music, heavy plant decor with wooden accents. The elegant establishment served wagyu beef, street food, small plates, seafood, and pasta.

Our beach bungalow was in the perfect location. We could see the sunrise and set from our suite. Every morning fresh pastries and coffee/tea was awaiting on our patio in a super cute no-contact box. The suite included a clawfoot tub, walk-in shower, double vanities, two bathrooms, full living room, Nespresso, free treats, and preload iPod / Bluetooth speaker. They also provided Jumbo size products like sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts, body oil, and INSECT REPLENET. The bugs play zero games and you must bathe in the OFF spray. I tried to thug it out because I’m from Charleston – bugs don’t phase me.

Covid Care

When talking about a trip in 2020 you have to acknowledge concerns and precautions taking place for virus le Rona. Mexico is one of few destinations that are welcoming travelers by air without requiring proof of a negative COVID test or undergo quarantine. This has resulted in an increase in travel to various lush locations in Mexico. It is necessary to be up on game just as you would anywhere else in these times. We always kept our masks, backup masks, wipes, sanitizers, and sprays with us while traveling.

With this in mind, we carefully planned a secluded trip. We planned private transportation through our hotel. They picked us up in an SUV for our route to and from the airport and the marina. Hotel Esencia is settled in a vast jungle and only operating at 30% capacity. Considering they only have 43 suites, that means only 14 rooms were occupied. The social distance math is mathing. An abundance of Sanitizer spray, gels, and masks were provided but masks were not required because all staff were masked and you rarely bumped into anyone. To be honest, It felt like we rented a mansion where Rona didn’t exist for four days. A true Getaway.

Back to the beach

The ocean was so peaceful and serene. The waves were so gentle I felt like I was in the exact location of a Corona Beer commercial. The lifeguard on duty had a catalog of activities if you wanted to get active. We dove into snorkeling and paddle boating. I was super excited to step out of my box and really explore the gorgeous natural amenities. The lifeguard walked us through a desolate resort next door that never recovered from a hurricane. We approached a quiet lagoon surrounded by bountiful trees. Paddling boarding was so relaxing. Breathe In. Breathe Out. Left. Right.

I can keep it real with you, right?.. Okay. I sucked at snorkeling. TRASH. I should’ve practiced on the beach as my husband did. The multitasking of swimming and breathing through your mouth was too much for the kid. I exhausted my energy in a panic. So I recognized my limitations and peered through my goggles over the paddleboard looking for manatees. The water was super clear so I still got a good experience. We also snorkeled in another reef, this time the lifeguard pulled me on the lifesaver float while I took in the sights of the colorful fish. Less work for me and the sight was still seen. Big Win.

We doubled up on water activities and spent a day with Rivera Elite Yacht Tours. Our concierge helped us arrange five hours on a two level 45 foot yacht with a delicious lunch and drink included. We coasted the Riviera Maya with our personal playlist providing the soundtrack.

We were sipping margaritas at 9 am but does time exist on a vacation like this? Not at all.

Finally, We snorkeled once again. This time I had a life vest so we were Gucci! I can swim but I just enjoyed not wearing myself out. It was the glide for meeee. The water was breathtaking. Incredibly CLEAR and Warm. It was so comfortable. I was trying to absorb as much of the moment as possible. I know it won’t last forever. Can we bottle this up? There is no telling when I will make it back. Then, lunch prepared was *chef’s kiss*. Fresh authentic shrimp and fish ceviche, fresh homemade guacamole, and steak kabobs with grilled veggies. All cooked on-site as we snorkeled with the stingrays and sea turtles. Worries were blowing in the wind.

Tranquility

Hotel Esencia has so many options to relax. You could swing in a hammock on your private porch or the hammock garden. Walkthrough the garden. Sit in the main house living room reading various books from the library. You could lay out by the pool. Grab a cabana on the beach and order food. It felt like limitless relaxation at Hotel Esencia. You almost can’t comprehend that you have no to do list. No distractions. Everyone deserves a moment like this. Once again, be safe and travel smart.

To sum it up, I can’t wait to go back outside of a pandemic and really get to explore Mexico. I would go back outside of Mexico’s rainy season because our trip fell between two major Hurricanes. Our first night there, we had an INTENSE storm full of thunder, lightning, and not a wink of sleep for me. They say it doesn’t get that bad often but I would rather 86 the power storms if I can help it.

I hope you enjoyed my photos and video detailing the trip. They compliment each other well. Make sure you visit our Travel Stylists, Where Life Meets Living for travel tips & destinations!