A bit pricey -- watch out for the 15% government tax and 10% surcharge that will be factored onto your hotel bill once you arrive. Our $648/ night room ended up costing us $770/night. The hotel is beautiful and we thought the food was wonderful but the beach was absolutely filthy! The hotel boasts that is located on a two... more

Went to esencia after having spent a few days at Tides Riviera Maya (formerly Ikal del mar). Spent 4 nights in a great seaview suites. Room and amenities were perfect (lacks european style bathrobe though) , setting of the villa and beach perfect too. clearly one of the best option of the riviera maya by far (with tides and Maroma).... more

After being told we weren't welcome at Maroma because of their absolutely assinine minimum stay policy, we booked 3 wonderful days for my 40th birthday at Escencia....and what a good choice it was! The hotel is very well done on many levels. The grounds, beach and Cottage we stayed-in were beautiful. The pictures on their website don't do justice to... more

We have just returned from a ten night stay and have nothing bad and everything good to say. A unique setting, fabulous rooms (if you like the modern minimal feel), truly attentive service not the cheesy welcome form the major chain hotels, beautiful pools, excellent food from breakfast lunch to dinner, superb margharitas, very nice quiet beach with great little... more

The service is impeccable. The staff are lovely. The spa is fabulous and tranquil. The food is amazing (better than anything else you will find in surrounding areas). The beach is stunning as is the turquoise water. I cannot say enough about my stay. more

My family was able to stay at Esencia from December 26th-January 2 2008. Let me start off my saying that we have done a lot of traveling and it is very hard to find a hotel that addresses all of our families wants and needs. We we went into this vacation expecting good times and fun, and we left with... more

It has been awhile since my husband and I stayed at Esencia but we both loved it! Our room was super comfortable...with a very private plunge pool. The staff was great. The breakfasts and lunches were to die for and my husband is an award winning chef so we know great food. And, of course, there is the location. I... more

Quite simply the most wonderful experience of our lives! As a honeymoon location or simply a luxury escape you could not beat it. The food and staff were better than any restaurant we went to in New York the folowing week. I could not rate this highly enough and will be returning just as soon as I've saved enough money!... more

My husband and I went to Hotel Esencia for 7 days for a must-needed relaxing vacation. We have stayed at many wonderful hotels around the world, and this was truly our favorite ever based on service, atmosphere, and, of course, the wonderful beach! We did much research on this site, so we wanted to reciprocate. The dates we were there... more