PRIVATE HOME OF AN ITALIAN DUCHESS
Midway between the town of Tulum and the relentless resort of Playa del Carmen lies a quiet, dignified enclave – the bay of Xpu-Ha. And it is here that you’ll find the romantic hideaway that was originally built for an exiled Italian duchess; now an exclusive boutique hotel gathered around the elegant main house.
Make it part of your luxury, tailor-made holiday to Mexico and you’ll quickly discover the Esencia is essential. For its two fine restaurants, organic spa, heated pools, sunrise yoga and air of utter tranquillity. And, of course, its unpressurised beach.
Indeed you may not be the only visitors to head for the Hotel Esensia’s beach. That particularly fine stretch of sand is a natural haven that sea turtles visit every year to make their nests.
HOTEL ESENCIA
At a glance
- Refined boutique hotel on the edge of a beautiful beach
- Set in quiet Xpu-ha, midway between Playa dl Carmen and Tulum
- Choice of 29 generous guest rooms and suites with engaging views of the Bay of Xpu-ha and hotel pool
- Glamorous en suite bathrooms and walk in closets
- All have individually themed decor and layouts
- The ocean suite, for example, offers a large private terrace and a very airy living room
- Two excellent restaurants drawing on the best of international cuisine and Mexico’s eclectic regional specialities
For leisure and pleasure
- State-of-the-art spa with bespoke therapies designed to restore you
- Snorkelling with turtles off the hotel beach
- Diving and freediving with the record-holding experts
- Kite and paddle boarding close to the hotel
- Deep sea fishing expeditions
- Horse riding along the beach at an EcoPark
- Excursions to visit the 13th century Mayan Ruins at Tulum
- Driving tours of Chichen Itza and Rio Secreto, the underground river
- Easy access to golf on a 27 hole course surrounded by Mayan jungle
- Cenotes and zip lining at an adventure park
Planning my first solo trip felt like a big step, but The Ultimate Travel Company made it easy from the outset. I reached out over a year in advance, and Rob Kent quickly put together a thoughtful itinerary based on exactly what I was looking for, securing great flights and always being available to talk things through. Everything ran smoothly and I felt looked after every step of the way. The accommodation in Japan, Fiji and Tahiti was excellent and the experiences unforgettable.
From the first conversation to the final day of our trip, Catherine and the team were helpful, efficient and easy to reach. Their recommendations not only improved our original plans but also made the whole holiday more cost-effective. Even when we needed assistance while away, their response was immediate. We wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again.
