Esencia break

Esencia

Our rating: Deluxe

Rooms

The beautifully decorated rooms all feature one king- or two queen-sized beds, fine furnishings, iPods, satellite TVs, free wireless internet, terraces and complimentary minibars that are restocked each day.

Location

The fabulous Esencia is one of the most secluded and luxurious properties on the Riviera Maya, an hour's drive south of Cancun. It is located on the lovely Xpu-Ha Beach, a ten-minute drive from Puerto Aventuras, and 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

There is a fresh-fish restaurant next door called Al Cielo. A taxi to Playa del Carmen for a night out costs approximately $20-25.

Food and drink

There are two excellent restaurants — one open for breakfast and lunch, and the signature restaurant, Sal y Fuego, a fine-dining option for dinner. Meals comprise seafood, meats and fresh salads, plus exotic ingredients found nowhere else in the world.

The chef is happy to cater dishes to the unique tastes of each guest, and can prepare meals to meet any special need or desire. Sal Y Fuego is the perfect prelude for an evening on the beach, or a 20-minute drive to Playa del Carmen's nightlife.

For an additional fee, Esencia can arrange romantic meals on the beach for two, under the stars, to celebrate a special occasion.

Please note, a 15% service charge is automatically added to restaurant bills, and 25% to the room-service bills here.

Families

Esencia is more suited to adults and there aren't particular facilities for children although classes for 9-12-year-olds are available which take them to the hotel's organic vegetable garden, where they can gather ingredients and replant.

Facilities and activities

There is access to the second largest coral reef in the world for diving, snorkelling from the hotel beachfront, deep sea fishing, kite and paddle boarding, tennis or golf on the Robert Trent Jones 27-hole golf course nearby.

The fitness suite offers free weights and machines for guest to use, and there are also complimentary sunrise yoga classes, an organic spa offering holistic treatments and two fantastic heated pools.

Local excursions

There is a huge range of excursions on offer, both from the hotel or in Playa del Carmen.

If you prefer to explore independently, you can hire a car. You can also get the ferry to Cozumel for amazing diving and snorkelling.