Esencia Mexico: A luxurious retreat on the Riviera Maya
Effective immediately, the luxury resort Esencia joins the prestigious The Set Collection, allowing it to gain a foothold in Central America for the first time. The portfolio of the hotel collection thus grows to nine members, which in addition to renowned cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, London, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai now also include the Riviera Maya in Mexico.
The story behind the Esencia
The Esencia was originally built as a private retreat for the Italian Duchess Rosa de Ferrari on the picturesque beach of the Riviera Maya. Since 2014, the property has been owned by Hollywood producer, media entrepreneur and co-founder of Fox Broadcasting, Kevin Wendle. Under his management, the 50-hectare property between Tulum and Playa del Carmen developed into an impressive luxury hotel.
Owner Kevin Wendle’s vision for the Esencia redesign was a harmonious blend of nature and design. The luxury beach resort offers guests the unique opportunity to watch baby sea turtles hatch, while the interior impresses with postmodern art and design elements. The main house forms the center of the resort, from which footpaths lead to the total of 47 suites and four villas with fantastic views of the Caribbean. Architect Petter Svensson and artistic director Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, in collaboration with Studio Giancarlo Valle, are responsible for the design of the luxury hotel.
Inspired by Mexico’s tradition and nature
The Esencia’s design concept is deeply rooted in Mexico’s artisanal traditions and inspired by the surrounding nature. The architecture and interior reflect the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.
The Esencia Mansion – privacy and luxury
The resort also includes the Esencia Mansion, opened in 2022, a luxurious 12,000-square-foot villa that offers absolute privacy and unobstructed ocean views – a perfect retreat for discerning guests.
Culinary delights at the Esencia
Gourmets get their money’s worth at the Esencia. The Mistura restaurant serves specialties from the Yucatan Peninsula, while the Beefbar offers internationally known signature dishes as well as menus tailored to the destination, such as Kobe beef tostaditas with smoked guacamole or beet carpaccio with Yucatan lime. Guests can expect light Japanese cuisine and exquisitely prepared sushi creations at Taiyo and Omakase Bar, featuring fresh, regional ingredients to round out the Esencia’s culinary diversity.
Those seeking relaxation can enjoy maya-inspired holistic treatments at the Esencia’s spa. The statue of the goddess Ixchel, the Mayan deity of love, moon and fertility, watches over the peaceful retreat.
The presence of the Mayan culture and the proximity to historical sites
The millennia-old Mayan culture is omnipresent at Esencia, and the fascinating ruins of this indigenous people are in close proximity to the resort. Guests thus have the opportunity to embark on journeys of discovery into the past.