Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Stylish contemporary resort set on a fabulous private beach on the Yucatan Peninsula

7 nights from around £2,200pp sharing (low season), including breakfast, flights and transfers

Esencia is set in a 50 acre private jungle estate with a spectacular and tranquil beach front location, away from the crowds of nearby Playa del Carmen and trendy Tulum. With two ocean front swimming pools, a gorgeous spa, two restaurants and friendly, discrete service, Esencia is a popular choice

for both families and couples.

Accommodation

Esencia has 38 rooms and suites, and 3 villas. All are simple and elegant, featuring native hardwood furnishings, crisp white walls and floors, high ceilings, mahogany louvered doors and large windows that frame tropical garden and sea views. Other features include 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers, glorious down pillows and Molton Brown amenities. The extra large bathrooms have double rain-shower heads and private chef and butler service is available at all times.

Activities & Experiences

Whether you want to be active or simply relax - or bit of both - during your stay at Esencia, you will find it does indeed offer the best of both worlds. You could hit the gym, go swimming, scuba dive, snorkel along the world's second largest coral reef, windsurf, sail or play golf. Or head out on a cultural excursion. Alternatively, if you feel like having a mellow day, spend some time by the pool, get a massage or relax in the gardens with a good book. Perhaps treat yourself to a yoga class?

Facilities & Services

Esencia has two restaurants serving authentic Meso-American cuisine and seafood specialities using exotic local ingredients, a beach bar, private beach, two swimming pools (one for children), a gym and scuba diving centre. There is also a 24 hour concierge service, DVD library and babysitting service. The wonderful Aroma Spa offers massages, herbal saunas and facials - all performed with traditional organic methods.

Weather & Seasons

The best time to visit is during the drier, slightly milder months from November to May. The ‘rainy’ season begins in the south around June and runs until November, and it's likely to be hotter and more humid at this time. However, it normally only rains for a couple of hours

before the weather clears.