My husband and I stayed for 1 week at Esencia in February. We had fabulous weather! The hotel is small and beautiful. It is very simply decorated and the grounds perfectly manicured. The bed was extrememly comfortable.

We used to say it was like sleeping in a big marshmallow as the bedding was all done in white with great pillows and the softest comforter cover. We had a garden suite on the ground level. I requested an upper level suite but I was happy with the lower after seeing the unit above us. We had a great outside area that the upstairs units do not have. We had a "solarium" - a nice size deck made all private with its surrounding garden with a nice size plunge
pool, 2 great chaise lounges and an additional outside shower.We were lucky that we were in one of the garden suites closest to the main house. However if I were to book again I would definately spend the extra money and get one of the few ocean view rooms as they would have more air flow through the suite.

The garden suites are very tucked in and I missed the ocean breeze and sound of the waves.

We both loved the food at Esencia! The breakfasts could be as light - simple juices and fruit plates - or substantial as you preferred. The scrambled egg stuffed poblanos and the Mexican Eggs were deliciou. The ceviche menu at lunch, though expensive - $25 - 30 each - were so refined, fresh, and addiciting. We originally thought we would go for a few dinners away from the resort but fell in love with the food
and the ambiance of the El Fuego. We actually ordered appetizers and soups for dinner several nights. The lobster taquitos, stuffed jalapenos, and corn soup were favorites.

One evening there was a Mexican Buffet with complimentary Mexican drinks and music. We don't really like buffets but this one was done so well and the waiters asked what you would like and then got your food.

I must mention that all the help - the beach attendants, waiters, bartenders, concierge - were extremely and genuinely helpful and attentive.

I loved that there were 2 pools - one for adults only and one for children. Both pools were just off the beach so gorgeous views and breezes. There was always ample space at both pools and often we were the only ones taking a dip.

We did spend most of our time on the beach on the wonderfully comfortable chaise lounges. Again, ample room for all.

We would walk the long beach of Xpuha. Swimming was better south of the hotel near a big resort (don't know its name).

Now to the Big Negative:
The beach/ocean when looking at it from the distance was beautiful. Turquoise water and rolling waves. However when you walked on the beach some distance or swam it was rather filthy as another poster mentioned. There was all sorts of crap in the water and washed up on the beach. One morning the beach attendant who was raking our beach pulled up a siringe! He shook his head in disgust! I really couldn't enjoy a swim in this water as everytime I tried to take a swim a piece of plastic would wrap around my leg or brush against my body. YUCK!

We have not been to this area of Mexico for 12 - 14 years. My husband and I were shocked at the growth. We had been to this beach when nothing but a few private homes were there. It is a shame that the growth of the Mayan Riviera has not developed with a consciousness for the pristine beauty this land once possessed. Environmental issues are
not at all important to this land and that is a major turn off and
reason for us probably not returning dispite the beauty of this
hotel.

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 mile stretch of "pristine" beach; unfortunately, this is not the case. Esencia keeps the area directly in front of the hotel's pool clean (about 200 feet) but in order to avoid the rocks, you must go to the side of this area to swim. That's where the garbage and filth lies. We spent one afternoon counting the old shoes and water bottles that littered the beach! We brought this to the manager's attention and asked if there was anything that could be done, and he simply shrugged his shoulders. We have stayed at other small hotels (Bucuti in Aruba) and they go so far as to organize volunteer beach clean up mornings and give a bottle of champagne to the participants as incentive. I'm not what you would call an environmentalist, but I was bothered by the garbage and was in fear of stepping on something sharp while in the water. The hotel sells itself on the beach's "pristine" description and I feel Escencia and its neighboring hotels have a responsibility to keep the beach clean. We all do! What a shame... it could be beautiful.

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). A few lowdown: food is so-so (but I haven't had a great meal anywhere else anyway), some employees should get another job since tnterpersonal skills are cleary not their strong suit. Last but not least, quite expensive compared to asia's best options (900 $ a night as far as I was concerned). See other review for Tides

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 reality.

The staff is great. Personally, we didn't ask much of them, but had a distinct sense they would have done pretty anything we had requested. Everyone we met was GEUNINELY friendly and did a wonderful job. (There was no undercurrent of dissastifaction that you often experience at places similiar to Escencia and/or in the Carribean). For that, they deserve special mention.

In the carribean, I've stayed at Sandy Lane, Point Grace, Maroma, Ikal Del Mar (the Tides), Esperanza, Pink Sands, Four Seasons Great Exuma, Parrot Cay and Turtle Inn. Aside from the Turks & Caicos Club (which is not nearly as refined, but my favorite place in the world), I'd put Escencia at the top of the list.