Esencia is an oasis of white — white sand, white linens — in an area sadly lacking in beaches that aren’t overly crowded or off-limits. Halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (20 minutes to either), this tucked-away hotel on an estate once owned by a duchess sits on 50 acres, with a mile of pristine beach all to itself.
What makes it special: The staff is at your beck and call — stationed unobtrusively on the beach, wandering the foliage-lined walkways — and it’s hard to imagine anything more inviting than the chaise longues strategically placed among the palm trees, with palapas at the ready if the sun gets to be too much. If you want to get wet but the ocean isn’t your thing, there are two ocean-view swimming pools, and meals can be had within a stone’s throw of the water, as well.
Try this treatment: It sounds like breakfast rather than the heavenly spa experience it is, but the Ritual del Café ($290, 120 minutes) involves the application of tingly grapefruit detoxifiers followed by an invigorating massage with coffee beans. Yum.
Rates: There are several room options, from the garden (starting at $565 for 2 per night) to ocean-view ($765) and two-bedroom cottage ($1,955 for up to three). Spa treatments are extra; visit for spa-only and beach use is $75 per person.
Get there: Head southwest from Cancún or Playa del Carmen on Highway 307. About 3 miles before Esencia you will see signs for the property.
Predio Rustico Xpu-Ha Lote 18, 877-528-3490,
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599, travel@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kylewagnerworld
