Hotel Esencia

It’s always the chicest. It was our 10th time there and the service, food, accommodation - everything - has improved on an already perfect place. I just wish I could live there. It’s an easy getaway from all major cities and is always worth every cent.

In September 2023, my husband and I had an extraordinary stay at Hotel Esencia, which quickly became our favorite hotel. The experience was flawless, and we eagerly anticipated our return. Unfortunately, our second visit in 2024 fell short in several key areas. However, after sharing this feedback, hotel management graciously offered us a complimentary stay to make things right, which we accepted during January 2025. I’m happy to report that the experience this time was much improved. The property remains unparalleled with lush, peaceful grounds. The beach is breathtaking - a nearly-private space with pristine sand and crystal-clear water. The rooms are beautifully designed, impeccably maintained, exude understated luxury, and include many well-thought out details and items one would want while on vacation (eg: flip flops, beach bags, certain toiletries like sunscreen, etc). The staff also recognized we were celebrating a birthday and did a very nice job welcoming us with birthday treats and a room upgrade. Our arrival was a fantastic experience. The spa was open during our stay and was every bit as lovely as we had remembered. During this complimentary stay, the service noticeably improved compared to our previous visit. While it didn’t quite reach the impeccable standard we experienced in 2023, it was clear the staff made an effort to ensure we were well taken care of. That said, the general service approach feels more relaxed than it once was — it is simply less polished and anticipatory, though it remains very friendly and accommodating. This attitude perhaps reflects the overall barefoot luxury vibe at Hotel Esencia, and I'm sure many guests appreciate this unobtrusive approach. Regardless, Hotel Esencia’s unique charm is undeniable. The beach, facilities, and serene atmosphere remain unmatched, creating a sense of effortless escape. Special touches like releasing baby sea turtles and swimming with manatees or seabobs continue to stand out. Overall, this recent visit reaffirmed why Hotel Esencia holds such a special place for us. While the service feels more laid-back than during our first stay, the incredible setting, well-appointed accommodations, and world-class beach make Esencia a rare gem. We are grateful to the management for their generosity and effort to improve our experience, and we look forward to seeing how the hotel continues to evolve.

Hotel Esencia is a true slice of paradise. Surrounded by abundant nature, this hotel offers an unparalleled escape, blending luxury and tranquillity effortlessly. From the impeccable staff and exquisite cuisine to the thoughtfully designed interiors and perfect location, every detail is flawless. Simply put, there’s nowhere quite like Hotel Esencia.

My stay at Hotel Esencia was nothing short of magical—a true slice of paradise. From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I had stepped into an exclusive world, surrounded by lush jungle and the soothing sounds of nature. The resort is breathtakingly beautiful, and the beach is pure heaven. The staff are simply incredible—always smiling and making you feel like the most important guest on earth. Dining here is an experience in itself; every meal was exceptional. I fell in love with the chicken and lime soup, and my visits to Beefbar were unforgettable—the beef and chicken dishes were out of this world. The newly refurbished spa is the best I’ve ever experienced. With hot and cold plunge pools, an infrared sauna, and a chic herb and wellness room, it’s a haven of tranquility and style. My suite was pristine, stylish, and perfectly appointed, offering a serene retreat for a week of ultimate relaxation. Hotel Esencia is more than a resort; it’s a transformative experience. After a week of luxury and care, I left feeling completely rejuvenated—like I had been to the most exclusive rehab. I can’t wait to return to this extraordinary place.

I just returned from yet another stay at the stunning Hotel Esencia. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in luxury, beauty, and impeccable service. The spa is absolutely heavenly; the treatments were rejuvenating, and the tranquil ambiance left me feeling completely refreshed. The dining experience is unparalleled. Both Beefbar and Mistura once again blew me away. The quality and preparation at Beefbar is exceptional and everything was cooked to perfection. On the other hand, Mistura offers an exquisite fusion of local and international flair. Every dish was not only delicious but beautifully presented. The service at both restaurants (and especially the hotel) was flawless, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure an exceptional experience. If you’re looking for a luxurious escape that combines relaxation, world-class dining, and an unforgettable experience, Hotel Esencia is the place to be. I can’t wait to return!

Last September, my husband and I had an extraordinary stay at Hotel Esencia, quickly making it our favorite hotel. While certainly expensive, last year’s experience was flawless, and we eagerly anticipated our return. Unfortunately, this year’s visit fell short. What’s still great: The beach remains stunning, easily rivaling some of our favorites around the world. The rooms are beautifully designed and well-maintained, and returning staff members like Omar and Augustine continue to provide excellent service. Unique experiences, such as the chance to swim with manatees or release baby sea turtles, still add a special touch to the stay. What fell short: Aside from the returning staff mentioned, we found that few others made much effort to ensure we had an exceptional stay. We arranged airport transportation, spa appointments, and confirmed amenities like the Seabob well in advance. After being informed that the Seabob was unavailable, we received an upsell email for a $1,000/night room upgrade, which seemed tactless. Our arrival at the property was rushed and impersonal, lacking the warm gestures we experienced last year, such as welcome drinks and cool towels. The spa’s closure due to ongoing renovation was communicated to us for the first time upon our arrival, despite our pre-booked treatments. We loved the previous spa's hydrotherapy experience, so even though villa-based services were offered with extended times, the experience was not very relaxing and it fell short of my expectations for a hotel of this caliber. We received a complimentary room upgrade after requesting it, but given the time of year and low occupancy rate, this was a missed opportunity for the hotel to proactively impress returning guests and recover from setbacks like the spa closure/communication issue. Service inconsistencies were apparent throughout. At Beefbar, servers struggled to answer basic questions about the wine list. One evening at the beach bar, our cocktails were incorrectly made, with no attempt to rectify the mistake, even after the mistake was acknowledged by a more experienced bartender. We received conflicting information from staff about restaurant hours and menu availability. Our first meal at Beefbar was disappointing, resembling the quality of a mid-tier all-inclusive resort, with unseasoned steak and gluey mashed potatoes. When we expressed that the meal was just okay, no follow-up occurred. We understand the hotel is still recovering from hurricane damage and therefore expected some changes. However, this stay did simply not meet last year’s exceptional standards, which is disappointing. Afterward, we spent a few nights at Belmond Maroma, where the service was consistently superior. Given Esencia’s high price point and reputation, there is room for improvement to return to the level of excellence we once experienced.