Hotel Esencia

I have stayed at some of the fanciest hotels (e.g., the Aman) but this one is definitely on the top of favorite list. Everything was so great. The experience I had at this hotel will ruin all future hotel experience. I love the fact that they do not nickel and dime you. Pool person always bring water and ice gratis. In addition, there are some complimentary activities available as well. Like some other reviewers have mentioned, the food is dismal for the hotel of this category. The food at the Beef Bar was a let down. Hopefully the food will be better the next time we come back.

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.

Out of this world.......in every department. Great restaurants, wonderful staff and an incredible vibe. I don't usually write reviews, but this place definitely deserves its inclusion in the top 50 hotels in the world. Particular mention to the concierge department who really were fabulous.

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.

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.