Originally built as the private hideaway home of an Italian duchess on what is considered the most beautiful beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the 29 room, suite and villa Hotel Esencia is located on a private 50 acre estate surrounded by the Mayan jungle. One of the only truly boutique luxury properties in the area, it was converted into a hotel in 2005 and in 2014 began a new journey when award-winning entrepreneur and art collector Kevin Wendle became owner. Since taking over, Wendle has undertaken a major refurbishment programme to enhance the hotel’s facilities, accentuate its natural beauty as well as add a truly one-off collection of art and antiques.
Located just 50 minutes from Cancun and 30 from Tulum, Esencia is full of character, charm and heritage. The Main House is the centerpiece of the hotel around which footpaths lead to the 29 suites and villas. There are also a two restaurants, a new beach bar, two large pools, juice bar and organic spa. Each room and suite boasts a private terrace and seating area with views of either the luxuriant gardens or the Caribbean Sea.
The handpicked collection of art and antiques within the hotel is one of the things that makes Esencia’s décor so unique. With Wendle’s desire to reimagine the property, came an entire collection of furniture designed specially for the hotel which, in addition to hand-woven rugs, bed throws and table tops, pay homage to mid-century Mexican and European art and design. Artwork by celebrated Spanish and Latin American artists decorates the walls including works by Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero and Eduardo Santiere. There are Pierre Jeanneret chairs in the main sitting room along with lamps by Serge Mouille and Pierre Guariche. Public spaces are subtly filled with a music playlist conceived by Paris-based DJ Michel Gaubert while a new website has launched consisting of Pierre La Tan animations.
Continue on page two…
