Mexican Adventure Part 2 – Hotel Esencia

Where? Tulum, Mexico

Exactly? Hotel Esencia

When? December 2016

Why? On the second leg of the Style Traveller Mexican adventure with my friend Olivia, we left the eco haven of Papaya Playa Project and checked in to the colonial splendour of the luxury, spa hotel Esencia. Built in one of the former summer houses of the Duchess of Amalfi, the recently restored and exquisitely decorated property houses 29 suites over 50 acres of majestic grounds.

Resplendent in old school, decadent charm, the hotel suites incorporate all the most luxurious finishing touches as well as modern amenities, including Bang & Olufsen, surround sound, music systems, rain shower wet rooms and private plunge pools. It’s without doubt one of the most seamlessly managed hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The service was flawless, I didn’t have to ask for a thing, the staff were always one step ahead me, which was an absolute dream!

Bonnie wears Elizabeth Hurley Beach swimsuit on the white sands of the Esencia private beach.

Everything at the hotel is so elegantly designed, from the tiles on the tables, the softness and fragrance of the linens to the branding and fonts on the menus and even the matches.

Bonnie chilling in the private plunge pool on the balcony. It’s the ultimate luxurious experience, especially when seductively candle lit in the evening, enjoy with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot from the mini bar and tune in to the hotels chill out play list.

Hibiscus cocktails on arrival

The view from the room looking over the traditional Mayan inspired restaurant and pool bar.

Taking a moment in the beautiful hotel grounds, filled with wide walkways, swaying palms and colonial architecture. Channelling the ultimate tropical vibe. Bonnie wears palazzo pants by Anthropologie and top by Kini. The bag is a gift from the hotel to all guests.

Stunning interiors, view of the hotel drawing room where afternoon tea and freshly baked cookies are served at 3pm every afternoon.

Plantain chips and dips are served as a yummy complimentary nibble with drinks.

I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts!

My breakfast heaven – poached eggs, avocado and tomatoes on brown toast with fresh chilli. All served with a sea view #love

…and after all that eating it’s time for a rest. Today I will mostly be spending time in the Mexican hammock house below.

Hanging out on the beach in an Elizabeth Hurley Beach one piece swimsuit.

Paradise found. The beach at Esencia is breathtakingly beautiful.

The main restaurant overlooks the main pool.

Lounging outside after dinner in the formal dining restaurant.

The balcony terrace at the front of our little house.

Guests are spoilt with a private, in room, plunge pool, which lead out directly from the bathroom. Bonnie wears silk print kaftan by Octavia Hix.

Incredible sea views from the bedrooms.

The Spa

The spa at the Esencia is sensational! Built in a traditional Mayan inspired building with curved walls and high straw ceilings, all products used at the spa are created from natural, organic ingredients made at the in house kitchen/workshop. The walls are soft-ochre in shade and textured to give a rustic feel. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the divinely relaxing fragrances wafting through the air and the dreamy atmosphere.

I indulged in the Holistic Aromatherapy Massage which I highly recommend. Using some unusual and interesting Mayan techniques including a blessing to ward off evil spirits (which was a first!), hot stones therapy and massaging with herb scented poultices, it is a rather exciting and incredibly relaxing, nurturing experience. I loved every second of it!

The only person the beach! Bonnie wears Elizabeth Hurley Beach swimsuit as above.

Good bye from the beautiful Hotel Esencia, next stop on The Style Traveller Mexican adventure is Azulik, Tulum.

For more on Bonnie’s Mexican Adventure check out the Papaya Playa Project post…Bon Voyage!