Hotel Esencia -
Xpu-Ha Mexico
Greetings from DreamArt Photography, the distinguished luxury photography team at Hotel Esencia. Nestled between the verdant Caribbean jungle and the gleaming sands of Xpu-Ha Bay, Hotel Esencia is the epitome of refined elegance and luxury. Originally built as the private retreat of Italian duchess Rosa de Ferrari, this 50-acre estate was transformed into a private hotel in 2005 and then taken over by entrepreneur and art collector Kevin Wendle in 2014. Though it’s officially called a hotel, and has all the prestigious awards to prove it, many say Hotel Esencia feels far more intimate than its title suggests. Guests describe it not as a hotel at all, but rather as the experience of staying at a friend’s private estate.
At DreamArt Photography, our expert team specializes in capturing the essence of such special destinations.
Hotel Esencia’s excellence is reflected in its numerous accolades, including a coveted nomination on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list and a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Throughout the years, Hotel Esencia has hosted Jason Wu’s wedding, and welcomed Bella Hadid as she staged her 2018 Vogue cover. These honors epitomize Hotel Esencia’s dedication to crafting an incredible guest experience, characterized by exquisite design, luxurious seclusion and a profound connection to the natural Mayan surroundings.
For guests looking to immortalize their stay at Hotel Esencia, DreamArt Photography offers opportunities to file away the magic of your vacation. For those celebrating an engagement or wedding at Hotel Esencia, a big congratulations from the DreamArt Photography team! Our Hotel Esencia photographers are at your service, ready to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, smiles, and love.
Lifestyle Experience
Our 45-minute Lifestyle Photoshoot with our expert Hotel Esencia photographers is the perfect way to turn your stay into timeless art. Hotel Esencia is peppered with the Jason Wu art collection that is showcased and sold at the hotel. Book a Lifestyle Photoshoot with the DreamArt Photography team to capture you and your loved ones among this artistic rigor.
After your DreamArt Photography session, a dedicated DreamArt Photography representative will guide you through a curated selection of your photographs. Once you’ve selected your favorites, the team will send them over to you digitally through the DreamArt app, where you will be able to access your photographs whenever you like.
For those of you who appreciate tangible keepsakes, we offer the chance to turn your photographs into photo albums, canvases, and more.
It's more of an experience, really...
Wedding Services
First things first, a huge congratulations on your engagement! At DreamArt Photography, our expert wedding photographers appreciate how important perfect photos are on your perfect day. Your Hotel Esencia photographers are here to capture every fleeting glance and buzzing smile.
Hotel Esencia is an expert in hosting private events. The hotel has space to host up to 300 guests. Why not check out The Esencia Mansion for your ceremony? The space is 10,000 sq ft. in size, houses three pools and has many glorious open spaces. We’ve heard it’s a perfect space for your special day.
Working with DreamArt Photography at Hotel Esencia means entrusting your memories to a team who cherishes your love story as much as you do. Our mission is to tell the story of your wedding day with timeless elegance. With your Hotel Esencia DreamArt photographers, you’ll be able to relive each heartfelt moment at this Mayan retreat again and again.
Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Esencia
- The location: There’s a reason why Hotel Esencia is so popular among honeymooners. Tucked along the untouched Xpu-Ha shores between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Hotel Esencia is a real secluded paradise. This beachfront retreat is surrounded by lush Yucatan jungle, gentle sea breezes and that famous Caribbean white sand. With this backdrop, Hotel Esencia offers a setting that feels worlds away. Hotel Esencia’s location is so well-loved that sea turtles return to nest on its undisturbed beach every year.
- The vibe: Hotel Esencia embodies quiet luxury. Nestled away from the Mexican party resorts and cruises, staying at Hotel Esencia is a unique experience. The award-winning architecture blends modern minimalism and Riviera charm. The white stucco villas and romantic arched walkways transform the hotel experience into an artistic one. Maybe you’re enjoying a morning swim in the adults-only pool, or indulging in a candlelit dinner under the stars; every moment feels bedazzled with sophistication.
- The USP: The thing that sets Hotel Esencia apart is its elegant sense of privacy. With 47 rooms and suites, your stay feels like a unique, personalized experience. Every detail is tailored to your vision. For events and weddings, Hotel Esencia is famously flexible and offers services that match your needs.
- Who: Hotel Esencia is the perfect oasis for all kinds of travelers. Honeymooners, artists, families, and celebrities all have Hotel Esencia on their bucket lists.
At DreamArt Photography, our Hotel Esencia photographers are ready to capture every bit of magic. With our photoshoots, we’ll help you preserve the beauty of your stay in photographs as timeless as the vacation experience itself.
The Experience
Whether you’re ready to relax or up for an adventure, Hotel Esencia offers an incredible range of activities for you to get stuck in with.
Activities
Adventure: Hotel Esencia is located on the Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula. Explore this beauty with the hotel guides. Here are some of the adventures you might fancy embarking on:
- The Mayan ruins of Tulum: These were built in the 13th century and visiting them is like traveling back in time.
- Chichen Itza: This architectural treasure and world wonder is not one to miss!
- Rio Secreto: Exploring this underwater river is one to tick off the bucket list.
- X-Plor: A kids’ favorite is this natural adventure park. Explore cenotes, zip-lines and underground rafting all set in the jungle.
- Sian Ka’an: This awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site neighbors Tulum and hosts the most incredible nature.
- Merida and Valladolid: These two authentic Yucatan towns are quaint and traditional - they definitely encompass the Yucatan identity!
Sports: At DreamArt Photography, we know how fitness plays a big part in our clients’ lives. That’s why we know that you’ll enjoy the plethora of sports that Hotel Esencia has to offer. Enjoy tennis, diving, snorkeling, golf and paddleboarding at the hotel. The facilities are top-notch.
Helicopter rides: Hotel Esencia has just welcomed its new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter which allows for four passengers and has a range of over 450km. Expect to arrive and depart from the private Hotel Esencia Helipad. The VIP experience tours allow you to choose a destination and explore with no hassle.
Secret Lagoon: Less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel lies a hidden lagoon. There are options to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in the clear waters.
Temazcal: In the Nahuatl dialect, the word Temazcal means ‘house of heat’. With your personal shaman, experience this ancestral healing practice. In fact, many believe that the Temazcal represents Mother Earth’s ‘womb’. This spiritual rebirth is guaranteed to prompt detoxification and gratitude.
Esencia Spa: The most talked about feature in the Esencia Spa is the Mayan organic kitchen. In this kitchen, the Hotel Esencia therapists nurse local herbs, plants, oils, spices, and honey to create products for the treatment. The wellness sanctuary offers: steam rooms, infrared sauna, ice chamber, Swiss showers, cold plunge pool, and hydromassage hot tub.
Luxury Photography experience: After busy days filled with these lovely activities, why not book a golden hour sunset photoshoot with your Hotel Esencia photographers? This way, you’ll be able to remember these special days forever!
The Suites & Rooms
At Hotel Esencia, each room and suite has been thoughtfully designed to immerse you in tranquility and Mayan cultural influences. With just 47 rooms, the hotel feels personal, fresh, and uncrowded. Every corner is intentionally furnished with unique furniture and organic materials. Some of the luxury accommodation options include: Beach suites, Jungle suites, Master suites, and Private villas.
Dining
When surrounded by friends and family, mealtimes are the most important moments in the day. There’s no better way to unwind than indulging in an exceptional dining experience at Hotel Esencia. Every bite is a celebration of the artistry and serenity of the location. Hotel Esencia respects local ingredients and recipes. Each restaurant is a part of the hotel, and the region itself.
- Taiyo: This poolside restaurant is a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant. Taiyo even features an Omakasé bar. All ingredients are fresh from the ocean!
- Beefbar: This restaurant was established in Monaco in 2005 as a paradise for meat lovers. This restaurant champions the importance of simple, high-quality ingredients. While on vacation, we know that comfort food is important.
- Mistura: Mistura intertwines traditional Mexican food with a Mediterranean touch. This sea-to-table dining experience is one-of-a-kind. The seafood dishes are incredible and authentic, some of the best the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer!
- Coffee Bar & Juice Bar: All coffee products are prepared with freshly ground beans. This establishment also offers an assortment of beautiful Mexican pastries. The popular superfood bowls are great for feeling your best on vacation.
At DreamArt Photography, our team of Hotel Esencia photographers is here to capture the emotion of your time at this incredible retreat. We can’t wait to help you turn these special moments into memories!
