Vaxxed and feeling comfortable to travel again? Us too! After 15 months of staying state side and a few road trips here and there, we were feeling finally ready to dust off our passports and climb aboard a plane again. We know, we might be the last ones to bite the travel bullet, but we wanted to stay safe for ourselves and others but now that we have the hottest card in town, no, not an Amex, a vaccine card, we booked a trip to Hotel Esencia!

Hotel Esencia is a fabulous boutique hotel in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Getting there is very easy, you can fly right into Cancun airport and the hotel will send you a private car to take you to the 50-acre private estate turned hotel just about an hour and a half away, and far away from any ‘spring breaker’ types. If you are looking to make up for lost partying time, this is not the hotel for you, but if you are looking for a breath of fresh ocean air and ultimate five-star experience, we cannot recommend Hotel Esencia enough.

Originally Hotel Esencia was the private estate of an Italian Duchess, so you know it will be pretty extraordinary. Now celebrities looking for a low-key hideaway flock to the hotel for the incredible accommodations, the spa, privacy, and delicious food and cocktails. Jason Wu even has his famous chicken salad on the menu, and you might spot Gwyneth Paltrow or Aerin Lauder.

The hotel has only 42 suites and 3 villas on the property, and has become famous for its Mayan spa, and three onsite restaurants. If you are feeling like eating lunch under your palapa one day, don’t worry! Each palapa has a service button and QR code to the menu so you can eat your tacos from the best seat in the house. Click here to see their menus.

*RH Tip, ask the front desk about paddle boarding with the manatees! A private experience with a lifeguard who doubles as a guide is a cannot miss and you will be thrilled that you went.  

Scroll below to see additional images from our trip!