Hotel Esencia review: Relax and unwind at Tulum’s ultimate five-star sanctuary

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The neighbourhood Just off the main road that runs along Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coastline, from the tacky excess of Cancun to the oversaturated hippy chic of Tulum, Hotel Esencia is tucked in a verdant jungle setting that leads through to its own private stretch of beach. open image in gallery Villas are set in a 50-acre estate Upon arriving by car, guests are relieved of their luggage by one of the immaculately presented staff members, before being transported by golf cart through the calm-inducing tropical gardens in which the hotel’s collection of 45 suites are situated. open image in gallery There are several restaurants to choose from Just between the beach and the pools are the hotel’s eateries – a selection of restaurants including one serving a traditional Mexican-Mediterranean fusion and another, Beefbar, offering dishes featuring Australian Black Onyx and Wx Wagyu beef, along with Japanese Kobe beef. open image in gallery Guests can choose between pool and sea for their water fix For those so inclined, there’s a gym and fitness room, while complimentary sunrise yoga was another highlight of our stay.