A STUDY IN HOTELS: HOTEL ESENCIA

This secluded oasis, once the private retreat of an Italian duchess, has been transformed into a sanctuary that epitomizes understated elegance and tranquility.​

There are hotels that serve as a place to rest your head, and then there are hotels that transcend the concept of hospitality entirely—becoming destinations of their own, sanctuaries that leave an indelible imprint on the way you experience a place. Hotel Esencia falls into the latter category.

Situated on the powdery white sands of Xpu-Ha, one of the Riviera Maya’s most pristine stretches of coastline, Hotel Esencia offers a rare blend of relaxed elegance and refined simplicity. It’s a place that seems to exist outside of time, where jungle foliage meets Caribbean waters, and the only sounds are the gentle rustling of palm leaves and the distant crash of waves.

What makes Hotel Esencia truly exceptional is the care and intention behind its transformation from a private estate to one of the most sought-after stays in Mexico. Originally built as the home of an Italian duchess, the estate exudes an aristocratic charm, yet feels unmistakably intimate. The credit for this seamless balance between history and modernity belongs to its current owner, Kevin Wendle, a visionary media entrepreneur whose career in Hollywood and tech may seem worlds away from boutique hospitality. And yet, his passion for design and obsession with detail have elevated Hotel Esencia into something singular—a place that prioritizes privacy, service, and an experience that feels more like staying in a dream home rather than a hotel.

Under Wendle’s stewardship, the hotel has expanded while maintaining its original DNA. There are no flashy gimmicks here, no over-the-top theatrics. Instead, every detail, from the carefully curated furniture to the meticulously sourced textiles, feels intentional. Every corner of the estate whispers a story, whether through the whitewashed walls that contrast beautifully with vibrant greenery or the handcrafted elements that pay homage to Mexican artisanship.