Hotel Esencia  

On Mexico’s Riviera Maya in Xpu-Ha, this 4.5-star boutique hotel sits by the sea and is minutes from Xpu-Ha Beach. It’s about 1 km from the town center and close to Xcaret Eco Theme Park, Xel-Ha Water Park, Ecopark Kantun Chi, Taj Mahal Cenote and the CEDAM Museum.

Just 29 air-conditioned rooms feel intimate and well appointed with refrigerators, LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and mini-bars. Beds come with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets, and bathrooms offer tubs or showers with designer toiletries. The property has 24-hour reception, wedding services and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).

A full wellness setup includes a spa with body treatments and facials, a massage room, sauna and steam bath. Outdoors there’s an outdoor pool and poolside bar, plus a fitness center and yoga area for active mornings. Family-friendly touches include a kids’ playroom and a library and picnic area; the hotel is also pet-friendly.

Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet keeps you connected. Additional services include limo/town car options, roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), free valet parking, dry cleaning and a concierge.

Two on-site restaurants serve meals on the property, and there’s a bar/lounge plus a poolside bar for cocktails. Limited-hours room service is available for relaxed nights in.