Hospitality was amazing. The staff - from Damian, to Victor to Guadalupe - thoughtful, careful , eager to please. The hotel is fortunate to have such wonderful employees.
The entrance to Hotel Esencia looks like a driveway to just about nothing. This is clearly deliberate. From there you will be met by a guard, and then travel in on a dense jungle path on a golf cart for quite a distance. You are leaving the busy world behind, and entering into a new realm where the objective is to be pampered, in just about every way.
The staff all are friendly and eager to please. I had the rare opportunity to meet the owner of the hotel who was touring the grounds, checking to make sure that everything was in good order. How often does that happen? He was charming and easy to talk with, no pretentious airs about him at all. He genuinely was eager to hear how our four nights stay had been so far.
All food is prepared to order - no problem with any request. Creative and freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, dinners. Spicy? You bet - if you want it. Or not at all. Drinks are expertly crafted and will taste better than most anything you've had before because everything is made from scratch.
Suites - the baroness' suite is a throwback to another era - that ceiling! Old world craftsmanship is so lovely - but this does not feel dated, grungy, or in need of updates.
Our jungle view room was enormous and actually had an ocean view. The deck was lovely and well appointed. Morning coffee and tea with pastries were so enjoyable on the deck, taking in the view. Our room had two showers - one inside that is enormous and one outside. The room was clean as a whistle, and every amenity needed is there.
This place is quiet, calm, tranquil. No rush for you to grab a chaise lounge chair - there's ample for everyone. The beach is magnificent with soft white sand, clear calm waters. Almost no peddlers walking by - far cry from what you see at mega resorts.
I saw a few children, but they were never loud or obnoxious. If there were an issue, I am sure that the hotel would have addressed it.
The spa is accommodating with such a natural, jungle ambiance - because it really is in the jungle. My massage was lovely with a few unexpected added special touches.
Last, anything you want or need, just ask for it. They want to anticipate your every wish, but alas, they are not mind readers - so go ahead and ask!
One word of caution - watch your step at every turn. The white steps tend to blend into one another, I tripped so many times. I saw so many others trip and one fall.
I highly recommend the catch of the day which was baked in a banana leaf. Takes extra time but is so worth it. Also, a few bottles of Vueve Cliquoet on the beach is fabulous. read more