The creators of the resort Ikal del Mar on the Riviera Maya are
scheduled to open a second small luxury property in February 2005
that will be called Esencia.
Situated on a two-mile stretch of Playa Xpu-Ha about 46 miles
south of Cancun, Esencia will have 29 guestrooms and suites on a
secluded white-sand beachfront. At the center of the resort will be
a three-story, nine-suite “Casa Grande,” or great house, which was
the former home of an Italian Duchess. The building has a Catalan
dome-brick roof, a salon and private dining room, and a
state-of-the-art kitchen for cooking classes and chef’s table
dinners.
Rosa’s suite, the resort’s largest, has a large balcony, private
solarium and plunge pool. Another signature suite features a
360-degree view from a penthouse perch.
There are also two-story garden suites, and four-bedroom garden
cottages. The cottages have large swimming pools, terraces for
entertaining, media rooms with LCD screens and surround sound, a
living room and gourmet kitchen. On request, a fourth bedroom can
be outfitted as a yoga room, fitness studio or study. Private chefs
and butlers are available.
“Whether it’s the placement of oversized windows opposite the
bed for a picture-postcard view of the jungle or water, windows for
all bathrooms and even some walk-in closets, or the visual
highlight of the restaurant overlooking a cenote, nature has guided
our design,” said Samir Saab of ProHotel International, the
management company.
All guestrooms also have a refrigerator and freezer with a full
bar, dual hidden controls for unobtrusive high-tech sound equipment
and lighting, and an iPod mini.
The spa, Aroma, specializes in “Fito-therapy,” with treatments
based on fruits, herbs, and botanical extracts. Yoga and meditation
classes will be offered in the Wind Pavilion. Couples’ spa suites
include a private shower and Jacuzzi.
Tented cabanas on the beach provide full service, from beverages
and meals to spa treatments. The restaurant, Sal y Fuego, features
fresh seafood and organic produce. Dishes include native
Meso-American cooking, in which meats or seafood are simmered in
banana leaves. The bar is stocked with wines from around the world
and signature cocktails are available.
Rates start at $375 per night.
877-528-3490
www.hotelesencia.com
