Number of Rooms: 43

Location: Fifty minutes south of Cancún and thirty minutes north of Tulum by car.

If you’re the type of traveler who already owns a closet full of colorful boho caftans perfect for the ‘gram, Esencia is beckoning. As befits the former home of an Italian duchess, Esencia is all about sophisticated luxury and confident design – bright white walls and low-slung couches with pops of color make for a style we’d term mid-century Mexican, and you’ll wake up each morning with a cup of your preferred pick me up steaming on the table, as if magicked into existence by the excellent staff. Add to that roaming peacocks, thatched palapas, and a panoply of macramed hammocks drifting in the breeze…if you catch us daydreaming at our desks, we’re most likely mentally at Esencia.

What We Loved: The understated vibes that balance fun with sophistication feel a world away from overdone Tulum. The design team here knows what’s up – everything from the interiors to the menus to the website is impeccably stylish.

What We Didn’t Love: The food isn’t always as uniquely perfect as the rest of the property (but the margaritas are aces).

Right For: Fashion plates, long weekenders, grown-up girls’ getaways.

Wrong For: Party animals may want to continue on down the coast to Tulum.

Best Time to Visit: October to May (hurricane season runs from June through September).

TLF Tip: Be on the lookout for works by Picasso, Santier, and Warhol.