Once the private hideaway of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia is a 50-acre estate that defines the art of barefoot luxury. This whitewashed sanctuary is a masterclass in mid-century Mediterranean style, where the vibrant turquoise of the Caribbean meets the lush green of the Mayan jungle. Guests can rejuvenate at the world’s first organic Maya spa, which uses ingredients harvested directly from the hotel’s gardens, or indulge in the coastal-chic atmosphere of Mistura, the signature restaurant serving an inventive fusion of Mexican and Peruvian flavors. This property is a dream for those who seek a sophisticated, residential feel where privacy is the ultimate amenity and the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya remains the star.