PLAYA XPU-HA, Mexico (December 7, 2004) - The simple joy of a perfect shell washed onto white sand, the gentle rhythm of lapping waves, the melodic bird songs of a tropical garden. These are the sights and sounds of the Riviera Maya's newest luxury boutique resort, Esencia. Located on a two-mile stretch of Playa Xpu-Ha, one of the most secluded white-sand beaches in the Riviera Maya, Esencia was created to complement its serene location in a quietly luxurious environment. Scheduled to open in February, the resort is elegant yet simple, luxurious without pretense, and inspired by nature.

Mexico is the hottest development spot in Latin America, and the luxury sector is at its epicenter. Watch for more small, luxury lifestyle hotels like Prohotel Management’s Ikal del Mar on the Riviera Maya, which commands rate in excess of US$400 a night.