A Week in the Mexican Sun: Essence at The Fives Beach, Riviera Maya
At the end of April I swapped London drizzle for Mexican sunshine, flying with Delta Airlines from London Gatwick to Cancun via New York. I travelled in premium economy on the return, which made the long journey much more comfortable, and spent 7 nights with my wife, Becky, at the 5‑star Essence at The Fives Beach. We stayed from 27 April to 4 May 2024 in a 1 Bedroom Resort Residence on an all inclusive basis. For what we received, the value was excellent, and it was a fantastic base for a relaxed yet varied Mexican getaway.
Getting There with Delta
We flew from Gatwick with Delta, connecting through New York on the way to Cancun. Premium economy on the return sector was a real bonus: extra space, more comfortable seating and a generally calmer cabin made a noticeable difference after a full week in the sun.
Arriving into Cancun, immigration and baggage were straightforward, and before long we were on our way down the Riviera Maya to Essence at The Fives Beach.
Essence at The Fives Beach: Apartment‑Style Comfort
For this trip, we stayed in a 1 Bedroom Resort Residence on an all inclusive basis. Having a residence rather than a standard hotel room gave us that bit of extra space to relax, with separate living and sleeping areas and a more residential feel, while still enjoying all the benefits of a resort.
The resort itself has a modern, tropical style with lush gardens, pools tucked between palm trees and easy access to the beach. It felt like a good balance between a lively atmosphere and pockets of quiet when we wanted some downtime.
Dining Around the Resort
One of the highlights of staying at Essence at The Fives Beach was being able to try a range of different restaurants without ever leaving the property. Over the week Becky and I made it our mission to visit as many as we could, including:
- Koh Thai
A great spot when you fancy Asian flavours. Think fragrant curries, noodles and stir‑fries, all with that sweet‑spicy balance you expect from Thai‑inspired dishes. - Natura
Ideal for lighter, fresher options. A nice choice when you want something a bit healthier without feeling like you are missing out. - Cantina 1910
Perfect for local flavour, with Mexican dishes and a lively atmosphere. Great if you enjoy tacos, tequila and a bit of buzz in the evenings. - La Brasserie
A more European feel, with French‑influenced dishes and a slightly more refined ambience. A good option for a relaxed, slightly dressier dinner. - Breeze Burger
Casual and satisfying, serving exactly what the name suggests: burgers and all the usual favourites, ideal for laid‑back lunches or an easy evening meal.
Being on all inclusive meant we could mix and match depending on how we felt each day, and it really added to the enjoyment of the stay.
A Simple, Sunny Escape
This trip was all about sunshine, good food and time together. Between the comfortable 1‑bedroom residence, the choice of restaurants, and the ease of an all inclusive plan, Essence at The Fives Beach delivered exactly what we wanted from a one‑week break.
Flying with Delta via New York in premium economy gave us a smoother journey both ways, and by the time we landed back at Gatwick we felt we had made the most of our time away.
If you are looking for a straightforward fly‑and‑flop break with plenty of dining variety and the comfort of apartment‑style accommodation, a week at Essence at The Fives Beach in the Riviera Maya is a great option to consider.
