Those that know me well, know that I have a love affair with Mexico and always have. I drove around the country as an 18 year old in a VW Bug with my best friend, I lived there in the early 90s opening a luxury hotel, I hosted 32 people in Mexico for my 50th birthday, and I return as often as possible. You can’t beat the diversity of cuisines, the authentic innate hospitality of the people, and the vibrancy of the history and culture.
It is not easy to keep up with the continuous new projects and hotel openings throughout the country, let alone in Cancun, The Riviera Maya, and Tulum. It is simply the easiest destination to get to and from a large portion of the continental United States so it is a no-brainer solution for a quick weekend escape. I was excited to join my husband and friends for a mid-winter get-a-way to check out one of the newest and hottest properties in the area!
Effortlessly floating over a protected mangrove forest, facing the unspoiled white sand beaches of the Caribbean, Etereo is the new Auberge property to open in the Riviera Maya.
Located within the new Kanai development, Etereo is the first of three luxury properties that will anchor the resort area with a St. Regis and an Edition hotel under construction.
Kanai, a 680 Acre Masterplan, within a gated community is set among a jungle and mangrove reserve on which barely 9% of it accounts for the footprint of buildings and roads, taking utmost care in preserving the natural habitat.
Stretching a frontage of 1.2 miles of white sand beaches, this place is less than half a mile away from an undisturbed coral reef part of the second-largest system in the world. Etereo is the boutique property of the Auberge group. If you are familiar with the Auberge brand, you will know that there is a painstaking emphasis on a relaxed yet luxurious effort in highlighting all that is local and authentic in their destinations from the people, to the food and beverage, to the experiences offered.
Guest rooms at Etereo, unlike some other fabulous resorts in the region, actually sit very close to the ocean; and though they are surrounded by mangroves, sea views are relatively unobstructed. The walk to the beach across creative wooden walkways is not more than 3-5 minutes from any of the rooms.
I loved the morning coffee and evening cocktail cart set up near the guests’ rooms. Who doesn’t love sauntering over to the “coffee man” in their robe for a morning beverage!
The beach vibe at Etereo is just as you would hope – chic, sophisticated, yet low key. Service is attentive, but fun and informal. Food and beverage are TOP TIER – everything we enjoyed was colorful and creative. The sand and shoreline are well kept with a team ensuring it is raked and seaweed-free (a common issue in the Caribbean in recent years). The waters are protected, calm, and easy for swimming or paddleboarding. In sum, it is definitely a delightful place to while away the day.
Below, Changarro – “local in-the-sand dining”
My favorite spot for sunset or morning coffee was on the peaceful dock just off the shoreline, set with comfortable lounge chairs. An iconic setting!
There are plenty of areas to enjoy pool time too with separate pools for family-time and adults-only time!
Culinary at Auberge properties is always a TOP consideration with outstanding attention to detail and a preference to promote an elevated version of all things local! The dining options at Etereo did not disappoint, and I can say with confidence that they may be offering some of the best cuisines of any resort I have been to in Mexico!
Above is a delightful and boozy lunch at Che Che.
“Inspired by Nikkei cuisine – the pairing of Japanese techniques with Peruvian and Brazilian ingredients – Che Che translates to something ‘cool,’ encapsulating the unique vibe of this outdoor restaurant. Japanese flavors and techniques are explored through local ingredients, forming a shareable menu that is light and fun. Featuring Japanese tacos, raw oysters, tiraditos, and various small pates from maki to tartare, this is casual and flirtatious food that never tires and is best enjoyed communal-style, alfresco.”
Below, every meal was a colorful fiesta of flavors from sun-up to sun-down, seriously great!
The dramatic fire pit area is ‘perfecto’ for pre-dinner cocktails at Itazam!
“The intoxicating smell of freshly made tortillas and fire-roasted corn, being made throughout the day on the life-size wood-fired comal, welcomes diners into Itzam. Inspired by Mayan tradition but with a contemporary approach, Itzam’s menu is conscientiously focused on local products that are both sustainable and organic. Community and convivial experience are encouraged through sharing plates, enticing guests to experience an abundance of unexpected flavors.”
The spa experience at Etereo can not go without mention! I take advantage of spa experiences all over the world because I find it is a great way to relieve the aches and pains of travel, but also because I can truly relax when I am not thinking about the million domestic “to-do’s” that I could be completing when I am at home.
SANA is the name of the Spa at Etereo and translates to HEALTH. The rituals and ingredients again highlight the authentic and native experiences that Auberge promotes throughout the brand in each destination. Not only is the spa gorgeous, the treatment that I had, though PRICEY, wa$ worth every penny! Check out the “Botanist” – Unique to SANA, this aromatic energy ritual is curated by our local botanist. The treatment begins with a soothing body exfoliation of organic rosemary and natural nourishing oils, followed by a restorative body vail of kaolin, geranium, calendula, and palo santo. The final ritual incorporates a detoxifying massage using light touch, rhythmic movements, and feathering.
Wonderful places are best shared with besties! Grab yours and “Andales a Mexico!” I can help!
A magical sunset, at a majestic place! I highly recommend Etereo for an easy yet rewarding escape to Mexico’s Riviera Maya! I only suggest places I love, so trust me on this one.
Now sit back and soak in the beach vibes on my video –