Essence at the Fives Beach

Cancun, Mexico

Virgin rating

Deluxe Room
One Bedroom Resort Residence
One Bedroom Pool Walkout
Zky Bar
Oka
La Brasserie
Koh Thai
Gin Bar
Flavours
Garden Room
One Bedroom Resort Residence
One Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
Penthouse Resort Residence
Spa
Spa
Adult only pool
Deluxe Room
One Bedroom Resort Residence
One Bedroom Pool Walkout
Zky Bar
Oka
La Brasserie
Koh Thai
Gin Bar
Flavours
Garden Room
One Bedroom Resort Residence
One Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
3 Bedroom Resort Residence
Penthouse Resort Residence
Spa
Spa
Adult only pool

The hotel

Looking to create your own memorable moments in Mexico... well we're sure the Essence at The Fives Beach deserves a spot in your Wishlist! Sitting on a picture-perfect beach in Playa del Carmen the stunning Essence at The Fives Beach delivers all your holiday desires. Starting with their generous all-inclusive plan that offers global cuisine and impressive cocktail lists in 10 trendy restaurants and bars, that's enough to keep any foodie happy! You have a choice of inviting pools, beach club, dreamy spa and a kid's club playhouse, where little ones will be entertained for hours thanks to the energetic activity programme. Phew! Plus there's a great selection of rooms to choose from too. How does all that sound? It's clear to see a holiday here combines a blissful beach break with something a bit more 'extra'... it's no wonder it’s proving popular with fun-loving couples and families.

Amenities

  • Tennis
  • Babysitting service
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Perfectly sat on the white sand coast of the Caribbean Sea in Playa Del Carmen. Transfer time from airport: 35 minutes.

Hotel information

663 air-conditioned rooms. All with a balcony or terrace with pool or garden views, air-conditioning, LCD flat-screen television or smart TV, WiFi, coffee maker and daily stocked mini-bar. 

With features of contemporary coastal style, Deluxe Rooms have a large balcony or terrace with garden views, and either 2 double beds or 1 king- size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

All Inclusive includes: a welcome drink upon arrival. Meals and drinks at 10 bars and restaurants, plus casual dining options in the open-air eateries. Domestic and international premium liqueurs. Personal concierge in pool and beach areas. 24-hour room service.

Modern 1 Bedroom Resort Residences enjoy a separate living room with double sofa bed, and a full kitchen, as well as 1 king-size bed, sleeping 2 adults. These rooms are also available as a Swim Up Residence, where you can dip into the pool straight from your patio.

2 Bedroom Resort Residences feature a master bedroom, living room with double sofa bed and a second bedroom with 2 double beds (or 1 king-size bed), and a full-size kitchen. These rooms are also available as a Swim Up Residence, where you can dip into the pool straight from your patio.

1 Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residences have their own rooftop lounge area complete with a pergola, barbecue grill and a whirlpool tub.

Choice of restaurants: Flavours (International buffet). Mestizo (authentic Mexican gastronomy). La Brasserie (Bistro restaurant serving the best of International cuisine). Oka (sushi bar). Koh Thai (Thai cuisine). Sea Olive (Mediterranean and Mexican fusion menu). Arezzo (Italian delicacies). Natura (grilled flavours). Lizzards (healthy delights). Oriola (beach club grill). 5 pop up food corners including pizza slices, Mexican bites, burgers and sandwiches and other pop up delights. 4 pool bars and 4 signature bars. Coffee shop*.

Daily and nightly entertainment.

Seven outdoor pools. Spa*. Gym. Outdoor tennis courts. Basketball court. Running and jogging circuit. The Beach Club with loungers and sun beds. Aluxitos Play House (4-12 years) offering fun supervised activities for kids, ranging from fitness classes, arts and crafts and tennis lessons. 

Butlers in the pool and beach areas. 24-hour room service. Dry-cleaning/laundry services*. Babysitting service available*. 

Guests staying in the Mexican state Quintana Roo are required to pay a travel tax of $11 per adult (over 15 years old). The payment can be made prior to travel, upon arrival or during your stay, as the tax will be imposed upon departure. There is also an additional Environmental Sanitation Tax of $4.25 USD per room, per night that will be added to your hotel bill (payable locally, subject to change).

* Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (12940)
  • Very good (2676)
  • Average (1123)
  • Poor (545)
  • Terrible (641)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Avoid!!

Jan 23, 2025 norn_iron89 Belfast, United Kingdom

Currently in Mexico, had to change our hotel our experience was so bad, and had to pay TUI an extra £1200 for the privilege to do so!! However we thought we would salvage the last few days of our trip. The food situation is shocking, arrived at 7.30pm, and just wanted a quick bite before bed after a long flight. Went to the Italian and were told… Read more
Currently in Mexico, had to change our hotel our experience was so bad, and had to pay TUI an extra £1200 for the privilege to do so!! However we thought we would salvage the last few days of our trip. The food situation is shocking, arrived at 7.30pm, and just wanted a quick bite before bed after a long flight. Went to the Italian and were told there were 100 people in front of us and they could not take any more. Went to the Sea Olive and were told to come back in 20min. We did so, and waited a further hour. When we asked we were told there were still 3 families in front of us. We gave up and went back to the main plaza thinking we could get pizza at the stand there - were told this would be 50min. Went to Thai restaurant, this would be an hours wait. There were no other restaurants open Absolutely disgusted we went back to our room and ordered room service which took over an hour and was not even nice food. With a young baby who needs to eat at certain times we decided this was not the place for us and are now in the Riu Palace Riviera Maya - vast improvement!!! The rooms were also more like self catering apartments - definitely not 5 star! Plugs hanging off the walls The hotel itself is very spread out. Not what you imagine from 5 star all inclusive in Mexico. There are plenty of other nice hotels in Cancun, don't waste your time and money with this one! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Poor restaurant capacity spoils holiday

Jan 23, 2025 Liz A

With only 2 or 3 restaurants open each night and the main buffet closed we are experiencing dinner waiting times of 1.5 to 2hrs each night. The staff are so stretched when you do get seated they are rushed off their feet and unable to give the service experience they would like to. I have needed to send back 2 meals as they were cold. They have… Read more
With only 2 or 3 restaurants open each night and the main buffet closed we are experiencing dinner waiting times of 1.5 to 2hrs each night. The staff are so stretched when you do get seated they are rushed off their feet and unable to give the service experience they would like to. I have needed to send back 2 meals as they were cold. They have had so many complaints the reservation system has opened on our last night. Resort itself is nice, spotting the local wildlife while walking around is enjoyable. Coffee shop fabulous although not included in AI. TUI should state in the hotel description it is low season so only 2 or 3 restaurants will open each night and not wait to the welcome meeting when you get here. If this is low season, good luck getting a sun lounger during peak times. They are mainly covered with towels and space taken up by the Bali beds that you need to pay for. We will continue coming to Mexico, but not to this hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Magical Wedding 🥂😎❤️

Jan 19, 2025 granmudder58 Whistler, Canada

A wonderful time with family and friends who all gathered to celebrate our nieces wedding The actual wedding celebration was beautifully organized from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the reception The food at this resort is some of the best we have ever had at an all inclusive The service is excellent any issues were taken care of… Read more
A wonderful time with family and friends who all gathered to celebrate our nieces wedding The actual wedding celebration was beautifully organized from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the reception The food at this resort is some of the best we have ever had at an all inclusive The service is excellent any issues were taken care of immediately…. The rooms are spacious however the bathroom / shower area could use more hooks to hang towels and possibly a bench The beds are a little firm and the pillows definitely could be upgraded to a better quality The balcony although huge and comfortable could have a rack dry bathing suits etc The drawers and dresser are ample and it’s probably the first resort where we were had room for all of our clothes The restaurants were all delicious although the system is not very efficient long waits and no reservations the buffets were excellent however for most days they closed them for lunch and dinner this is the first resort I have ever been to that did this which in my opinion was absolutely ridiculous it made for a lot of Hangry people as the waiting to get into a restaurant was so long Plus in a buffet you can always find something that will satisfy your appetite The beach and beach restaurants were great the beach staff servers are fantastic shout out to Miguel and Rosita to name a few The grounds are beautifully kept The beach towel system is excellent Roland’s at Lizards restaurant a star 🌟 Ernesto and Mariana at Santa Sirena the restaurant in the adult hotel Fives Beachfront next door were excellent Breakfast servers all great Rosa , Yolanda Maritza plus many more Now the Ambassadors these guys made our vacation so much smoother and special We went to a presentation of the Epic Club this is not a time share but a membership it took only an hour we were brought to the beautiful Fives Beachfront next door and honestly had we been younger would have given this membership more consideration it was only an hour and not pushy at all For this we received massages and Bally bed and the opportunity to have a delicious dinner But more than that these ambassadors helped us with any and all hiccups Luis ( full head of hair;) Luis ( bald :) Adriana another true professional 🌟 I almost forgot the Spa !!!! Best massage ever from Anna ❤️ All in all a very good time was had by all Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First time in Mexico, we will be back!

Jan 18, 2025 Klatts75

We have just left Fives Beach (17.1.25) after our first Mexican holiday and we had the best time! First the positives, the food was wonderful, lots of choice. The 1 bedroom suite is a massive space, the beach is beautiful and infront of the hotel, well maintained. The entertainment was fun but we are early to bed so didn't see much. The All… Read more
We have just left Fives Beach (17.1.25) after our first Mexican holiday and we had the best time! First the positives, the food was wonderful, lots of choice. The 1 bedroom suite is a massive space, the beach is beautiful and infront of the hotel, well maintained. The entertainment was fun but we are early to bed so didn't see much. The All Inclusive drinks are branded, the Gin bar was mega with so many different flavours. The surroundings are stunning and very well kept, immaculate. Its a huge site but there are little shuttle buggies going round all the time so just hop on one. Butby far and away my favourite part was the staff, such friendly, happy, kind people, nothing was too much trouble, everyone, from cleaners to waiters to concierge, always had a smile and Hola! Special mention to Ivan in reception who was very kind on our arrival and Jaziel on the beach who was our waiter whenever we were at the beach, a really nice guy. Any query we had was dealt with by reception immediately and followed up. Only a few negatives, the restaurants fill up quick so you need to eat early or be prepared to wait, especiallyif you are a group. Or get room service which is very good and timely. There needs to be a reservation system for the restaurants really. The bath in our room had no hot water which was disappointing and our TV didn't work, even tho they did attempt to fix it. People reserving sunbeds with towels at 8am then not actually getting to the beach/main pool to use them until the afternoon, if at alll! This happened daily. There aren't many sunbeds so this level of selfishness should be monitored and items removed from the sunbeds after a certain time. Tips. Eat dinner at 530-6pm Go to the sunbeds early if you plan on having a beach/main pool day. (The other pools have loads of space) Tip the staff, they work so hard and I was surprised by how few people actually tipped. Watch the sunrises, they are stunning. Ignore the weather apps, they never get it right! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience at The Fives

Jan 16, 2025 Brandi H Regina, Canada

Reviewed today Stayed at The Fives in Jan 2025, had a great couples trip. The relaxation was well needed. Our server Mel at The Brasserie was exceptional. Really enjoyed the large rooms, food was great, and morning yoga classes on the Sky Terrace with NRG2GO were a lovely way to start the day. Loved the yoga!