The Essence

Awareness, simplicity, presence in Tulum's jungle.

Mexico Quintana paid

Step into The Essence, a conscious community and retreat center set in the lush jungle of Tulum, where the vibrant energy of Quintana Roo meets profound stillness. This isn't an escape from daily life, but rather an invitation to engage with it more deeply, fostering self-realization through awareness and simplicity. Founded by Chi Om, The Essence operates as both a sanctuary and a mirror, reflecting insights back to participants as life itself becomes a practice. Guests reside in simple glamping tents or elegant eco-luxe Mayan domes, all designed for comfort and connection with nature. Shared spaces, including a palapa-style yoga shala and lounge, are built with natural materials, creating an environment ideal for quiet contemplation and personal transformation.

Highlights

Eco-luxe Mayan dome accommodations
Life itself becomes the practice philosophy
19-hour fasting period integrated into detox retreats
Palapa-style yoga shala
Hidden in Tulum's jungle for profound stillness

Good for

beginnersnature loversdetox retreatsawareness practicesvegan diets

Setting

The Essence is situated deep within the Tulum jungle, offering a secluded and tranquil environment. Surrounded by natural beauty and a profound sense of stillness, the center is built with respect for the land, utilizing natural materials that blend seamlessly with the verdant landscape of Quintana Roo.

The practice

The Essence focuses on self-realization through awareness, simplicity, and presence. While not tied to a specific tradition, the approach encourages participants to meet life directly, fostering clarity and freedom in each moment. Practices involve shared living and inquiry, creating an environment where daily existence becomes a path to deeper understanding.

A typical day

Daily life at The Essence is centered around conscious living and practice. While specific schedules vary by retreat, days generally involve shared living, periods of practice, and inquiry. Detox retreats include raw and cooked vegan meals, with a 19-hour fasting period from lunch to breakfast to support natural cleansing.

Accommodation

Guests at The Essence can choose between simple glamping tents or elegant eco-luxe Mayan domes. Both options are designed to provide comfort and foster a connection with the natural surroundings, ensuring a peaceful stay amidst the jungle.

What to bring

Given the warm climate of Quintana Roo, light and breathable clothing is advisable. Consider packing insect repellent, comfortable shoes for walking, and a reusable water bottle. While towels are provided, you might want a personal item for comfort.

Address Carr. Tulum - Cancún km 240, 77776 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

How to get there

The Essence is located at Carr. Tulum - Cancún km 240. If driving, take the highway exit at Maya Adrenaline and follow the side road until you see "The Essence" sign. If coming from Tulum, you'll need to use the retorno at "Cenotes Casa Tortuga" before taking the Maya Adrenaline exit.

Nearest airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN) (79 km)

Cancún International Airport (CUN) is approximately 79 km away. Options include private transfers or a combination of ADO bus and taxi.

Nearest city: Cancún

Public transport: From Cancún or Tulum airports, you can take an ADO bus to Tulum Centro, then a taxi to The Essence.

Pricing

Pricing starts from USD120. Specific retreat costs will vary.

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical

Best Months: Apr, Mar, Dec

Avoid: Aug, Sep, Oct

Quintana experiences an annual average temperature of 26.2°C, with the warmest months being May, June, and July. The coolest months are November, December, and January. The driest periods are March, April, and December, while August, September, and October are the wettest, so pack accordingly for potential rain.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What kind of meals are served at The Essence?

During detox retreats, The Essence offers raw and cooked vegan meals made from unprocessed ingredients. These are combined with a 19-hour fasting period, from lunch to breakfast, to support natural cleansing.

What are the accommodation options?

Guests can choose to stay in simple glamping tents or elegant eco-luxe Mayan domes. Both are designed for comfort and to enhance connection with the natural environment.

How should I plan my arrival at The Essence?

Please plan to arrive by 2:00 pm on your start day, though you can arrive from 11:00 am to settle in. If you cannot make it by 2:00 pm, it is recommended to arrive a day earlier and stay nearby to ensure a relaxed integration into the retreat.

Is there internet access available?

Yes, free WiFi is available at The Essence. It is also recommended to set up mobile data before arrival.

What is the best way to get to The Essence from Cancún Airport?

From Cancún International Airport (CUN), you can take a private transfer (approximately MXN $1650) or an ADO bus to Tulum Centro (around MXN $430 per person) followed by a short taxi ride to The Essence (about MXN $500).