The Best Room At: ... Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
Etéreo translates to "ethereal" in English, which is exactly the kind of experience that Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection seeks to deliver.
The resort opened on nine oceanfront acres along Mexico's Riviera Maya in December 2021. It's set among a protected mangrove forest within the Kanai development, a 40-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. All 75 accommodations, which range from 875-square-foot studios to 3,925-square-foot, three-bedroom penthouse suites, come with ocean views. Along with five restaurants, two swimming pools, and a stunning white sand beach, the resort features the largest reef in the region, and guests can explore it just 250 feet offshore.
Here, Etéreo's general manager, Vinod Narayan, tells T&C what sets it apart from other hot spots in the Riviera Maya.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
The Ocean Suite with Skydeck (above) is my favorite room at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, and I think many of our guests would agree with me. The 2,075-square-foot suite features a large bedroom with a connected terrace that allows for undistributed views of the ocean from the comfort of the king bed. A separate sitting area, a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub, and an additional half bath provide all the amenities and privacy needed for a luxurious stay.
The suite is impeccably designed by Meyer Davis with the use of raw materials like lava stone, copper, and indigenous tzalam wood. Custom-designed furnishings and textiles were commissioned by local artists, including sculptural lattice screens by the late and highly celebrated Manuel Felguérez, custom rugs by Daniel Valero, furniture handcrafted by Puebla’s Bandido Studio, and many more visual feasts to lay your eyes upon.
What makes this suite most special is that it sits atop one of our four-story buildings, which means you also have your own private rooftop. The rooftop is complete with loungers, a fire pit, and a plunge pool that allows you to relax, unwind and soak up the sun or stars and just get lost in the moment. The most epic feature is that the rooftop offers views of both the sunrise and sunset. I don’t know of any other resort in the region that has pristine views of both and ocean views, too!
How much does it cost per night?
$1,199, which includes butler service for dedicated, round-the-clock service.
How would you describe the guests that stay at the resort and the general atmosphere/vibe?
The name Etéreo is Spanish for "ethereal," and the vibe of the resort is just that. The property is built above a protected mangrove forest that cascades down to a breathtaking white sand beach. At first sight of the awe-inspiring surroundings, an immediate sense of connection and relaxation washes over you and you feel as if you are floating above the mangroves. Beyond the resort's design, our extraordinary culinary program and one-of-a-kind experiences facilitate this same soulful sentiment.
What are the best things to do in the resort?
Etéreo is located in a region steeped in the lore and wisdom of the ancient Mayans, and everything we do and offer at the resort honors their traditions, especially when it comes to healing and wellness. One of the best ways to get in touch with this is by spending the day at SANA, An Auberge Spa, which is a contemporary embodiment of the Mayan belief that renewal stems from connection to and exploration of the elements. The spa is not only beautiful (the architecture is inspired by a celestial cenote, which the Mayans often used for healing and to offer gratitude), but it's a portal of energy in which you can cleanse energetically and recharge. Body and skin treatments feature indigenous, local ingredients by ethically conscious local brands such as Circe Brujeria de Origen, which is committed to using only fresh and organic ingredients sustainably prepared by hand. SANA also offers Mayan healing rituals, therapies for energy dispersion and modern self-care, led by our in house shaman as well as one-of-a-kind immersive treatments, such as a moonlight massage elevated in a mesh platform that overlooks Etereo's magical mangrove. The experience ends with a selection of mood-enhancing adaptogenic drinks.
What feeling about the region do you hope to impart to visitors?
Telling the region's history and honoring its culture is central to everything we do at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection. Our resort is almost entirely Mexican made, as we want to celebrate and draw attention to the incredibly talented artisans and craftsman in the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond. It's not just the art, but also the partners that we have collaborated with for experiences, the mini bar items that have been curated with local, fair trade makers and brands, and so much more.
We aim to inspire our guests to pursue positive change and a more conscious way of living that the Mayans exemplified in everything they did. We execute this in three ways: honoring the past, living in the present, and creating the future. Everything from the food you taste to the experiences you explore to the rituals that you partake in are a part of the journey to achieve that greater sense of wellbeing.
What is a local attraction that you always recommend to guests?
I always recommend journeying off property with our Resident Archaeologist Dante García, who is a National Geographic expert and a treasure of the Yucatan. Dante has a special way of connecting Etéreo guests to the region's history and culture by taking them on journeys to the most remarkable secret locations to experience adventures and moments offered nowhere else. With Dante as their guide, guests will learn about what makes Riviera Maya a region of archaeological majesty. They can explore the Yucatan's natural wonders and historic Mayan ruins, swim in the crystal waters of cenotes, snorkel subterranean reefs, or visit and hear stories from descendants of the Maya.
What do you think sets Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection apart from its peers in the area?
Our private oceanfront location in the new, luxury resort destination of Kanai is one of the most distinctive elements of Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection. Our property was also uniquely designed so that every guest room has a view of the sea, which is incredibly rare for a luxury resort in the area. We are also expertly positioned so that guests rarely have to see other structures, creating a secluded haven that is exclusive to Etéreo.
I’d also like to add that our team is unparalleled at delivering consistent heartful service that focuses on respecting the heritage and spirituality of the destination we find ourselves in. I take immense pride in the fact that our team not only loves what they do, but they are also passionate about sharing the local culture with our guests.
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