Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review
Our Verdict
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review
Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Etéreo is an ocean front retreat. The resort floats over a protected mangrove forest and faces the beautiful white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Etéreo — meaning ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly — invites you to visit and explore the cycle of renewal of that which enriches life: relationships, inspiration, connection to nature, senses, rhythm, and appreciation.
At Etéreo, you’re freed from the distractions of modern life and supported by three pillars - extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and an Auberge Spa so you can relax and recharge. And if you know anything about Auberge properties, they are all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences.
Discover Mexico through its culture, makers, history, sights and sounds. All of the activities at Etéreo are designed to enliven your senses through discovery and renewal. The curated list of activities range from golfing in Riviera Maya, having the sauna to yourself with a healing ritual, exploring cenotes of Mexico, snorkeling the Great Mayan Reef, setting the days intentions during a coffee or tea ritual, indulging in the history of cacao, capturing the sunset on canvas, calm the mind with chromatic breathing and more.
Like we mentioned Auberge is all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences and there is truly an activity for everyone.
Each of the 75 accommodations (57 studios, 14 suites and 4 penthouses) at Etéreo has dramatic mangrove and ocean views, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows connecting you to the surrounding nature. Whether you stay in a Studio or Suite, the accommodations at Etéreo are unforgettable. Studio-style rooms feature a private terrace, plunge pool, ocean views and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open up to let in the breeze of the Caribbean Sea. The expansive suites feature space to spread out, relax and spend time on your private rooftop deck or private hot tub.
If you’re looking for a luxurious, boutique and personalized experience in Riviera Maya, then Etéreo should be at the top of your list of places to visit. During your stay at Etéreo you’ll feel relaxed, recharged and connected with yourself and with nature.
This review is based on our personal stay in January of 2022. If you are planning to stay at Etéreo, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily $70 USD breakfast credit and a welcome amenity.
Our Room
Both the architecture and interiors of the accommodations blend contemporary and modern design with local and natural materials. Each accommodation celebrates local artisans with unique furnishings, textiles and carved wooden walls by revered artist Manuel Felguérez.
During our stay we stayed in a Mangrove Studio with Plunge Pool. Even though, this is the entry level room category it packs a wow factor. Our studio was 875 square feet of indoor/outdoor open living space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the lush mangroves and out to the Caribbean Sea.
The outdoor terrace featured a small lawn, private in-ground plunge pool and seating area. While the pool is your own pool, it isn’t completely private. There are floating walkways suspended above the lush mangroves that take you to the beach, to Itzam (restaurant), and to the pool that are just steps away.
The Mangrove Studios with King Bed can be connected to a Mangrove Studio with 2 Queen beds. The open concept studios feature a beautiful wrapped leather bed, a hand-carved wooden accent wall by artist Manuel Felguérez.
All of the accommodations at Etéreo feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, robes and slippers, a yoga mat, a steamer, insect repelent, bug bite ointment and more.
Our Mangrove Studio featured a large open concept bathroom with dual vanity, large soaking tub, water closet and separate shower.
Etéreo features their own toiletries that are local to Mexico.
Amenities
Etéreo is arranged in three islands. The first island is the front drive where you arrive, front desk, SANA an Auberge Spa and meeting space. The second island is the guest rooms, and boutique. And the third island is the restaurants pool and beach. There certainly isn’t a lack of things to do at Etéreo, The activities will inspire you expand your horizon and challenge the realm of your familiarity.
There are two pools at Etéreo, the upper pool closest to the guest rooms is a family pool and the lower pool and Jacuzzi is the adults pool.
And if the pool isn’t for you there is a gorgeous beach with cabanas that are first come, first serve. A couple of shaded lounge areas to rest and relax and a beachside restaurant and bar.
Sana, an Auberge Spa delivers an unparalleled healing space inspired by its surroundings. Sana features seperate men’s and women’s locker rooms and facilities that include a cenote, steam, sauna, sound, and clay rooms and outdoor spa pool and jacuzzi.
Indulge yourself on a guided journey of the spa facilities whether you’re having a treatment or not. The spa facilities are available for use by all guests, they just require an appointment.
During our stay we participated in a guided journey starting with 10 minutes in the steam room. The spa attendant placed eucalyptus salt into the steam source and in 10 minutes returned to guide us to the next step. The next step on our journey was 10 minutes in the sauna where the attendant placed cucumber slices over our eyes and a chilled towel over our face. The second to last step was participating in a sound healing ritual which was quite nice. With our eyes closed the sounds brought southing thoughts that made the stresses of everyday life disappear. And we finished our journey with a soak in the cenote.
The whole experience of staying at an Auberge Resorts Collection property is all about the journey and Sana is no different. All of the treatments at Sana offer innovative Mayan healing practices, therapies for energy dispersion, and modern self-care.
If you want to focus on your wellness, Etéreo has a beautiful state-of-the-art fitness center, Movement and Studio (great place to stretch, do yoga, etc.) The fitness center is equipped with Techno-Gym equipment and featured 2 stationary bikes, 5 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, a stair master, a couple of squat racks, a cable machine and free weights.
Dining
The culinary program at Etéreo celebrates renewal throughout the journey. With menus built to connect, native ingredients are utilized to pique interest in the flavors of Mexico for both locals and visitors alike.
Etéreo has 5 food and beverage outlets on property. Itzam is their main restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. El Carrito (a cart) offers complimentary coffee in the morning along with a selection of pastries and in the evening offers evening cocktails.
Itzam is the main restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner. Itzam’s menu is conscientiously focused on local products that are both sustainable and organic.
The service during both breakfast and dinner at Itzam was very quick, through and efficient. We never felt rushed, but we did feel well attended to.
Itzam has a great view of the beach and the ocean making for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.
For breakfast we tried the chilaquiles one morning which were excellent. And another morning we tried their gourmet oatmeal.
Dinner at Itzam….
Alberca which is the poolside menu offers light bights and fresh cocktails using the freshest ingredients. At the pool we enjoyed tacos and the blue fin tuna bowl. The portions were enough to fill you up, but light enough to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the pool.
Che Che is the other restaurant at Etéreo. Currently it’s only open for the pool menu which we enjoyed for dinner one night as an early dinner.
If you're looking for the best catch of the day prepared in many ways, check out El Changarro. El Changarro offers in-the-sand dining for lunch. The menu focuses on the daily local catch served in myriad ways – as ceviche, tacos or simply grilled and accompanied by market vegetables. Guacamole, daily tortas, Mexican session beers and fresh juices make for complementary additions.
Service
Etéreo is our casa away from home. From the moment we met the first staff member at the Cancun airport, everyone we encountered during our stay made an effort to make sure we were well taken care of. I mean the staff even brought us towels to the hot tub so we didn't have to get out all dripping wet.
Every wish is your command at Etéreo.
Overall Impression
Discover your own journey at Etéreo. This oceanfront retreat offers extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and rejuvenation at the spa.
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book Etéreo Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.
