Rolling Stone: Etéreo, a sanctuary of rest in the Riviera Maya

The resort offers gastronomic, cultural, and artisanal experiences for travelers who enjoy a meaningful vacation.

In the heart of the Riviera Maya, where mangroves nourish life and beaches shimmer with white sand and crystal-clear waters, lies Etéreo, a resort that lives up to its name thanks to its balance of sophisticated design and extraordinary experiences. Located in the upscale destination of Kanai, between Cancún and Tulum, this hotel complex offers a space that evokes the feeling of being in an earthly paradise far removed from the stress of the city.

Named the fourth best resort in Mexico by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025, Etéreo is guided by four pillars based on Mayan philosophy: unparalleled gastronomy, a connection with nature, captivating beaches, and an Auberge-branded spa focused on rejuvenation. It’s a true sanctuary of relaxation with rooms offering direct views of the sea or the mangroves.

The resort is designed to cater to the needs of every guest, offering 75 rooms with a variety of accommodations. Regardless of the choice, all rooms feature spacious private terraces and expansive windows that frame the natural landscapes. The studios come in six different styles, many with plunge pools and sliding doors that let in the Caribbean breeze. The suites range from single rooms to duplexes and penthouses, with sizes from 130 m² to 360 m². In addition to their private living spaces separate from the social areas, these suites offer one or two plunge pools, outdoor space, and personalized concierge service. Some even feature covered terraces and jacuzzis.

The décor at Etéreo wasn’t chosen at random; it exists as a way to pay tribute to local culture, art, and design. Here, the work of master Manuel Felguérez is present through sculptural latticework that symbolizes spirituality with its infinity emblem inspired by Mayan cosmogony. The spaces are complemented by rugs from Daniel Valero, tables from Bandido Studio, pieces from Agnes Studio, sculptures by Marcela Díaz and Héctor Esrawe, and works by Charabati Bizarri, Tapiz, Peter Glassford, and Tere Metta. These details create the perfect balance between art, architecture, and nature that earned the resort the Architectural Digest Great Design Award in 2022.

 

A tour of Mexican gastronomy in Etéreo

Visiting the Riviera Maya means immersing yourself in Mexican culture, historically renowned for its rich gastronomy. That’s why Etéreo highlights this culinary tradition with its program that celebrates renewal. Its menus are designed to connect with diners, using local ingredients that spark an interest in the country’s flavors. By maintaining close relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and suppliers, diners can be confident that the chefs bring the best and freshest seasonal flavors to the table.

In total, the resort boasts five restaurants, each with a unique offering. For example, El Changarro, located right on the beach, is ideal for seafood lovers eager to savor the day’s freshest catch, prepared in a variety of ways, from ceviches and tacos to grilled dishes. Che Che, also an open-air restaurant by the pool, maintains this relaxed atmosphere while focusing on a fusion of Japanese culinary techniques and Mexican ingredients. There, local seafood and other regional flavors are combined with Eastern techniques to create intriguing dishes like lobster pad thai and Tokyo-style tacos.

Alberca, true to its name, offers a selection of fresh food and drinks, perfect for those seeking lighter options for an afternoon by the pool. Its menu features a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, and soft drinks, as well as ceviches, salads, sashimi, and bowls. And speaking of lighter options, Chu Chu, open only in the mornings, is ideal for starting the day with delicious coffees, chocolate-covered pastries, and fruit.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Itzam, opens its doors for an exclusive experience featuring the signature cuisine of Chef Carlos Segura, who brings an innovative vision to Mexican food thanks to the culinary heritage of his grandmother Angelina and his vast knowledge of pre-Hispanic gastronomy. There, guests can savor dishes from the land—such as Wagyu New York strip steak or moles—or from the sea—such as Gulf white shrimp or Campeche octopus—while enjoying panoramic views of the Caribbean horizon.

Each of the restaurants also has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, but whatever the choice, Etéreo’s cuisine is an attraction in itself and a delight for the sense of taste.

 

Experiences that leave a mark

The formula for an unforgettable vacation is completed by the wide variety of experiences offered by the resort, both within and outside its accommodations. Each one has been carefully considered and selected to awaken the senses, renew the soul, broaden horizons, and connect with what is essential. Workshops on spiritual jewelry, cold clay, and candle making offer moments that strengthen personal and spiritual bonds, while also leaving a beautiful memory to take home. If you wish to learn more about the art of Etéreo, local artist Hugo Reza leads an art walk that explores the sculptures and art installations on the property.

The gastronomic experiences extend with ceviche classes, cooking with a comal and exploration of chilies, as well as with the Festival of Flavors whose special evenings present proposals such as Grandma’s Dinner, Tacología and Fire and Wine: Grill Night.

The art of beverages is equally impressive. The immersive tasting, “Discovering Tequila,” is a journey through the history of Mexico’s most iconic spirit, and the Mexican Wine Club expands the perspective on the nation’s liquors by celebrating the birthplace of North American winemaking. Meanwhile, the “Heart and Cacao” ceremony, led by the resort’s shaman, offers a warm and enriching experience, exploring the history of this ancient fruit.

For younger children, the Chavitos Kids Club offers a variety of activities for children between the ages of 4 and 11. Expert instructors accompany the children on nature expeditions, mini-Olympic games, excursions to alebrije factories, paddleboarding, building piñatas and sandcastles, and much more.

The resort features other common areas and amenities for all age groups, such as an adult pool, a children’s pool, and a family pool, and its 300 meters of coastline provide the perfect setting for water activities like snorkeling. Inside, you’ll also find La Chula store, where you can purchase a variety of local products for personal use, as gifts, or for your home.

 

SANA, a space for connecting body and spirit

SANA, Auberge’s spa, is synonymous with well-being at Etéreo. Stepping onto its pebble and natural stone floors is to be immediately enveloped in a serene atmosphere with native flora and fauna. Its cenote-style pool, sauna with full-body shower, clay room, and soundproofed lounge were designed so that the benefits are felt from the inside out. And its exclusive treatments, such as the Cleansing Ritual, The Healer, The Naturalist, and Pure Souls—the latter designed for couples—are transformative.

Movement is also key at SANA, and every day there’s a wide variety of group yoga classes with different approaches, TRX suspension training, restorative stretching, and Pilates, among others. But if you prefer a more personalized workout, the fitness center is equipped to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. This is how the Auberge wellness brand defines Etéreo with its principles of wonder, connection, excellence, and care.

 

Beyond Ethereal

History permeates the Riviera Maya, and Etéreo’s guides are available to accompany guests on adventures that will lead them to discover magnificent places firsthand. National Geographic archaeologist Dante García and his team of experts lead an exploration of the lost cities of Yucatán, where you can visit Sian Ka’an (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), walk through a Mayan village, or dive into ancient cenotes. You can also book a private tour of Valladolid, the cultural heart of the peninsula, which blends Mayan and Spanish heritage. Or, you can enjoy a relaxing time with your partner, friends, or family aboard a catamaran cruising the crystal-clear waters of Isla Mujeres.

The quality of your stay at the resort is guaranteed by the Auberge Collection group’s seal of approval and backed by two Michelin keys, ensuring that every moment and choice here results in experiences that will be etched in the memories of its guests. At Etéreo, connections are strengthened, history is experienced, and nature is respected.