Two miles of white powdery sand and cobalt blue water flank Esencia, an intimate escape found between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, in Mexico's Riviera Maya. The white-walled mansion, complete with a terracotta-tiled roof, domed towers and stone terraces, was once the vacation home of an Italian duchess, and reopened in 2006 as a 29-room resort.

Airy accommodations feature private balconies or terraces, most with sea views. Ten garden suites come with their own plunge pools, while family-friendly cottages house two or more bedrooms as well as kitchens, plus chef services, media rooms and swimming pools. The charming main house is a gathering point for fine dining, wine tasting and cocktail hours. Aroma Spa offers a range of organic treatments, including herbal massages, facials and saunas, as well as yoga and meditation.

The resort's blissfully tranquil beach not only provides a playground for sunbathing and romantic walks, but it creates the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Brides and grooms can also exchange vows in a lush garden or poolside. A professional wedding coordinator is available to custom-design any type of bridal event, or couples can choose from one of the many specially designed ceremony and honeymoon packages offered.