In June 2025, I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at Etéreo, the first Auberge Collection I’d stayed at since being at the Auberge du Soleil many years ago. Here’s a short account of my stay.
The Welcome
Imagine a world where you are greeted by a shaman who leads you through a Mayan welcome ritual; where wellbeing and self-love are manifested through a cleansing ritual, sound baths and flowing yoga; where your surroundings rest above mangroves, overlooking a beach, ocean with hidden cenote, and water features at every turn.
Thus, I found myself standing with my eyes closed and arms akimbo while being wafted with incense to chanting in Mayan. By Kevin. Kevin, as it transpired, is a resident shaman at Etéreo, an Auberge resort where I was to spend two days restoring my exhausted body and extenuated mind. (I should add that Kevin’s most un-Mayan-sounding name came from his mother’s favorite English radio show that she enjoyed before he made his entry to the world).
A short drive from Cancun airport, Etéreo lies in Kanai, near Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya. Kanai is a preserve where the ratio of building to land is limited, local materials are used in building, and water features predominantly in the design. Etéreo seems to float on a sea of green, a veritable ecosystem of tropical birds, iguanas, coatis (Mexican raccoons), and more.
Aside from Kevin, my welcome crew included my guía, Richie, who was there to answer questions and deal with any requests I might have (easily conveyed via WhatsApp). Richie gave me my personalized itinerary for my stay, which, unsurprisingly for me, consisted primarily of the spa and culinary activities.
Suites and Studios
My room, an Oceanfront Studio with Plunge Pool, was perfect. Like all the accommodations at Etéreo, it overlooked the Caribbean sea. With 875 square feet, I had plenty of space for a king-size bed, big bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower with a view, and more. However, I spent most of my time on the generous terrace that included my very own plunge pool.
Rooftop studios and suites allow even more outdoor living space. Families can spread out in a two- or three-bedroom suite up to 3,900 square feet in living area.
My king-size bed faced the floor to ceiling windows and the view to which I cherished waking up. As I sipped my coffee, my plans for reading vanished and my book remained unopened. I was mesmerized by the view.
Experiences
You can be as busy, or not, as you like at Etéreo. For my part, a walk on the beach every morning, a swim, spa, curling up reading on my terrace, or lounging in my plunge pool worked really well. Options abound from tequila tasting, culinary activities, a cacao ceremony, Mayan calendar reading, sunset rituals, kayaking to the underwater cenote, and beach activities. Take advantage of the Weekly Experience Calendar, particularly if you have the good fortune to be at Etéreo during the Holidays.
Of particular interest to me was the array of authentic culinary experiences, including the popular Cena de la Abuela, a Mexican heritage dinner with recipes from Etéreo’s chefs’ grandmothers.
For little ones, there is the Chavitos Kids Club, which is offered free of charge in summer, along with children’s meals. There’s a different theme daily and enough variety of activities to make you want to be a kid again.
Spa & Wellness
After settling into my gorgeous room, I scurried to the dedicated yoga studio to join my colleagues for the specially-arranged yoga class, only to find that they all ghosted me in favor of languishing poolside. Indignation gave way to gratitude as I enjoyed one of the best yoga classes I’ve ever had with the talented instructor, Jesús, all to myself.
The following day I participated in a sound bath with Jesús and one of the shamans. I must have enjoyed it. I fell fast asleep and, to the delight of those around me, woke myself up with my own snoring…
SANA spa at Etéreo has the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor space, as well as modern and Mayan-influenced treatments. Enjoy the spa, exercise classes and fitness center as part of your vacation or book a curated four-day wellbeing retreat (through me of course!).
Authentic Mexican (And Asian…) Cuisine
As much as I travel and being married to a chef, to say that I would go back somewhere on account of the food seems a bit silly. I would go back to Etéreo because of the food. Chef Carlos Segura has got his act together, not only in the manifestation of his talent and passion for his craft, but also through the seamless and friendly service. When harmony is prevalent throughout front and back of house, you know you’re on to something.
The two main restaurants are Itzam, traditional Mexican, and Che Che, a blend of Asian and Mexican cuisines. Homemade guacamole pairs really well with a spicy tuna roll, as I discovered.
At Che Che, we were treated to a Tacology session, a six-course tasting menu which included Octopus Chicharron, Creamy Lobster Adobo, Ahi Toro Taco, Pork Belly Cochinita, Wagyu A5 Taco, and dessert. Our welcome cocktail was a Juevebes, a Mexican version of the French 75 which just happens to be my favorite.
Having decided that hosting a tacology session would be a fabulous way to entertain, I requested a couple of recipes. Watch this space for my future podcast on that very topic, replete with the recipes that Chef Carlos Segura was kind enough to share with me.
Dinner at Itzam delighted with the regular menu that would please carnivores and vegans alike. Grilled marrow and braised beef, or lobster esquites to start for the former, chayote and beets tartare for the latter. I couldn’t decide what to have so my host suggested the tasting menu. My eyes have long been bigger than my belly so I had to go for it. Six courses later, I was full with chayote, ahi tuna, snapper, pork belly confit, short ribs, and churros with sea salt dulce de leche.
Do you wonder now why I would go back for the food?
Ready to go to Etereo?
Whether you’re seeking deep rest, culinary discovery, or simply a change of pace wrapped in natural beauty, Etéreo delivers an experience that feels both grounding and extraordinary. If this magical corner of Riviera Maya is calling your name, I’d be delighted to help craft your perfect stay. Reach out to me to book Etéreo, secure exclusive amenities, and let me design a journey that’s as effortless as it is transformative. jayne@ilxtravel.com and 772-480-8621.
10 Reasons To Go To Etéreo
A Magical Mayan Welcome
Be greeted by a resident shaman and experience an authentic Mayan cleansing ritual the moment you arrive—setting the tone for deep relaxation and renewal.
Serene, Nature-Forward Setting
Etéreo “floats” above protected mangroves in the Kanai preserve, surrounded by tropical wildlife, calm waters, and lush greenery that instantly grounds you.
Spacious, Luxurious Accommodations
Oceanfront studios and suites offer expansive layouts, soaking tubs with ocean views, and generous terraces—many with private plunge pools you’ll never want to leave.
Personalized, High-Touch Service
Your own guía (guide) is just a WhatsApp message away to coordinate schedules, answer questions, and make your stay seamless and stress-free.
Wellness Experiences That Actually Restore You
Daily yoga, sound baths, curated retreats, and the SANA Spa blend modern techniques with Mayan traditions for deeply nourishing experiences.
A Wealth of Activities—If You Want Them
From kayaking to the cenote and sunrise beach walks to tequila tastings, cacao ceremonies, culinary classes, and sunset rituals, you can be as active or as mellow as you like.
Exceptional, Destination-Worthy Cuisine
The food alone is worth the trip. Chef Carlos Segura’s talent shines across Itzam and Che Che, delivering meals that blend tradition, creativity, and perfect execution.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Highlights like Tacology tastings and Cena de la Abuela provide a delicious way to explore Mexican heritage through recipes passed down by the chefs’ own grandmothers.
A Dream for Families Too
With spacious multi-bedroom suites and the Chavitos Kids Club (free in summer along with children’s meals), Etéreo is a rare resort that delights adults and kids equally.
Effortless Access, Total Escape
Just a short drive from Cancun airport, you’re transported into a sanctuary that feels worlds away—making Etéreo perfect for quick getaways or longer restorative stays.
Jayne Withers 