Etéreo, Auberge Collection

Auberge Resorts are always a unique and special experience. First of all, this property is *stunning*. Every detail was selected with care. When it’s sunny out, you’re in paradise. The cenote in the spa is fabulous. There are tons of amenities. The bed is extremely comfortable. My room faced the Caribbean. However, the crown jewel at Etéreo is easily Miguel Baltazar and Itzam. The food at this property is astoundingly good, and the value proposition is actually decent for what you’re getting. I am still thinking about the tres leches pancakes, the ice cream from the Christmas Eve dinner, the tortillas, the beef… just all of the food. I also really like the room key, a bracelet that says “live in the present.” They let you keep it!

Nobody goes to an Auberge on a budget, but one small nit I can’t let go of… at the spa (to be clear, this is obviously not the fault of individual workers), they try to usher you through various stages of a cleanse without regard for what you want to do, which is mildly annoying. I discovered why when I got tired of the rain and decided to simply use the cenote. It turns out that a basic day spa pass is $80, “for the cleanse.” I’ve been to many nice hotels. Usually, if I just want to use the hot tub, it’s free, or a nominal fee. $80 was just a little irritating, especially since it was raining for days and the other hot tub is pretty much unusable when it’s pouring. It didn’t ruin my trip, but do be aware there is a fee for everything.

beautiful rooms

food is too ‘creative’ lacking good flavor and very expensive