At Hotel Esencia, propose on Xpu-Ha beach in the last half hour of light, or in the estate's gardens. Coverage starts at 245 USD.
Here is our proposal plan for Hotel Esencia.
The Plan at a Glance
- HotelBoutique estate on Xpu-Ha beach, once an Italian duchess's retreat
- SizeAbout 50 acres; the Main House, 44 suites and 3 villas
- WeddingsXpu-Ha beach (about 200, buyout) and the Esencia mansion (about 20)
- Beach facesEast, onto Xpu-Ha's open Caribbean
Where to Ask
Xpu-Ha beach. Wide, quiet sand at the end of the day.
The gardens. Private and green, beautiful with lanterns after sunset.
The Right Minute
We plan the question for about 25 minutes before sunset, which leaves the best light for photos afterwards. Times on the 15th of each month in 2027:
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:28 am | 5:58 pm | 6:29 pm |
| March | 6:58 am | 6:29 pm | 6:59 pm |
| May | 6:12 am | 6:48 pm | 7:19 pm |
| June | 6:09 am | 6:59 pm | 7:31 pm |
| July | 6:17 am | 7:01 pm | 7:33 pm |
| September | 6:36 am | 6:23 pm | 6:52 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:37 pm | 6:09 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:39 pm | 6:11 pm |
If you can face an early start, from roughly September through April the sunrise appears from behind Cozumel.
Couples We Have Photographed, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios couples sessions in Akumal and along the Riviera Maya. They show our work in the area, not necessarily at Hotel Esencia.
Hiding the Photographer and After the Yes
Our photographer arrives early, checks in as your guest and waits 20 to 40 metres from the spot with a long lens, looking like any other guest. We agree three signals: a message when you leave your room, a marker where you stop, and the moment you turn your partner around. You never need to look for us. For a staying guest, a short private session is very seldom charged the outside vendor fee used for weddings, and we confirm the current policy with the resort in writing.
After the yes we take 20 to 40 minutes of portraits while the light lasts. Proposal coverage uses our session collections: Spark, 245 USD for 35 minutes and 15 photos; Glow Hour, 325 USD for 45 minutes and 25 photos; and Essential Flow, 395 USD for 60 minutes and 35 photos. The gallery arrives in one to three business days. More on our surprise proposal photographer page.