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In the case of Kevin Wendle, the path from Hollywood producer to award-winning hotelier is paved with flipped houses. For the past 10 years, Wendle has been known as the proprietor of Tulum’s Hotel Esencia, a boutique beacon for the art, media, and design crowd in the former home of an Italian duchess on the Mayan Riviera. Wendle spent the 80s and 90s earning producing credits on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 21 Jump Street, and Beverly Hills 90210, when he started flipping properties for extra cash. As a co-founder of Fox Broadcasting Company and CNET, he had more money to develop bigger properties, turning them into luxurious rentals complete with butlers, maids, and chefs. Eventually, he applied his vision for elite hospitality to Hotel Esencia, operated more like the beach house of your aristocratic friend than a hotel. Wendle opened Château de Curzay in France last year, and recently refreshed Hotel Esencia’s spa. Here, he shares a few things essential to his cushy world

Sabah

$210

Baleen Blue Sabahs

“These charming soft leather shoes are handmade in Turkey—ideal for dreamy afternoon strolls or balmy evenings at Hotel Esencia.”

Smythson

$95

Make It Happen Notebook

“My go-to brand for notebooks and little black books with the iconic blue pages and gilded edges. Timeless and elegant.”

Autumn Sonata

$120

Helena Pool Towel

“We first discovered these plush, stylish, and colorful towels while designing our French château. Instant favorites.”

LALO

$43.99

Blanco Tequila

“The world’s best Tequila Blanco—clean, pure, and from the grandson of Don Julio. We make margaritas all day long, so we know.”

Rimowa

$1,430

Original Cabin

“So popular I recently grabbed the wrong roller bag off a flight. Elegant, durable, and featherlight—their reputation is well-earned.”

Aesop

$46

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

“My home bathrooms feel naked without these iconic bottles. Only good stuff inside.”

Augustinus Bader

$305

The Ultimate Soothing Cream

“Recommended by my favorite skincare gurus as science-backed miracle balms. I’ve never looked back.”

Casa Bosques Chocolates

$16

Flore de Cacao Chocolate Bar

“A stunning example of Mexican culinary artistry—our guests at Hotel Esencia are always delighted to find these in their suites, chocolates that rival the best of Europe.”

Peugeot

Price upon request

304 S Cabriolet

“A visionary of form and function. Stuart Parr has the best eye for anything on wheels—and beyond.”

Rolex

$33,950

Cosmograph Daytona

“I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of collecting exceptional timepieces. This is my go-to for the finest selection and unmatched service.”

Kodak

$239.99

Luma 75 Portable Pocket Projector

“In a world where we’re constantly watching videos, movies, and shows on tiny smartphone screens, Kodak makes it incredibly easy to enjoy a widescreen experience anywhere, and I even got one for my teenage son’s dorm.”

David Zwirner Books

$50

Gerhard Richter: 100 Abstract Pictures

“David Zwirner books are so beautiful and smart, the perfect mix for a relaxing summer read. They turn beach time here at Hotel Esencia into something a little more thoughtful—without feeling heavy.”


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