The Riviera Maya has long been a hotbed resort destination for celebs and discerning luxury travelers who have been attracted to the area’s tropical beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, ecological reserves and more for decades.
Now, with tourism at an all-time high across the Mexican Caribbean, pretty much every major luxury hospitality player you can think of has nabbed a piece of their own paradise in the Riviera Maya to entice travelers even further.
Kanai, the Riviera Maya’s new luxury master-planned community, is playing host to some of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings across 680 acres that includes 1.2 miles of pristine beachfront. Better yet, this prime location is less than a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
Below are three major five-star luxury hotel openings in Kanai Riviera Maya that we’re excited about.
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
The recently opened Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection is set amongst a protected mangrove forest along a pristine stretch of the Caribbean Sea. The resort’s 75 luxury accommodations—ranging from 875-square-foot studios to 3,925-square-foot three-bedroom penthouse suites—are entirely oceanfront or oceanview and feature luxurious bathrooms with dual vanities and soaking tubs and expansive private terraces with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
From outdoor adventures that offer an up-close look at nature to time spent with local artisans learning about their craft, the resort’s on- and off-site experiences program has been designed to celebrate the vibrancy of the Yucatán and its storied culture. Mayan-inspired signature restaurant Itzam offers innovative exploratory flavors and panoramic ocean views from its open-air seating, lounge terrace and private dining room, Pixán. Further exploring the destination’s culture and history, outdoor eatery, Che Che, reveres “nikkei” tradition and tells the story of techniques of Japan as told through Latin American ingredients. For wellness seekers, Sana, an Auberge Spa, welcomes guests to a serene healing space inspired by ancient practices and set forward by modern wellness trends.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort
Expanding its footprint in Mexico, The St. Regis is expected to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort in February 2023. Located in the captivating Mayan Riviera, The St. Regis Kanai Resort will feature a sophisticated design that boasts breathtaking ocean views from every vantage point, with plans that call for 124 guest rooms and suites, as well as 32 exclusive villas with private pools.
According to its website, eight dining concepts are in the works, including: Chaya, where the menu will celebrate culinary elements rooted in Eastern Mediterranean history and regional touches of the Riviera Maya; Toro, a fine dining restaurant; Riviera Pool and Grill that will be located right along the beautiful beachfront; The St. Regis Bar, with libations inspired by constellations once studied by the ancient Mayans; The Library, a place to explore and taste a wide variety of Mexican chocolate; and more.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
Expected to open before the end of 2022, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai will be EDITION Hotels’s first property in Mexico. With 180 guestrooms and suites, the hotel will be situated within the luxurious Kanai development, and home to six food and beverage outlets including a signature restaurant, pool bar and beach club, destination spa and an expansive 2,217-square-foot penthouse suite. In addition to multiple meeting spaces, the hotel will also house an extensive outdoor deck for large scale events and parties. Located on a pristine beachfront site, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai will find its home in the blissful stretch of Caribbean coastline.
