A New Luxury Enclave Is Wowing Visitors to the Riviera Maya

With white sand beaches, a turquoise sea, and millennia of history underfoot, Kanai in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the latest hotspot for travelers seeking a beach getaway.

But the brand new Kanai resorts complex—uniting two absolute titans of luxury hospitality, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai (which opened in 2024) and The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya (which opened in 2023)—offers a new way to experience the Riviera Maya amid a lush natural haven of elegance, tranquility, and privacy. A gated community located thirty miles from the Cancun airport, Kanai is a 620-acre nature reserve in the Yucatán Peninsula. Once here, guests will discover a beach oasis offering the opportunity to soak up a gorgeous natural setting without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. 

…ensconced in a 400-year-old mangrove reserve, and many of the resort’s main buildings are connected by elevated walkways and sit up on pillars to respect the natural ecosystem—the added bonus is that they provide a magical way to watch the wildlife thrive.

Both The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai and The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya are ensconced in a 400-year-old mangrove reserve, and many of the resort’s main buildings are connected by elevated walkways and sit up on pillars to respect the natural ecosystem—the added bonus is that they provide a magical way to watch the wildlife thrive. As for the buildings themselves, the St. Regis’ unique circular buildings are geometrically inspired by the Pleiades constellation, which can be seen from this site every December. The EDITION also takes design inspiration from the wider galaxy, the wave-like quality of the buildings is meant to recall the dinosaur-ending asteroid that struck here 66 million years ago. At the center of The EDITION, and the origin of the undulating architectural waves, is a yoga deck—a showstopper of a space available for both yogic practice, as well as to serve as a lookout spot for this unique harmony of architecture, sky, mangrove, and sea. 

Notably, Kanai’s footprint is minimized to just 9% of the reserve on which it sits, and considerations like onsite biologists are dedicated to maintaining the habitat for local wildlife, making the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship feel like far more than just lip service. The Kanai team protects the local environment to the best of their ability, doing things like supervising sea turtle hatchlings to make sure the baby turtles travel safely from egg to sea.  

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Mesoamerican Coral Reef, the second largest in the world, Kanai enjoys a prime location spanning two miles of beachfront. Unlike many other beaches in the area, this secluded stretch is totally swimmable, the coral reef acts as a natural barrier, protecting the shoreline from seaweed and large waves making it an easy swim spot for snorkelers and divers, or just families looking for a little fun. Though the EDITION and St. Regis are somewhat intertwined on this Kanai property, the two hotels offer different Kanai experiences each offering a distinct interpretation of luxury. The St. Regis embodies personalized high-end white-glove service while The EDITION provides a more glamorous see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice, but we’ll spell out some of their differences so you can work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to book the best-suited property to your unique needs.

Staying at The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai

At The EDITION Ian Schrager’s visionary aesthetic reigns supreme. The design, however, also blends aspects of Mexico’s vibrant culture with touches like floor-to-ceiling installations of Mexican art, including an impressive mural of the Mayan god Kukulkan. The dramatic visual experience of the property begins immediately upon arrival at the resort, as guests are welcomed into an open-air lobby that features a vertical and hanging garden. Wandering the grounds, the natural eye candy continues with dreamy reflecting pools and native tropical plants that explode into gardens. The result is a lushness that feels almost wild. 

…a staggering 27,000 square feet, the unit features five bedrooms (each with its own outdoor Jacuzzi), as well as a semi-Olympic infinity pool, a gorgeous outdoor terrace, and both a guest and catering kitchen.

The EDITION has 182 rooms, including 30 suites and two villas. The property’s true showstopper is the Sky Rooftop Villa, one of the largest rooftop Villas in the Americas. At a staggering 27,000 square feet, the unit features five bedrooms (each with its own plunge pool), as well as a semi-Olympic infinity pool, a gorgeous outdoor terrace, and both a guest and catering kitchen. Daydreaming about your next spring break extravaganza with all of your nearest and dearest? This could be just the place. 

If you don’t happen to need 27,000 square feet, the property’s other array of accommodations each offers the classic EDITION design in varying configurations. Details like black-and-white photography, the serene white-on-white color palette, and blond wood furniture give the rooms that signature EDITION feeling, with plunge pools and outdoor showers taking the accommodations to the next level. More subtle details like novels by Mexican authors and coffee table books about the region, serve to warm up the rooms with a touch of local culture sure to immerse you in the setting.

Staying at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

In juxtaposition to its somewhat avant-garde exterior, the St. Regis maintains its emphasis on the brand’s keen eye for design. Thanks in part to its Pleiades-inspired architecture, all of the property’s 124 rooms, suites, and residences have dramatic ocean views, not to mention private terraces or plunge pools. Larger suites feature patios, outdoor showers, hammocks, and pools of their own. 

The rooms are a blend of modern amenities and natural touches, as well as local embellishments like carved walls that resemble ancient Mayan tapestries. Eighty of the rooms on the property are interconnected, meaning if you’re coming with kids in tow, odds are in your favor to find adjoining rooms for parents and kids. Also for the kids, the on-site kids club features activities that dip into the area’s local culture. An added element of St. Regis luxury is the resort’s signature butler service, which is sure to make absolutely every detail of your stay feel anticipated and complete. 

What to Do at The EDITION Kanai

While there are ample private alcoves to relax across The EDITION property, the resort is also a fabulous place to hang with your new-found “vacation friends”’ given its social energy. At the heart of the property lies a lagoon-like swimming pool echoing the feel of the region’s cenotes and mangroves. With floating cabanas and hammocks hidden amongst palm trees, it’s both the hub of the property and a perfect escape. If the ocean is calling instead, there are beachside cabanas where you can find shade along the white sand.  

When it comes to dining, there are a host of options on property, perhaps most notable among them being KI’IS and the beach club SO’OL. The restaurants are run by two of Mexico’s most notable chefs, both of whom have been recognized by the World’s 50 Best. KI’IS, run by Chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano, is known for its revolving tasting menu; while SO’OL run by Tomás Bermúdez brings some Mediterranean vibes to this slice of Mexico. If the spa is on your mind, local cenotes are evoked once again through the spa’s architecture thanks to beautifully designed hydrotherapy pools. The spa also features a private outdoor pool, a Turkish Hammam, and a steam and chromotherapy treatment bed, as well as six private indoor-outdoor treatment rooms.

What to Do at The St. Regis Kanai

With every generation of travelers in mind, the St. Regis is set up to accommodate guests of all ages, a boon to multi-generational getaways. The St. Regis Children’s Club offers daily activities for the younger set, while child-free travelers can enjoy the adult-only beach club. When it comes to culinary offerings, there are eight dining venues—including a signature restaurant by renowned chef Richard Sandoval—which collectively bring a wide array of cuisines to the forefront. Menus include American, Middle Eastern, and Latin American fare so that you can always find something you’re in the mood for without having to leave the resort. And for the moments when you’re craving an indoor respite, afternoon tea in The Library carries out a signature St. Regis tradition. 

Meanwhile, the destination spa runs in partnership with Sothys Paris, offering bespoke treatments, many of them inspired by Mayan rituals. Wellness treatments include celestial energy sessions, an under-sky bathing ritual, and other Shaman-led ceremonies to help purify the mind, body, and spirit. The spa is also enormous—9,500 square feet outdoors and 6,700 indoors—all the better to indulge in.

Which One Should You Choose?

While you truly cannot go wrong with either property in Kanai, we’ll break down some highlights for you to consider. The EDITION Kanai is the place to go if you want to mingle with fellow travelers while still feeling like you’re in a bubble of privacy and exclusivity. We give it top billing for groups of friends, couples who want to hob-nob, and solo travelers. The St. Regis Kanai on the other hand, is a dream spot for a multi-generation vacation. That said, it’s also an amazing fit for honeymooners, babymooners, or anyone looking for something a bit more private. The reality is though, all it takes is an easy walk down the beach to check out the other resort, which means that no matter which property you select, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Are you ready to book your getaway to one of these discerning Kanai resorts? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor for details.