Mexico’s Riviera Maya conjures in the mind images of resort-packed coastlines. However, the newest St. Regis is opening on a pristine and relatively private stretch of beach in Kanai. Kanai is a 680-acre gated community located ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and next door to the Sian Ka’an Reserve nature reserve.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, is the brand’s third Mexican location, and is certainly the most architecturally striking. Conceived by Mexican firm Edmonds International, the resort’s design uses intertwined circles and semicircles inspired by the constellation Pleiades, a constellation holds special meaning in ancient Maya culture. Furthermore, the buildings are suspended over a mangrove forest and connected by elevated walkways for a minimal ecological footprint.
The resort’s unique architecture and prime location along the Riviera Maya coastline allows for all 143 accommodations (124 guest rooms and 19 suites) to have stunning ocean views, in addition to private plunge pools or terraces. Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design transformed the interiors into serene spaces with nature-inspired yet ultra-chic furnishings and touches. Beautiful wood-carved accent walls reminiscent of ancient Mayan tapestries anchor the bedrooms, which also have ceramic light pendants and marble-topped bedside tables. French doors allow for panoramic views and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, while the color scheme invokes the region’s cenote trees.
The property’s eight distinct bars and restaurants blend local flavors with global culinary traditions. TORO by Chef Richard Sandoval offers a Latin-inspired menu, while the bright and airy Chaya combines Eastern Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. Afternoon tea, a St. Regis signature, is served at The Library. In The St. Regis Bar, guests can enjoy handcrafted drinks, stargazing, and a mural depicting Mayan priests looking to the stars.
And like all St Regis properties, a special bloody mary is on offer.
This is a hotel that’s really about being outside, which is why so much of the design plays off the landscape. To make the area even more lush, wildflower and jasmine seeds were planted across the landscape during construction, so now the intoxicating aroma of the flowers permeates the spaces, serving almost as the resort’s signature scent. And, of course, since this is Riviera Maya, the property has access to over a mile of powdery white-sand beaches, in addition to adult and family pools and spacious cabanas for extra privacy.
Nightly rates at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, start at $1,299.
[Images courtesy St. Regis/Marriott]
