The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai offers the most laidback luxury Marriott subsidiary hotel on this Caribbean coastline.
Created by Ian Schrager as a result of a partnership between Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand has become synonymous with individualized, customized, and one-of-a-kind hospitality experiences, and The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is yet another example of Schrager’s visionary magic.
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Location
Nestled within a sprawling 620-acre nature sanctuary boasting two miles of untouched white-sand coastline, this property emerges majestically from a verdant expanse of mangroves and lush tropical vegetation. Situated in Kanai, an exclusive luxury resort enclave on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the newest EDITION resort was meticulously crafted with a commitment to minimal environmental impact, safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity. Renowned for its mangrove forests, crystalline lagoons, ancient Mayan heritage sites, pristine beaches, and the awe-inspiring Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef, this area is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.
Teeming with a kaleidoscope of rainforest flora, including palms, cacti, and tropical fruit trees, as well as a vibrant array of wildlife such as iguanas, raccoons, spider monkeys, and deer, Kanai embodies a paradise for nature lovers. Indigenous species like the white-nose coati and Yucatan squirrel thrive amidst this lush habitat, while the skies are alive with the melodies of hundreds of bird species. The crystalline turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya harbor a bustling marine ecosystem, including protected sea turtles, nurtured by the vigilant care of the Mexican government and the resort’s comprehensive conservation initiatives. The property’s conservation efforts have safeguarded twelve turtle nests, each brimming with an average of 120 precious eggs so far.
Style & Character
Mixing its lush tropical environment with local culture, the resort is an architectural marvel inspired by the ancient Mayans’ cosmic worldview. Reflecting the Mayan tri-level universe encompassing the heavens, earth, and mystical underworld, the resort seamlessly integrates native elements of the land with its architectural design.
Central to the region’s allure is the cenote, a natural wonder formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing groundwater believed by the Mayans to connect to the underworld. Originating from an ancient asteroid impact over 65 million years ago, this celestial ring of turquoise freshwater and rock formations comprises the world’s largest network of underground caves, revered by ancient Mayans and modern adventurers alike. Guests embark on a transformative journey as they traverse a scenic three-mile road through lush mangroves, gradually descending into the heart of the property.
Emerging from the forest, guests are greeted by timber-clad exteriors blending seamlessly with the surroundings before descending further into the jungle, immersed in a canopy of greenery. Passing beneath a verdant tunnel, guests ascend a grand travertine staircase, symbolically returning to land with a breathtaking vista of the ocean and expansive reflecting pools adorning the lobby. Continuing the aquatic theme, an expansive lagoon-like pool adorned with floating cabanas beckons guests towards the SO’OL Beach Club via a meandering white sand pathway.
Designed by Ian Schrager Company and Rockwell Group with architecture by Edmonds International, the resort’s three main buildings converge in a cenote-inspired architectural masterpiece. A monumental bamboo structure, crafted by Eduardo Neira, emerges from and recedes into the water, serving as a sanctuary for yoga practice and a spiritual nexus bridging the earthly realm with the ethereal heavens above.
The limestone walls of the surrounding buildings mimic the seismic ripples of the ancient asteroid impact, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape. Composed of local limestone and sustainable bamboo, the architecture guides guests on a captivating journey of exploration, where even mundane corridors transform into extraordinary passages of discovery. EDITION’s signature timber elements cast captivating shadows across courtyards, creating an ever-changing tableau under the shifting hues of the sky from day to night.
Service & Facilities
Equally significant is The Spa, situated within the main lobby building adjacent to the fitness center. Embracing the cenote-inspired architectural theme, the central spa lounge rests directly beneath the bamboo yoga dome and aquatic landscape, allowing guests to gaze through the glass ceiling at the world above. Serpentine corridors lead patrons on a delightful journey of discovery to hydrotherapy pools, a secluded outdoor pool, a Turkish hammam, and an infrared capsule room.
Immersed in the essence of local florals and aromatics, The Spa prioritizes wellness, mindfulness, customization, and personalized connections with therapists and aestheticians. Featuring six indoor-outdoor treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite named after indigenous white flowers, such as Buganvilla, Alheli, Pasiflora, Hibiscus, Ololiuqui, and Achiote, the spa partners with esteemed brands like 111 Skin, Ayuna Skincare, and Mowellens. Adding a local touch, massages are enriched with a bespoke mousse infused with exclusive essential oils, synergies, and Bach flowers from The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai.
The resort also boasts a Ballroom nestled amidst the mangroves, offering an ideal venue for gatherings and events accommodating up to 450 guests across 980 sqm/10,545 sqft. Bathed in natural light and featuring expansive terraces with sea views, the Ballroom can be partitioned into three smaller areas and is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia technology and floor-to-ceiling glass. Versatile in design, it seamlessly transitions for diverse occasions, from lavish weddings to corporate shareholders’ meetings. Additionally, the main building hosts three smaller studios tailored for private board meetings.
Intrinsic to The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai ethos, sustainability, and ecology are paramount in every aspect, from the meticulous preservation of the surrounding red mangroves to the harmonious coexistence with local flora and fauna. Developed land occupies less than 10% of the 620-acre reserve, and resort operations adhere to the highest environmental and sustainable standards, certified by and compliant with the Mexican government regulations.
Rooms
The property features 182 guestrooms, including 30 suites, some with plunge pools and terraces offering breathtaking ocean or mangrove views. Among its highlights is the Sky Rooftop Villa, the largest hotel penthouse in North America. The classic neutral EDITION palette of the rooms and suites incorporates local embroidery and patterning techniques, paying homage to the regional culture.
Inside each guestroom, a serene atmosphere is crafted with light and airy materials and colors. Slatted wood paneling, inspired by the lobby screens but with a finer touch, encloses spacious bathrooms accessed through wide sliding doors, seamlessly merging bath and living areas. Custom four-poster beds, bespoke lighting, and curved sofas define cozy sleeping quarters, adding a sense of intimacy to the expansive space.
The Sky Rooftop Villa offers a colossal 2,500 sqm/27,000 sqft super suite boasting panoramic ocean vistas through floor-to-ceiling glass walls on three sides. Its outdoor infinity pool, akin to a mid-Olympic-size pool, and a vast landscaped entertainment deck elevate the experience. Inside, 1,486 sqm/16,000 sqft of living space includes a lounge, catering kitchen, guest kitchen, and five apartment-style suites, each with its own plunge pool, jacuzzi, and private terrace.
Within the villa, each suite’s lounge area is adorned with plush contemporary furnishings, natural stone floors, sheer drapery, and handwoven area rugs, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort. The flexible living and entertainment space is bordered by grand reflecting pools, creating the illusion of a floating penthouse. A spacious covered outdoor terrace, accessible via full-height sliding glass doors, serves as a venue for large private events. An adjacent uncovered terrace of equal size leads to a private infinity pool with a waterfall feature, while a sunken garden lounge offers mesmerizing ocean views from the pool deck.
Food & Drink
Within this magical ecosystem of nature and sustainable luxury, EDITION presents culinary experiences unlike any others, envisioned by award-winning chefs Francisco “Paco” Ruano and Tomás Bermúdez, two of Mexico’s most acclaimed and youngest chef-restaurateurs. Each recognized by the World’s 50 Best, having made their mark on the international dining scene with their signature restaurants Alcalde and La Docena, respectively, Ruano and Bermúdez bring a heightened level of excitement and quality to The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai.
Helming EDITION’s signature restaurant, KI’IS (a Mayan word that translates to “zest”), Chef Ruano creates a modern Mexico dining experience with a tasting menu inspired by regional flavors, local ingredients, and a clear focus on the sea and the Mexican vegetable pantry, especially that of the Yucatan Peninsula. His talent earned Alcalde a spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and the honor of being named to The Best Chef Top 100. Honoring flavors from Guadalajara and taking inspiration from Mexico’s Pacific coast, KI’IS mirrors Alcalde’s culinary offer with ingredients in the Riviera Maya. The restaurant is located on the south side of the property, accessible by a golf cart or walking paths, surrounded by mangroves. Beyond the timber and limestone structure, the interior of KI’IS projects a clean and light aesthetic enhanced with white artisanal ceramics and serve ware and punctuated with greenery and local flora, both edible and decorative.
With his concept for EDITION’s beach club restaurant, SO’OL (meaning “oyster” in Mayan), Chef Bermúdez brings cuisine reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach club with Mexican influence. The casual beachfront venue focuses on seafood with southern France and eastern Mediterranean inspiration, featuring fresh oysters, clams, aguachiles and raw fish from the best catch in the Mexican seas. Bermúdez’s four La Docena restaurants have been named to Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, bringing even more anticipation to EDITION with the debut of SO’OL. Adjacent to the beach club and pool is a private pier, featuring ten lounge-style cabanas with direct access to the ocean.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai also features a kitchen at EDITION, an all-day dining experience concepted by Ruano with a breakfast-into-brunch menu and dinner. Accessible beyond the lobby bar and overlooking the nearby pool and ocean, the nods to local cuisine, culture, and textures come together here with colorful tiles, pottery and textiles, and classic Mexican dishes as well as a selection of shellfish and ceviches, and the famous Yucatan street-style stew: cochinita. Kitchen offers a connection to the roots of honest Mexican flavors from north to south, from east to west, from sea to land; comfort food with an adventurous character.
Between Kitchen and the Lobby Bar is a captivating black-and white photo display featuring 80 images extracted from authentic film strips by Gabriel Figueroa, a renowned Mexican cinematographer from the golden age of Mexican cinema. In the Lobby, guests will recognize brand signatures such as soaring, three-story windows with floor-to-ceiling crimson drapes intermingled with pops of citron and pink and a warmly lit wood and plaster double height backbar which showcases a grid of unique Mayan sculptures and vessels behind the statement bar. The design creates an intimate and energetic environment with burnt orange, citrus, and chocolate fabric armchairs and sofas to enjoy a range of agave distillates, regional wines, and inventive cocktails infused with local ingredients, and to socialize before and after dinner.
Completing EDITION’s category-defying, influence-driven food and beverage offerings is the Pool Bar. Flanking the lagoon-sized Pool and adjacent to the main lobby building, the bar offers a health-conscious selection of food items. A calmer alternative to the SO’OL bar, the Pool Bar is a wide oasis of sun-soaked warmth at the heart of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai.
Conclusion
EDITION is a top boutique Marriott brand and, we believe, one of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world, right up there with Bulgari, Four Seasons, and Aman. We love the highly stylized tropical design enjoyed by this hotel, and it is undoubtedly one of the top luxury hotels in the area.
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Image courtesy of Riviera Maya EDITION at Kana.
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