New Casual Luxury Concept Brought To The Caribbean Coast
The unveiling of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai marks the EDITION brand's maiden Caribbean venture.
This new property combines exceptional dining, entertainment, services, and amenities while honouring the rich traditions and flavours of the renowned locale.
Made possible through a collaboration between Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand is celebrated for its bespoke hospitality experiences. The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai stands as a testament to Schrager's visionary touch, offering an entirely new perspective on luxury.
Nestled within a 620-acre nature reserve boasting two miles of pristine white-sand beaches, this property seamlessly integrates with the surroundings of Kanai, an opulent resort community in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The design prioritizes minimal environmental impact to preserve the area's remarkable features, including mangroves, lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, tropical beaches, and the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef of the planet.
Kanai, teeming with rainforest flora and fauna, including indigenous species like iguanas, raccoons, spider monkeys, and various birds, offers an idyllic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The turquoise waters of Riviera Maya, home to a flourishing marine ecosystem and protected sea turtles, further enhance its allure. The property's conservation program has already supported the nesting of 12 turtle clutches, each averaging 120 eggs.
Embracing the locale's cultural heritage and architectural marvels, the resort draws inspiration from the ancient Mayan universe concept, encompassing the heavens, earth, and the mystical realm below. This tri-level ethos reflects in the resort's native elements and architectural structures, paying homage to the cenote—a sacred sinkhole for the Mayans believed to connect to the underworld. Guests arrive via a scenic three-mile road that winds through lush mangroves, immersing them in a serene journey to the property.
The architecture, featuring timber-clad exteriors, seamlessly blends with the landscape, culminating in an awe-inspiring entrance that transitions from forest to water and back to land, offering breathtaking vistas of the ocean and expansive reflecting pools. The resort's design elements, crafted by the Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with Rockwell Group and Edmonds International, weave a narrative of discovery and wonder, playing with dimensions, natural materials, and light to create a transformative experience.
Boasting 182 guest-rooms and 30 suites, some with plunge pools and terraces showcasing ocean or mangrove panoramas, the property exudes the classic neutral EDITION palette, integrating local embroidery and patterns into its design. The rooms' light and airy ambiance provides a tranquil retreat, with slatted wood panelling defining elegant bathrooms that seamlessly merge with living spaces.
The pièce de résistance, the Sky Rooftop Villa, stands as North America's largest hotel penthouse, offering panoramic ocean views, a mid-Olympic-size infinity pool, and an expansive entertainment deck. The 27,000-square-foot super suite features opulent interiors and unique luxury amenities.
Curated by acclaimed chefs Francisco “Paco” Ruano and Tomás Bermúdez, the culinary experiences at The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai promise unparalleled dining. KI’IS, overseen by Chef Ruano, showcases modern Mexican cuisine inspired by regional flavours and local produce, while SO’OL, crafted by Chef Bermúdez, offers Mediterranean beach club-inspired seafood fused with Mexican influences. Additionally, the resort features an all-day dining experience at Kitchen at EDITION, serving a fusion of classic Mexican dishes.
Complementing the epicurean delights are the Spa, Ballroom, and various meeting spaces, each designed to immerse guests in a cocoon of luxury, wellness, and sophistication.
The property's commitment to sustainability and ecology is evident in its dedication to preserving the surrounding mangroves and fostering a harmonious coexistence with local flora and fauna. With less than 10% of the reserve developed and a strong focus on environmental and sustainable practices certified by Mexican authorities, the resort prioritizes responsible luxury.
Exclusive opening preview rates are offered at the hotel for a short period only. Prices for rooms start at $637/night and include a $100 resort credit.
Source: breakingtravelnews.com