To many, Cancun may conjure images of raucous spring break parties and throngs of tourists seeking all-inclusive resorts along a bustling hotel zone. However, the Riviera Maya region, of which Cancun is a part, holds a hidden gem that defies these preconceptions. Nestled within an expansive nature preserve, the Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai made its debut as a refined and sustainable addition to the Caribbean coastline, introducing a fresh approach to relaxed luxury, honoring both the environment and cultural heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.
With interiors crafted by Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with the acclaimed Rockwell Group, and architecture by Edmonds International, the three main buildings that make up the Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai converge in the architectural equivalent of a cenote. The design of the resort emphasizes minimal environmental impact, preserving the region’s natural beauty, from the vibrant flora and fauna to the nearby Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef. The property is surrounded by rich local biodiversity, featuring tropical fruit trees, flowering plants, and wildlife including iguanas, spider monkeys, and sea turtles.
Guests arriving at the property are guided through a three-mile road lined with mangroves, gradually transitioning into the secluded world of the resort. The timber-clad exteriors blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, and upon entering, visitors are greeted with expansive views of the ocean framed by reflecting pools. This visual narrative continues throughout the property, where water elements and architectural details evoke the natural landscape.
The resort offers 182 guest rooms, including 30 suites, many of which feature private plunge pools and terraces with views of the ocean or mangroves. The interiors reflect the classic EDITION aesthetic of neutral palettes and regional influences, with materials and textures that honor the local culture. A standout is the Sky Rooftop Villa, North America’s largest hotel penthouse, boasting 27,000 square feet of space, an infinity pool, and expansive ocean views. The resort also features The Spa, designed to reflect the cenote-inspired architecture, offering hydrotherapy pools, a Turkish hammam, and wellness treatments that draw on local botanicals.
Photography courtesy of EDITION hotels.
