Visitors to the Playa del Carmen region of Mexico have their choice of luxury accommodations. But none are quite like the St. Regis Kanai Resort. Located within the exclusive 1,235-acre Kanai community that also includes Etéreo, an Auberge Resort, and The Riviera Maya Edition, St. Regis Kanai seems to rise organically from the lush, whispering mangroves—its stark white, circular architecture gracefully contrasting with the deep jungle greens surrounding it. The design is modern and futuristic, yet it is deeply rooted in ancient Mayan history. More than simply a place for rest and relaxation, the resort offers an immersive experience that seamlessly blends nature, culture, and luxury.
Architect Michael Edmonds designed the resort to subtly echo key elements of Mayan cosmology, spirituality, and culture, particularly through the repeated use of circles and circular motifs—considered powerful symbols of the cosmos and the infinite. Mayans viewed time as cyclical, not linear, with recurring patterns and natural cycles governing everything from agriculture to spiritual practices. The recurring circular patterns throughout the property pay homage to the Mayans, and thus, an atmosphere of timelessness, of being deeply connected to both the land and history, permeates. One needn’t be a cultural historian to feel it, which I most certainly did. Here’s how I enjoyed a recent St. Regis Kanai resort stay:
I arrived just in time to witness one of St. Regis’ most compelling rituals—the evening Champagne sabering. Every evening at sundown, at every St. Regis hotel around the world, the dramatic, ceremonial sabrage takes place, welcoming the transition from day to night. Guests are provided a sampling from the sabered bottle—a perfect and celebratory start to my stay. My butler (yes, every St. Regis guest has their own butler) then led me to my room, which featured a plunge pool overlooking the mangroves, around which the hotel is structured. One of the resort’s outstanding design elements is the way it respects the surrounding environment, carefully maintaining the integrity of the local ecosystem. The grounds are dotted with native flora and fauna, over which walkways flow from the lobby to the sugar-sand beach.
And that beach…it is expansive and pristine, with cushy chaises lounge lined up perfectly in two rows, overlooking the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. The precision is echoed by the nearby grove of palm trees that sway softly in the breeze, several of which feature hammocks. Flanking the beach are the resort’s two swimming pools, as well as canopied seating areas. The entire effect is tropical perfection, and I imagine few beaches in this region match the flawless aesthetic. (This might be why Orlebar Brown, the stylish men’s division of parent company Chanel, chose the St. Regis and its beach for its Riviera Maya pop-up boutique location.) To get to the beach, guests traverse one of two wooden walkways that float atop the expanse of mangroves—tropical trees that thrive in salty, coastal waters, and that provide an essential habitat for thousands of species. Posted signage alerts guests to the wildlife within; this region is a veritable panoply of creatures: birds, turtles, raccoons, spider monkeys, and iguanas, all of which live harmoniously with the humans. The spotting of such creatures, and the melodious sounds of various birdcalls, are de rigueur and enhance the vibe.
Morning heralded the arrival of my butler-delivered coffee, just as I’d ordered, and which I enjoyed upon my terrace where I witnessed a spectacular sunrise. I enjoyed breakfast at Chaya, located within the airy, three story, indoor/outdoor lobby. Surrounded by flowing water features, I had my choice of a traditional Mexican meal of corn tamales and pork tostadas, or items more traditionally American. Later that morning, I enjoyed a hosted tasting of Mexican coffee varietals within the urbane Library, and that afternoon, learned all about the making and history of tequila during a private tasting with one of the St. Regis Kanai’s knowledgeable bartenders. I pledged to return later to sample the bar’s bespoke Bloody Mary. The iconic cocktail was originally concocted decades ago at the St. Regis New York, and every St. Regis in the world has their own version. Here, it’s the Kanai Mary, made with ingredients from the ancient Maya diet including corn, peppers, and cucumber.
After an afternoon spent at the resort’s immaculate spa and its many thalassotherapy pools, I ventured to Toro, the signature restaurant helmed by famed Chef Richard Sandoval where I enjoyed a memorable al fresco dinner of Latin and Asian-influenced dishes, served in the shadow of a spectacular sunset.
While I felt no need to venture beyond the resort, excursion options abound. Guided tours can be arranged to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the temples of Chichén Itzá, and the less-visited Cobá cenotes, natural sinkholes where swimming or scuba diving is an experience apparently like none other. For something more adventurous, nearby Cozumel Island offers epic snorkeling within crystalline waters.
Simply put, my time at the St. Regis Kanai Resort was a beautiful blend of indulgence and authenticity. With its unique design, seamless blend of luxury and nature, world-class service, and luxe culinary experiences, the resort provides sumptuous immersion into the essence of Riviera Maya.
Photos courtesy of St. Regis Kanai Resort, unless otherwise noted
