St. Regis Kanai Resort: Riviera Maya’s Jewel of Design

Adjacent to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the St. Regis Kanai Resort rises from the dense, murmuring mangroves of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. A stunning convergence of nature and culture, the resort appears otherworldly; stark white circles and curves contrast with jungle green, creating a futuristic aesthetic. Yet, the design is not a nod to the future, but rather to the ancient civilization that once lived within the untamed beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. Such cultural inspiration, paired with modern luxury and peaceful grandeur, creates a resort experience that satisfies more than the simple desire for rest and relaxation.

The open and airy lobby

Luxury resorts abound in this part of Mexico, but this one is indeed different. In designing the St. Regis Kanai, architect Michael Edmonds of Edmonds International chose 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 circular design of the resort reflects such Mayan beliefs, and to experience the whole of the St. Regis Kanai—its graceful lines and intentional flow—is to be steeped in Mayan culture. One need not be a history buff or cultural anthropologist to “get it.”

St. Regis Kanai is home to one of Riviera Maya’s most spectacular beaches

The hotel is nestled within the exclusive Kanai community, a 1,235-acre estate located about 35 minutes from Cancun Airport that also includes Etéreo, an Auberge Resort, and The Riviera Maya Edition. Covering two square miles, the resort appears to float atop an endless expanse of mangroves—tropical trees that thrive in salty, coastal waters, and that provide an essential habitat for thousands of species. To get to the resort’s pristine beach of sugar white sand, and to its various restaurants, guests traverse scenic wooden pathways (softly illuminated at night) that hover atop the foliage. Posted signage alerts to the wildlife within; this region is a veritable panoply of creatures: birds, turtles, racoons, spider monkeys, and iguana, all of which live harmoniously with humans. The spotting of such creatures, and the melodious sounds of various birdcall, are de rigueur and part of the jungle vibe.

The resort features two swimming pools: one for adults only, and one for families

Each of the resort’s 124 rooms and 19 suites offer furnished terraces with setback views of the Caribbean. Those on the third floor provide a glimpse of glorious sunsets, and those on the first floor boast small plunge pools. All are attended to by the famed St. Regis butlers, a hospitality amenity that sets St. Regis apart from other luxury brands. With a commitment to impeccable service, the St. Regis butlers are at your service, day and night. From delivering morning coffee, packing and unpacking, making dinner and activity reservations such as Mexican coffee sampling or tequila tastings, or arranging transportation, the butlers provide unparalleled hospitality.

One of the resort’s main draws is its spectacularly expansive and pristine beach, a Caribbean ideal, lined with palms and fastidious rows of comfy chaises lounge served by unobtrusively helpful attendants who are happy to shift umbrellas. Two beach adjacent swimming pools, one for adults only and one that welcomes children, are poised toward the palms and the sea. Additional pools can be found at Jack’s sports bar (this one is a hidden gem), and in the large, immaculate spa, including a relaxation pool, cold plunge, and whirlpool. Guests are welcome to book time within the spa and its pools, sauna and steam rooms, treatment appointment or not. Regardless, this beautiful spa is worth a peek; few are as large and well-appointed.

From dawn to dusk, the St. Regis Kanai beach is a gathering spot, with ample seating

Dining options include the Italian-influenced Chaya, within the three story, open air lobby; Chef Robert Sandoval’s Toro, offering Latin-American influenced al fresco dining with sunset views, and the casual, beachfront Riviera. Finally, the St. Regis Bar is the place to be every evening at sundown when, in concert with all St. Regis hotel and resort bars around the world, the iconic St. Regis Champagne Sabering takes place—a longtime, celebratory tradition exclusive to the St. Regis brand.

For those who wish to venture beyond the resort and its pools and magnificent stretch of beach, guided tours can be arranged to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the Chichén Itzá temples, and the less-visited Cobá cenotes, natural sinkholes where swimming or scuba diving is an experience like none other. For something more adventurous, nearby Cozumel Island offers epic snorkeling within crystalline waters.

The resort’s pristine spa is a haven of serenity

From its breathtaking architecture to its world-class amenities and stunning, sugar-sand beach, St. Regis Kanai Resort is a sanctuary of sophistication and serenity. Whether indulging in gourmet cuisine, immersing yourself in ancient Mayan traditions, or simply basking in the sun on your private terrace, this resort offers the ultimate escape—where every moment becomes as extraordinary as the resort itself.

Photos courtesy of St. Regis Kanai Resort

Fran Miller

Fran Endicott Miller is an experienced travel, wine, and general feature writer for a variety of luxury lifestyle publications and websites. Prior to her journalism career she established and managed the Golden State Warriors' first official community relations department and efforts. Principled and genuine, she’s known for thoughtfully eloquent writing. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever Nate.