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The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai Debuts Relaxed Luxury

08.22.24 | By
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai Debuts Relaxed Luxury

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.

A circular lounge area beneath a skylight at The Riviera Maya EDITION spa, inspired by a cenote

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.

An indoor pool at The Riviera Maya EDITION spa, surrounded by wooden shutters and greenery

A night view of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai with timber-clad exterior walls and lush greenery reflected in a tranquil pool

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.

A warmly lit dining area at the KI’IS restaurant in The Riviera Maya EDITION

A guest room at The Riviera Maya EDITION with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to an oceanfront terrace

An expansive living and dining area in the Sky Rooftop Villa at The Riviera Maya EDITION, offering panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows

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.

The Sky Rooftop Villa's living area at The Riviera Maya EDITION

A guest room at The Riviera Maya EDITION with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to an oceanfront terrace

A minimalist guest room at The Riviera Maya EDITION, featuring neutral tones, a four-poster bed, and a view of the ocean

A contemporary bathroom at The Riviera Maya EDITION

A reception area for The Spa at The Riviera Maya EDITION with minimalist design, soft lighting, and wooden accents

A serene spa treatment room at The Riviera Maya EDITION, with stone walls, natural light, and lush plants

A tranquil double treatment room at The Riviera Maya EDITION spa

A sunset view of The Riviera Maya EDITION, with its modern architecture rising from the surrounding mangroves

Photography courtesy of EDITION hotels.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.