EDITION Hotels debuts the Riviera Maya — its first resort at Kanai, Mexico

EDITION Hotels has introduced its first Mexican resort, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, positioned along the pristine Caribbean coastline. Spanning 620 acres of a protected nature reserve, the resort boasts two miles of white-sand beaches and is enveloped by a lush forest of mangroves and vibrant tropical flora. The property is composed of three main buildings that converge around a central architectural feature inspired by the natural cenotes of the region. This centrepiece serves as a dedicated yoga space and deck, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment through its massive bamboo structure designed by Arquitectura Mixta and Edmonds International.

Situated within Kanai, a newly developed luxury community on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, The Riviera Maya EDITION was thoughtfully constructed to minimize its environmental impact. The resort preserves the area’s renowned mangroves, lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, tropical beaches, and the Mesoamerican Reef—the world’s second-largest coral reef. A highlight of the region is the cenote, a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock millions of years ago. These cenotes, once considered gateways to the underworld by the Mayans, are now popular attractions for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The architectural design of The Riviera Maya EDITION draws heavily from the local landscape and Mayan traditions. The buildings feature undulating limestone walls that echo the seismic ripple caused by the ancient asteroid impact. Local materials such as limestone and bamboo were used extensively, allowing the resort to blend harmoniously with the surrounding mangroves. Pathways throughout the property vary in scale and direction, meandering through the greenery and sometimes elevating above or dipping below the natural landscape.

As visitors approach the resort via a winding three-mile road through dense mangroves, the outside world gradually fades away. The entrance, marked by a travertine staircase, leads to a lobby with expansive ocean views and large pools that mimic the rippling waters of the sea. Signature timbers, a hallmark of EDITION Hotels, cast dynamic shadows across courtyards, creating ever-changing visual experiences throughout the day. An oversized lagoon-like swimming pool extends the water theme, complete with floating cabanas, while a white sand path connects the main buildings to SO’OL Beach Club, which features a second outdoor pool with an infinity edge.

Accommodations at The Riviera Maya EDITION include 182 guestrooms and 30 suites, each designed with a blend of modern elegance and local cultural elements. Many rooms feature private plunge pools and terraces offering views of either the ocean or the mangroves. Interiors showcase a neutral palette with light, airy materials, complemented by regional embroidery and patterns. Bathrooms are adorned with slatted wood paneling. Custom four-poster beds, bespoke lighting, and curved sofas create inviting spaces within the rooms, while large-scale furniture pieces help to define the expansive interiors.

One of the standout features of The Riviera Maya EDITION is the Sky Rooftop Villa, touted as the largest hotel penthouse in North America. This expansive 26,900-square-foot suite accommodates up to 12 guests and occupies the entire top floor of the building. It includes five bedrooms, extensive living spaces, two kitchens, a mid-Olympic-size infinity pool, and breathtaking views of the ocean and nature reserve. Each bedroom is equipped with a private deck featuring a jacuzzi, wet bar, lounge area, and ocean vistas. The penthouse’s outdoor spaces include a landscaped entertainment deck, catering kitchen, guest kitchen, and versatile terraces that can host large private events with DJ booths and a waterfall feature.

Dining at The Riviera Maya EDITION is a culinary journey that highlights local flavors and ingredients. The resort features KI’IS, a signature restaurant led by award-winning Chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano, offering a modern Mexican dining experience with tasting menus inspired by regional cuisine. Located on the south side of the property and surrounded by mangroves, KI’IS presents a clean and light aesthetic with white artisanal ceramics and serveware, accented by greenery and local flora. Another dining option is SO’OL Beach Club, helmed by Chef Tomás Bermúdez, which combines Mediterranean beach club cuisine with Mexican influences. The Pool Bar provides a relaxed setting adjacent to the lagoon-sized pool, serving a variety of beverages in a tranquil environment.

Art plays a significant role in the resort’s ambiance, particularly in the area between Kitchen, the all-day dining venue, and the lobby bar. The walls are adorned with black-and-white images from Gabriel Figueroa’s film strips, celebrating the golden age of Mexican cinema. The space is enhanced by three-story windows with floor-to-ceiling crimson drapes, warm wood elements, and a double-height plaster backbar.

Guests can explore the resort’s diverse wildlife, which includes iguanas, raccoons, spider monkeys, deer, anteaters, indigenous white-nose coatis, Yucatan squirrels, and numerous bird species. The turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya are home to marine life such as sea turtles, enhancing the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the area.

Sustainability is a key focus for the resort, with efforts concentrated on preserving the red mangroves and coexisting respectfully with local flora and fauna. The developed land accounts for less than 10% of the entire reserve, and the resort adheres to the highest environmental and sustainable practices as certified by the Mexican government. From its architectural homage to the cenotes to its thoughtful approach to sustainability, the resort offers an experience that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to its surroundings.

For further information, visit editionhotels.com