Review: The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Why book?

Luxurious beachfront properties are not rare in this region of Mexico, but this one boasts innovative architecture by Edmonds International—inspired by the constellation Pleiades—with curvaceous buildings that literally hover above a seemingly endless sea of lush green mangroves. Each of the 124 rooms and 19 suites offers views of the Caribbean; this particular stretch of the sea boasts the region’s largest undisturbed coral reef. If beach isn’t your thing, there are countless pools on property, including one specifically for families, several in the spa, and sort of hidden one at the sports bar, as well as half a dozen dining options in addition to room service. The spa is excellent, with separate men's/women's outdoor thermal circuits and pools, and an adjacent well-outfitted gym with mangrove views and chlorophyll water on tap. The property also has one of the better hotel shops I’ve seen in a while, and the spa shop does not disappoint, either.

Set the scene

The hotel is located in the gated community of Kanai, a 1,235-acre property about 40 minutes’ drive from the Cancun airport, spanning 2 square miles with over a mile of private beach. Miraculously, less than 10% of that acreage has been developed (in addition to St. Regis there is also the Etéreo, an Aurberge hotel that opened in 2022, and an Edition that’s currently under construction and expected to open in fall of 2023). Both are visible from the St. Regis. The hotel is built over what seems like an endless mangrove, so greenery abounds, as the development is adjacent to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests access restaurants, beach clubs and the like via wooden walkways, with the option to be transported via golf cart.

When I was there, the resort had been open a scant two months, was at 30% occupancy but gearing up for summer, the high season here. It seemed a pretty even mix of families and couples. The vibe was very laid back, guests were sophisticated and well dressed but not over-the-top bling-y. It was also, to be fair, exceedingly hot and humid, which is typical for this time of year (June). But nobody was here to go crazy or party. It was definitely more about restoring and relaxing, whether alone, in couples or as a family with children.

The backstory

The resort is owned by Grupo Alhel, whose other properties include the soon-to-open Edition Kanai Riviera Maya, the Ritz Carlton and Westin Santa Fe in Mexico City, the Westin Guadalajara and Punta Ballena in Los Cabos.

The rooms

The rooms are light-filled with wonderful views and outdoor space - mine was set with a large chaise (big enough for two people) and a table for two. The overall interior design, by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo design, is all about rich natural materials that nod to Mexican and Mayan traditions without screaming “MEXICO!.” Very thoughtful touches include a closet that can be accessed from both the bathroom and hallway with (a miracle) plenty of drawer space and (bonus points) a steamer, outlets galore, gorgeous green marble double sinks cleverly positioned opposite one another, a generous soaking tub with lavender salts and RMS amenities that include a facial cleansing oil. The headboard is a large walnut wood wall carved in a pattern based on Mayan textiles, which is repeated in various materials and surfaces all over the property. Its play on positive and negative space helps cast light into the bathroom when the sliding door that separates it from the main room is open. It also acts like a privacy screen of sorts, but one really isn’t necessary. The credenza that holds the minibar and coffee accouterments is very cleverly designed, the bed was very comfortable, and it didn’t take a PhD to figure out the lighting or the shower.

A couple little things: the lighting in the bathroom, which is not bright enough to effectively pluck eyebrows or put on makeup, could use some brightening up, and, oddly, I got locked inside my room. This might be the interplay of serious humidity and air conditioning, but on one occasion security had to come and get me out and on another I just kept jiggling the handle until it finally clicked.

Food and drink

I was not able to experience every dining option - and there are quite a few, from the St. Regis bar with evening champagne sabering to The Library for afternoon tea and Mexican chocolate tastings—but everything I ate and drank here was phenomenal - from the ultra aromatic fresh guavas in a bowl in my room to the raw fish options, of which there were many, to the (who knew) Sierra Norte Mexican whiskeys I sampled as well as a corn-based super-smooth spirit called Pox (pronounced “posh”) and an agave-based spirit called Bacanora. My favorite meal was at Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, which included Baja oysters, a tuna ceviche to die for, Kampachi tiradito, tuna chicharron (the name is not totally accurate but it was quite good) and a Peruvian chicken dish with a special spice blend. The dessert was a corn cake made using the chef’s grandmother’s recipe, it was garnished with a hibiscus gel and caramelized popcorn. My second favorite meal involved a shrimp cocktail I ordered through room service (because the restaurant I had hoped to experience was closed) with layers of shrimp, avocado and a few other things I do not precisely recall. But it was substantial and quite delicious, especially with the accompanying dry martini. The breakfast buffet was substantial with a host of offerings from fruit to egg dishes and gorgeous pastries. I especially enjoyed the super-fresh Aguachile and guacamole, served with plantain chips, while lounging on the beach.

The spa

At 9,500 square feet indoors, and additional 6,700 outdoors, the spa here is vast but feels intimate thanks to thoughtful design—glass walls offering views to the nature outdoors - and use of predominantly natural materials like rich dark woods, beautiful marble and other stones, and glass.

Upon arrival I was offered Hibiscus juice, or a glass of prosecco, or a combination of both. Then I was seated at the scent bar and taken through an olfactory journey to determine which aroma would be used in my excellent deep-tissue massage. I had been advised to arrive early to experience the hydrotherapy area that has a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge and relaxation pool. This is complimentary with a spa treatment but can be booked on its own. If it hadn’t been so hot when I was there I easily could’ve spent the entire day in this area. There are 7 treatment rooms, separate locker rooms for men and women, a co-ed lounge with an additional lounge for bridal parties or other occasions, and a hair salon that also offers nail services. The store includes exclusive pieces from various St. Regis collaborations including Vilbrequin swimsuits and tote bags, yoga mats from Temploo and terry cloth cover ups from Banhi (the latter two are Mexican brands).

Service It’s all about personal butlers here, which can be great but also, at times, not the most efficient. The resort had only been open for two months so perhaps some kinks are being ironed out.

For families The family pool area here is quite substantial, with its own restaurant and cabanas. There’s also a Tortuga Children’s Club with its own pool, and babysitting can be arranged as needed.

Eco effort The resort’s architects and designers worked closely with the government’s environmental protection agency to preserve the 400 year-old mangrove, resulting in a suspended structure with an interconnected network of elevated walkways that does not disturb the delicate root systems. In addition, Artificial dunes and storm surge protection strategies were created to protect the mangrove and beachfront from erosion caused by wind and waves.

Both the resort and the community of Kanai have on-staff biologists who oversee everything from crocodile management and monitoring to mangrove reforestation, water quality analysis, energy saving strategy, recycling efforts and even beach clean-ups. The resort utilizes LED lighting exclusively, recycles PET, glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and vegetable oils. It also produces its own water via reverse osmosis, and packages it in reusable glass bottles. More technical aspects of eco initiatives include: an energy efficient BMS system for most electrical and the use of a Bio Digester to degrade organic matter.

Accessibility

The property has ramps incorporated into its design, as well as elevators, and welcomes service animals. There are accessible entrances in all rooms, restaurants, meeting spaces, the spa, the fitness center and the pool. There are ADA Accessible rooms across a variety of categories including Deluxe King, Grand Luxe King, Grand Luxe Queen/Queen and the St. Regis Suite with Plunge Pool. Guest room accessibility includes mobility accessible rooms, roll-in showers, non-slip grab rails, toilets at wheelchair height, lowered electrical outlets, electronic room keys and self-closing doors.