With its proximity to the U.S., Mexico has quickly become a go-to destination for travelers looking for a weekend getaway. Riviera Maya, in particular, has recently gained popularity due to its pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, and gorgeous hotels. The newest property on the scene, The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, is the perfect stay for your visit to the Mexican hotspot.
The property, located on a 620-acre nature reserve, is a nature-lovers retreat. It has hundreds of species of birds, unique tropical fruit trees, a turtle conservation program, and an abundance of flowers all around. Since the property is located on a mangrove reserve, there is a dedicated biologist onsite who oversees the ecosystem, making sure everything in the environment is thriving.
When you’re not taking in the surroundings, you can spend time sitting on the gorgeous white-sand beach, cooling off in the lagoon-sized pool, dancing at the beach club, or sun tanning in one of the ten cabanas on the private pier. For a bit of relaxation, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the spa, which has hydrotherapy pools, a Turkish hammam, an infrared capsule room, and six indoor-outdoor treatment rooms. There is also a bamboo yoga dome and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Its 182 rooms reflect a simple minimalist design that highlights the surrounding nature. They feature limestone floors, all-white linens, cream-colored couches, freestanding tubs, and walk-in rainforest showers. Many of the rooms have balconies, some with gorgeous outdoor soaking tubs. The property’s well-appointed details play an ode to the country’s heritage. Most notably, the hotel has the largest penthouse suite in North America, complete with a mid-Olympic-sized rooftop infinity pool.
When you’re ready to grab a bite, you can’t go wrong with any of the five food and beverage outlets. Ki’is, a restaurant by Chef Francisco Ruano (a winner of one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards), has a Mexican-style tasting menu accompanied by agave spirits and natural Mexican wines. There is also SO’OL Beach Club, a lively Mediterranean-inspired beach club with food from Chef Tomas Bermudez, the Pool Bar, Kitchen at Edition, which has local-inspired all-day cuisine, and the Lobby Bar.
Top Takeaways
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Address: Paseo Kanai 14, Solidaridad, 77730 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Mexico’s chicest nature-filled stay.
Food + Drink: Start and end the day in the Kitchen at Edition, an onsite restaurant with an inspired menu. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with beachside bites at So’ol Beach Club, a Mediterranean-inspired beach club with a menu by Chef Tomas Bermudez. At night, dinner is best enjoyed at Ki’is, a restaurant by Chef Francisco Ruano that serves up a Mexican-inspired tasting menu with local wines and spirits. For a cocktail, you can’t go wrong with a stop at The Pool Bar or The Lobby Bar.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The direct access to the incredible beach, which has crystal clear blue waters and powdery white sand.
Amenities: Fitness Center; Spa with a Hammam; Hydrotherapy Pools; Room service; Free WiFi; Luxury Edition Toiletries in Bathrooms
Any personal neighborhood recs? Since there isn’t much around, it’s worth taking a day trip to see a cenote.
Rooms: 182 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at around $700 per night.
Closest Airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
