The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
Modern Maya Mysticism Meets Elevated Oceanfront Minimalism
Where the Jungle Meets the Brand
Perched on a lush stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast—between the high-glam of Playa del Carmen and the barefoot chic of Tulum—The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai offers a serene, architectural counterpoint to the region’s party-heavy image. This is not your typical all-inclusive. This is EDITION through a jungle lens: sleek, spiritual, and quietly cinematic.
A Floating Temple to Quiet Luxury
The property is spread across a 620-acre ecological reserve, and the approach alone sets the tone: a winding boardwalk through mangroves that opens onto a starkly beautiful, white-cube structure seemingly floating above the water. The design by Rockwell Group and Ian Schrager’s team feels part spaceship, part sacred geometry—where every sharp line is softened by sky, sand, and sea.
Rooms That Whisper, Not Shout
Each of the 182 rooms and suites is a sanctuary of sea tones, light woods, creamy linens, and perfectly imperfect textures. Sliding glass walls erase the line between inside and out. Many rooms have private plunge pools, all have ocean or mangrove views, and the overall vibe is post-spa, pre-cocktail—the kind of space that naturally invites exhaling.
The EDITION Formula, Localized
As expected, there’s a signature EDITION rooftop—in this case, with an infinity pool suspended above the jungle canopy, offering jaw-dropping sunset views over the Caribbean. Dining is a highlight, particularly at the hotel’s signature restaurant by chef Francisco Ruano, one of Mexico’s most exciting culinary voices. Local produce, indigenous flavors, and design-forward presentation make every meal feel like a tasting menu with a soul.
Elsewhere, the spa channels Mayan wellness rituals in a space that feels like a minimalist cenote temple. And the beach club—crucially, a low-key one—is designed for all-day lounging, shaded by palms, punctuated by mezcal.
A New Rhythm for the Riviera
EDITION at Kanai is a mood. A slow, sensual, restorative rhythm. Yes, there’s a sleek gym and yes, there are curated playlists. But more than anything, this is a place that invites you to be still—to watch shadows move across white stone, to listen to the wind in the mangroves, to remember what ocean air does to your skin and sleep.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is the region’s most design-savvy opening in years—a property that trades excess for intention, and loud luxury for layered tranquility. Come for the view, stay for the vibe, leave a little more centered than you arrived.
