Picture the scene: you’re in the back of a plush SUV enjoying a private transfer from Cancun International Airport. Sweat is beading off the complimentary water bottles, a modest assortment of neatly rolled hand towels beckon within arm’s reach — cool to the touch in the oppressive Mexican Caribbean heat — a calming tune plays over the speakers as your driver ushers you into paradise, making pleasant small talk along the way. You’ve been driving for about 45 minutes when you see the exit for Kanai, a 680-acre expanse of property in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Exclusive and largely untouched, the region is home to a collection of top-tier resorts helmed by some of the world’s most coveted luxury brands, including your final destination: The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai.
As you slowly approach the hotel’s entrance — making note of signs urging drivers to yield for migrating crabs and the lush, healthy mangroves that line the driveway — the magic of the Yucatán Peninsula begins to set in, a feeling that is only further solidified when you roll to a stop and are met by the resort’s attentive staff, a collection of friendly faces eager to welcome you to your temporary home away from home.
They greet you with a tropical drink and you take your first few steps onto the property, approaching a sheer staircase lined with colorful orchids, the scene backlit by warm light. And, as you begin your ascent, you realize the action is familiar, reminiscent of previous adventures in this vibrant land. And, according to the staff at The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, that familiarity is by design as elements of the recently opened property drew big inspiration from an iconic source: the Mayan underworld.
Colorful artwork and manuscripts, ancient pyramids, subterranean caverns and, of course, sacrificial altars, they’re all associated with Mayan people, and many of them are represented throughout The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai. While the nods are subtle, the resort tells a fascinating story. From the massive mural made using traditional Aztec painting techniques near the hotel’s front desk to the tasteful stone sculpture representing Chicxulub — the asteroid that made impact on the Yucatán Peninsula over 65 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs and tearing open the Earth, resulting in the assemblage of cenotes we see in the Mexico Caribbean today — when you know where to look, the symbolism is abundant.
On the topic of cenotes, the region’s hidden grottos are creatively worked into The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai’s blueprint with the floor rising and falling a few centimeters here and a few inches there, the up and down motion acting as an almost undetectable homage to Xibalba, the mysterious underworld below. And while Xibalba translates to “place of fear,” this luxurious property is anything but, boasting 182 guest rooms and suites — one of which, the Sky Rooftop Villa, is the largest penthouse suite in all of North America — two spacious swimming pools, an idyllic white sand beach and a truly lavish spa with options for hydrotherapy, massage services and more.
And while the abundant greenery that dangles from The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai’s soaring lobby ceiling is akin to the “tree of life” root system sometimes spotted from within the depths of dark cenotes, the property’s surrounding landscape is a bright contrast from what one might associate with what dwells beneath the surface. Instead, visitors will find themselves immersed in a forest of lush mangroves – totaling 620 acres to be exact — the tropical trees sprawling as far as the eye can see, and the hotel complex built atop sturdy pillars so as not to disturb them or the natural ecosystem below. As such, the hotel grounds play host to some peculiar residents including iguanas, white-nose coatis, spider monkeys, the aforementioned crabs as well as two resident crocodiles, one of which is named Jimmy.
When the time comes to unwind, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai has cozy spaces down to a science. Intimate dining venues set the scene for delectable dishes visitors won’t be able to wait to devour, while the property’s incredible onsite bar wows with its unforgettable back bar featuring over 100 pieces of locally inspired art. While many of the works are replicas of famous versions housed in museums, the sheer size of the display is impressive in itself at three stories high. Pair this with swanky velvet furnishings, floor-to-ceiling curtains and cocktails made using regional ingredients, and it’s easy to spend a few hours drifting away in the property’s intimate spaces.
While common areas are colorful and bright, the hotel’s guest rooms are simplistic and modern. First-floor accommodations boast private plunge pools, and every guest room has a charming patio with massive windows ideal for letting in natural light. Storage isn’t hard to come by with two full-sized closets, encouraging guests to unpack and stay a while, while rain showers, an in-room mini-bar and adjustable lighting act as an added touch of sophistication. The decor is minimal, but what’s there inspires as natural woodwork and a neutral color palette have a calming effect while regional artwork and pottery evoke a strong sense of place.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is a place unlike any other. It’s thoughtful nods to Mayan culture tell a story that’s both familiar and inspiring, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the undeniable magic of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Mayan underworld. The people are as charming as the property is luxurious, and visitors will find that a piece of their heart will remain in Kanai long after they return home.
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