You’ve probably seen the photos. Those white-on-white rooms, the impossibly long boardwalks snaking through mangroves, and that signature Ian Schrager minimalism that makes you feel like you should be wearing linen even if you’re a cargo shorts person. It looks like every other high-end resort on Instagram.
But honestly? The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is a weirdly specific beast.
It isn't just another hotel in Playa del Carmen. It’s actually located about 30 minutes north of the main Playa strip, tucked inside a 620-acre nature reserve called Kanai. Most people think they're booking a standard beachfront stay where you walk out your door and hit the sand.
Wrong.
At the EDITION, you’re basically living in a high-design treehouse. Because of strict environmental laws, the buildings are raised on stilts. You spend a lot of your time walking on elevated wooden paths above a 400-year-old mangrove forest. If you’re looking for "step out of my room and onto the sand" vibes, this might actually frustrate you. But if you want to see an iguana or a rare bird while you’re headed to breakfast, you're in the right spot.
The Design Is Basically a "Cenote" Fever Dream
When Ian Schrager (the guy who basically invented boutique hotels with Studio 54 roots) teamed up with the Rockwell Group for this property, they didn't just want to build a box. They obsessed over the local geology.
The whole place is shaped like a giant "T" or a honeycomb, depending on who you ask. The architecture is meant to mimic the asteroid impact that created the Yucatan's cenotes millions of years ago. You’ll see it in the "Oculus"—a massive water feature that acts as a skylight for the spa below.
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It's dramatic.
The lobby is 45 feet tall. Triple-height ceilings. It’s mostly travertine and white curtains until you hit the Lobby Bar. That’s where the "EDITION" vibe really kicks in. We’re talking 50-foot-tall red velvet drapes and a wall of 106 Mayan-inspired sculptures. It feels less like a hotel and more like a set for a movie that hasn't been cast yet.
What about the rooms?
They are classic EDITION. If you’ve stayed at the one in New York or London, you know the drill:
- Blonde wood everywhere.
- The Le Labo scent (black tea and bergamot) that sticks to your skin for days.
- Massive soaking tubs.
- The Sky Rooftop Villa: This is technically the largest penthouse suite in North America. It’s 27,000 square feet. It has five bedrooms and its own infinity pool. It’s overkill, but that’s the point.
Why the Beach Here Is Actually Different
Most beaches in the Riviera Maya have a massive sargassum (seaweed) problem. It’s a bummer when you pay $800 a night to look at brown sludge.
However, Kanai has a bit of a geographic "cheat code." The Mesoamerican Coral Reef sits just offshore, acting as a natural barrier. This keeps the water calmer and significantly reduces the amount of seaweed that reaches the shore compared to spots further south.
Is it 100% seaweed-free? No. Nothing in Mexico is. But the resort has teams out there daily grooming the two miles of white sand. Plus, it’s one of the few spots where you can actually swim without being pummeled by waves or tripped up by rocks.
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The Food Scene: It’s Not Just Guacamole
The resort has five main spots to eat, and they didn't just hire a corporate chef to flip burgers. They brought in heavy hitters like Francisco "Paco" Ruano (of Alcalde fame) and Tomás Bermúdez.
- KI’IS: This is the "signature" spot. It means "zest" in Maya. It’s a modern Mexican tasting menu. Don't expect standard tacos. Expect things like octopus with local chilies and ingredients sourced from the Yucatan jungle.
- SO’OL Beach Club: This is where you’ll spend your afternoons. It’s Mediterranean meets Mexican. Very "Chiringuito" vibes.
- Kitchen at EDITION: This is the all-day spot. The breakfast here is excellent, but it can get repetitive if you stay more than four days.
One thing to keep in mind: The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is isolated. You aren't walking to a local taco stand. You are eating on-property or at the neighboring St. Regis or Etéreo. Your wallet will feel it.
The "Vibe" Check: Is It For You?
Let's be real. This place is designed for the 20-to-40-something crowd who cares about how their vacation looks on a screen. It’s "scene-driven."
If you want a quiet, traditional Mexican experience with colorful tiles and mariachi bands, you will be disappointed. Everything here is neutral, minimalist, and very "cool."
The Pros:
- The Spa: It’s cenote-inspired and honestly one of the best in Mexico. The hydrotherapy circuit is a legitimate trip.
- Privacy: Because the resort only occupies about 10% of the 620-acre reserve, you feel tucked away.
- Service: It’s high-touch. They remember how you like your coffee.
The Cons:
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- The Bugs: You are in a mangrove forest. Nature happens. The hotel provides citronella, but the "no-see-ums" are real.
- Isolation: Taxis to Playa del Carmen or Tulum are expensive. You’re better off staying put.
- Newness: Some guests have reported "opening pains" with service speed at the Lobby Bar. It’s getting better, but it's not perfect.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you're actually going to pull the trigger on a stay at the Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, don't just wing it.
First, check the Marriott Bonvoy rates. You can often find redemptions starting around 85,000 points. If you're paying cash, look for "STARS" or "Fine Hotels & Resorts" deals which usually throw in a $100 credit and free breakfast—which you’ll need, because breakfast isn't cheap.
Second, book your KI’IS reservation before you arrive. It’s a small space and fills up with guests from the other Kanai resorts.
Third, pack for the mangroves. Bring a high-quality, eco-friendly insect repellent. The hotel’s version is nice, but if you’re a magnet for mosquitoes, you’ll want your own backup.
Finally, don't ignore the LUX Tennis Club. It’s tucked into the reserve and is probably one of the most scenic places to hit a ball in the Western Hemisphere. Even if you don't play, the walk out there through the jungle paths is worth the sweat.
Plan for at least four days. Anything less and you'll spend more time navigating the boardwalks than actually relaxing. Anything more than a week and the isolation might start to give you a bit of cabin fever. Balance the high-design "glitterati" energy with a morning yoga session at the bamboo pavilion—it’s the best way to remind yourself you're actually in the jungle and not just a very expensive art gallery.