St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, has opened the St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, in Mexico. Inspired by Sian Ka’an Reserve, the neighboring 620-acre nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the resort is owned by Grupo Alhel and is close to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
Designed by Mexican architectural firm Edmonds International with interiors by Chapi Chapo Design, the resort has a circular exterior design inspired by the constellation Pleiades that provides ocean views from nearly every vantage point. Designed with a minimal construction footprint aimed at protecting the natural reserve, the resort is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. A multistory open-air water installation leads into the main lobby with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves, gardens and the outdoor lawn with direct access to 2 miles of white sand beach.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Mayan artistic and ceremonial manifestations, the hotel’s aesthetic includes a palette of limestone, walnut and layered textiles. The interiors are accented with bespoke elements including custom furniture and artwork from local artisans. The Mayan calendar is recreated through textiles within the public areas and guestrooms, with elements inspired by ceremonial Mayan garments.
The property has 124 guestrooms and 19 suites (including a 2,300-square-foot Presidential Suite), each with ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool. The guestrooms have design elements and materials evoking the surrounding elements from the mangrove trees and nearby cenotes to the stars. Details include custom hanging mirrors, ceramic light pendants and walnut wood-carved headboards.
Public spaces include eight food-and-beverage venues, a spa with eight treatment rooms and a standalone salon, a children’s club and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space across six meeting venues. From the Astor Ballroom to the 7,300-square-foot Great Lawn, the resort can accommodate up to 600 guests for events.