The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya — about 40 minutes from Cancun Airport (CUN) and 25 minutes from Downtown Playa del Carmen — is a luxurious venue to observe.

Adjoining to the 620-acre UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Sian Ka’an Reserve, this intimate resort with 124 rooms and 19 suites feels prefer it’s hovering above the mangroves. Certainly, a sequence of raised picket boardwalks leads company from the central resort to the rooms and swimming pools, the seaside and the eating places — all with out disturbing the character under.

Resort proprietor Grupo Alhel made a concerted effort to make sure the property blends in with its environment so you’re feeling such as you’re in the midst of an unlimited nature park. As you make your approach down the lengthy driveway that winds by means of the mangroves, you’re feeling as in case you are mild years away from the touristic facilities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Really, you’re tucked away from the true world and really rapidly slip right into a actuality that focuses on the pure panorama, the wind and ocean waves, and the crisp traces of the resort’s beautiful architectural design by Mexican agency Edmonds Worldwide and interiors by Chapi Chapo Design.

The St. Regis Kanai Resort opened in mid-March 2023 and once I visited in early Might, it was nonetheless very a lot coming into its personal. The crowds have not descended but and the ending touches are nonetheless rolling out to some facilities. It is a vacation spot that’s nonetheless discovering its identification. However, in the event you’re like me — a Marriott Bonvoy elite member itching to make use of factors for beautiful trip experiences — you may wish to go sooner relatively than later.

Fast take

After my temporary two-night keep, it wasn’t fully clear to me precisely what viewers the resort goes for, whether or not that is household vacationers who need a new place to discover or {couples} out for some romantic seclusion. Nonetheless, the stunning setting paired with a modest conference heart made me image convention and wedding ceremony teams excessive on that record.

The out-of-the-way location and quiet vibe additionally lend themselves to these trying to completely unplug and benefit from the solar and sand whereas being pampered by the crew of expertly educated butlers. (As with different St. Regis properties, a butler is assigned to each room and suite.)

Should you love the thrill of lots of people, busy evening golf equipment or Broadway-style exhibits within the evenings, you will not be blissful right here. It is a place to take pleasure in quiet and solitude.

I might have pictured this as an incredible distant work spot — particularly for authors and journalists — however the lack of writing desks within the rooms and suites is a matter. Sure, there’s a desk on the room terrace however you in all probability do not wish to work exterior all day underneath the Mexican solar.

The Grand Luxe rooms and the suites — particularly the Vincent Astor, St. Regis and John Jacob Astor with non-public plunge swimming pools — are perfect for {couples} that will not wish to stroll or take the golf cart to the swimming pools or seaside every time they wish to take a dip. The Deluxe visitor room or Grand Luxe with two queens or the Presidential Suite with two bedrooms, one king and one with two queen beds, are the most effective bets for households.

Getting there

Relying on visitors, Riviera Maya’s high resorts are a 40- to 60-minute drive from Cancun Airport. There’s ongoing building on the roads into the airport, so be prepared for attainable visitors.

Should you plan to discover past the resort, you may need a rental automobile (or you’ll be able to depend on taxis). Playa del Carmen is a 25-minute experience. Rental costs ranged broadly once I checked for my dates. Relying on the rental automobile firm, I might lock in an economic system automobile for $35-$220 for my four-day go to. Tip: Some businesses lease guide transmission autos. In order for you an computerized transmission, make sure you ebook it.

From the airport, there’s an abundance of personal and shared shuttle providers that you could ebook earlier than your flight. A number of suppliers provide wheelchair-accessible van shuttles, too. I paid $135 for personal round-trip transfers for 2 individuals.

You can even seize a taxi upon arrival. The fare to Playa del Carmen for Riviera Maya must be round $60. Tip: Not all vehicles in Mexico have air-conditioning, so test the automobile’s facilities earlier than you hop in. Cancun Airport stresses that everybody ought to pre-book taxis. You are able to do that by going to the airport’s web site and clicking on the transportation web page.

Uber is not an possibility right here. Attributable to authorized disputes, Ubers do not choose up on the airport and lots of motels will not allow them to on their property. As a substitute depend on conventional taxi firms.

Associated: Tips on how to use AutoSlash to avoid wasting on rental vehicles

Reserving particulars

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya has been on my radar for years and as building neared completion, I stalked Marriott’s web site ready for bookings to open. In January, I reserved a two-night keep for Might in a Grand Luxe King with mangrove view and plunge pool. The overall was $2,703.52 (together with free breakfast on account of my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite standing and a $100 property credit score for paying with my Marriott Bonvoy Good® American Specific® Card — see charges and charges).

Alternatively, I might have used factors or a mixture of factors and money. Two nights would have set me again 304,000 factors, or I might spend $200 and 264,000 factors. The Factors Man values Marriott factors at .84 cents every. If I paid with factors, that equates to $2,553.60. Whereas I might “save” $149.92 by reserving with factors, I nonetheless went with money as a result of I’ve earmarked my Bonvoy factors for a redemption at a Japanese resort.

I additionally utilized a Suite Night time Award, which I earned as a Platinum elite in Marriott’s Bonvoy program. Of all of the suites listed, just one, The St. Regis Suite, included a plunge pool. Since that is an amenity we seemed ahead to, I talked with the resort previous to arrival they usually knew to not improve me to any room with out the non-public pool.

Ultimately, no suites with a pool had been out there (many suites have but to be accomplished since this property remains to be only a few months outdated), so we caught with our initially booked room and I am glad we did. We made good use of the plunge pool.

Standout options

There are such a lot of resorts vying for vacationers in Riviera Maya and close by Cancun and Cozumel. However I problem you to search out one which’s obtained the avant-garde architectural aptitude of The St. Regis Kanai Resort.

Listed below are the methods during which this resort stands out from the competitors.

• In a world that thinks “larger is best,” this resort caters to a really manageable variety of individuals with simply 124 rooms and 19 suites on property.
• The structure and inside design is eye-catching at each flip and there are a selection of comfy nooks across the resort the place you’ll be able to settle in to benefit from the setting, converse with buddies or learn an excellent ebook.
• Each room is assigned a butler who’s educated to offer top-notch and discreet service. No ask is simply too small or too daring.
• The culinary choices are beautiful, from a strong buffet breakfast and a la carte choices to a number of eating places providing gourmand dinners. A grab-and-go deli with picnic-style choices was simply opening throughout my go to as properly.

Drawbacks

This resort will not be for everybody. Should you thrive off the power of others, you could not discover what you are searching for right here.

The resort is intimate however with loads of private house for everybody. You possibly can stroll across the complicated with out operating into lots of people. Some individuals will adore that whereas others will discover it stifling.

• The spa consists of two therapy rooms so you could not get your required appointment occasions when the resort is busy.
• Nightlife is on the quiet facet: Assume dwell music throughout dinner.
• The swimming pools are small and there aren’t many cabanas so reserve if you need one.
• The Library gives a chocolate-tasting menu however this outlet closes at 6 p.m. I might have beloved to take pleasure in a nightcap and chocolate treats right here later within the night.
• The resort is about off by itself. You possibly can’t stroll to any eating places or outlets — although that can change when the close by Version opens (no strong opening date as of now).

The vibe

Breezy and cosmopolitan. That is how I would describe the vibe at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya. The workers is exceedingly pleasant in such a welcoming and genuine approach. I want each resort had such form and competent entrance of home representatives, bellhops, housekeepers and waitstaff like this resort.

What I actually preferred about this resort, although, is how the structure and design tackle a persona that could be very current within the public areas, the rooms, eating places and bars and beachside recreation venues. The architects seemed to the celebrities for inspiration and located it within the constellation Pleiades. They designed a sequence of half-crescent-shaped buildings so practically each house has expansive views over the mangroves and out to the blue ocean.

And whereas there’s positively a minimalist vibe right here, it doesn’t suggest there aren’t jaw-dropping areas, such because the multistory water characteristic within the open-air foyer. And the staircase that results in The St. Regis Bar… properly, it is a showstopper.

The room

Listed below are the out there room sorts at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya:

• Deluxe: 592 square-foot visitor room with terrace (king or 2 queen beds)
• Grand Luxe: 592 sq. toes with terrace and plunge pool (king or 2 queen beds)
• Riviera Luxe: 592 sq. toes with terrace and out of doors bathtub (nook room with king)
• Vincent Astor: 592 square-foot studio with terrace and plunge pool (nook room with king)
• St. Regis Suite: 1,130 sq. toes with terrace and king mattress (a model with a plunge pool can also be out there)
• Atlas: 1,130 sq. toes with an outside tub on the terrace (nook room with king)
• Caroline Astor Suite: 1,711 sq. toes with terrace and whirlpool (nook room with king)
• John Jacob Astor Suite: 1,711 sq. toes with terrace, whirlpool and plunge pool (nook room with king)
• Two-bedroom Presidential Suite: 2,313 sq. toes with two patios, a whirlpool on the terrace and a couple of.5 baths (nook room with 1 king bed room and one with two queen beds; most occupancy is six)

As I discussed, I used to be in a Grand Luxe King with a plunge pool The room itself makes an exquisite first impression as you stroll by means of the door. Gentle cascades by means of the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doorways with views over your non-public plunge pool to the mangrove and ocean within the distance. (Be aware: Should you’re hoping to listen to the ocean waves out of your room, this is not the best place to ebook. The entire rooms are a good distance from the seaside.)

Hues of white, beige, child blue and pale mint inexperienced are paired with limestone and walnut woodgrain to great impact. The carved-walnut headboard is a stunner, appearing as a focus and dividing the bed room and dwelling space from the expansive rest room and closet-dressing space.

Upon arrival, the resort had left a bowl of scrumptious mangoes and white chocolate “card” for us to take pleasure in together with a handwritten notice from the supervisor and a printed letter noting my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite advantages.

Ceramic pendant lights hover over the mattress’s finish tables, considered one of which gave pleasure of place to a carved sea turtle — slightly memento for company to take house. I additionally preferred the throwback model of the Tivoli clock radio.

On the far facet of the room is a well-organized credenza with a espresso and tea maker in addition to a bar setup and minibar. (Espresso and tea are complimentary when you’ll pay for any liquor consumed.)

The terrace with plunge pool was positively a spotlight. At the least 4 individuals might comfortably lounge within the water on the similar time.

There have been additionally a solar mattress, desk and two chairs on the terrace. It was very comfy and we used the pool many occasions throughout our brief keep.

Designers made the many of the house allotted for the lavatory, with twin vanities and a walk-in closet.

Sliding picket panels closed off the lavatory from each the entry hallway and bed room/dwelling space.

The soaking tub and walk-in bathe had been highlights of the room.

The room was superbly designed however I do surprise about among the coloration and materials decisions. There are two fairly, velvety chairs in entrance of the sliding glass doorways to the terrace. They’re white and pale inexperienced. I can image somebody coming in from taking a dip, not being correctly dried off and plopping down in a kind of chairs. Good luck to workers protecting them trying crisp and clear.

A number of the furnishings additionally had veneer on its edges, which may simply get dinged as company come and go. The rooms are attractive however I am curious as to how they’ll maintain up over time.

Food and drinks

My keep was too brief to strive the entire F&B shops on the resort however I completely loved what I sampled. Here is the rundown on meals and snacks at The St. Regis.

Chaya (Center Japanese delicacies)

Only a few steps past the foyer, Chaya — overseen by govt chef Michael Grau — is open for breakfast (buffet and a la carte) and dinner.

The inside of the restaurant is interesting however, climate allowing, you really need one of many out of doors tables with sweeping views of the property.

There are expansive water options simply past the restaurant with soothing sounds.

The temper at breakfast was quiet and reserved however musicians play outside within the evenings, including some aptitude to the eating expertise. The gown code is informal.

We loved the buffet that included all the same old suspects — cooked-to-order omelets, baked items, fruit and extra — plus some regional specialties.

The yogurts, muesli and meats and cheeses had been a pleasant strategy to start breakfast.

I additionally appreciated all of the various kinds of breakfast breads and sweets, granola and nuts and dried fruit.

And there have been all kinds of scorching objects, from made-to-order eggs to Mexican dishes.

Dinner, with a Center Japanese aptitude, was spectacular, though it might have been extra fulfilling if there have been extra individuals within the restaurant. Ours was considered one of three occupied tables that night.

We began with a Mediterranean mezze platter for 2 ($34) that included hummus, babba ganoush, labneh, muhammara and pita bread baked within the oven that is the centerpiece of the open kitchen. (Be aware that whereas it seems like a standard pizza oven, it is truly electrical and never wooden or coal-fired.)

Subsequent, we needed to strive the white clam pizza ($25). It was mind-blowingly good with a garlicy cream sauce, shaved fennel, lemon and mozzarella accenting the fragile clams.

For mains, we tried the seared grouper ($38) and rooster Milanese ($34), each of which had been additionally scrumptious.

Toro Riviera Maya

Whereas it is solely open for dinner, you do not wish to miss eating at Toro. Movie star chef Richard Sandoval, initially from Mexico Metropolis, is on the helm and has designed a menu with influences throughout Latin America.

The out of doors seating space is magical, particularly because the solar is setting and all of the lanterns start to offer off a heat glow.

There may be additionally loads of indoor seating in addition to a small space for bar seating proper behind the restaurant.

The menu opens with ceviche and sushi. The oysters with a chipotle mignonette ($38) and the kampachi tiradito with hibiscus salt, mango and citrus French dressing ($25) gave the impression to be fashionable.

There are some attention-grabbing starters, similar to tuna chicharron ($24), brief rib tacos ($26) and an octopus anticucho with peanut and habanero aioli ($31). Or, you may focus extra on conventional dishes, like beetroot salad with goat cheese and candied pecans or crab soup ($18 every).

It is the entrees that actually dazzle, although. The shrimp and crab enchiladas with Oaxaca cheese and charred poblanos ($30) had been scrumptious. The lomo saltado was an beautiful beef filet with white rice, Asian sauce and crisp greens with candy potato ($36). Or, you may go for one thing “merely grilled,” with choices starting from U.S. beef tenderloin, New York strip, rib-eye or a catch of the day.

The one disappointment was that some menu objects weren’t but out there. I actually wished to strive the heirloom carrots with pepita pistou, cashew aioli and fervour fruit honey however it wasn’t an possibility on the night we dined.

One phrase of warning about dessert. La Bomba ($27) is an interactive menu merchandise. Whereas the menu — and our server — did not inform us upfront, the chocolate, cookie crumbs, strawberry, dulce de leche and coconut ice cream with seasonal berries is served in a chocolate sphere … which your waiter will smash in your desk. It was fairly a shock! We chuckled however try this to the fallacious sort of individual or somebody that will get berry juice splattered throughout their white outfit and the end result could possibly be very completely different!

If you do not need that sort of expertise, go for one thing just like the chocolate cake with amaretto ganache ($17) or the yellow corn cake with vanilla ice cream, hibiscus, mezcal sauce and caramel popcorn ($14).

The St. Regis Bar

I at all times sit up for a go to to any St. Regis Bar. This one, open each day 5–11 p.m., isn’t any exception.

It hosts the festive night Champagne sabering ceremony, which is at all times enjoyable to observe, and the cocktail menu is intensive.

A number of the yummy drinks included the Tonatiuh with Tobala mezcal, pineapple, ancho chile liqueur, rosemary and basil leaves; the Lu ‘um with pear vodka, lychee syrup and a rose infusion; and the Kanai with gin, sake, cumber infusion and yuzu. These signature cocktails had been about $25 every whereas extra customary drinks like a Moscow mule, Manhattan, quaint and mint julep had been $22 every.

This house, on the third ground, has a pleasant out of doors part with loads of shade in addition to an indoor (learn: air-conditioned) lounge.

You can even order quite a lot of snacks (guacamole, edamame, sashimi), mild meals (surf and turf skewer, fish of the day, lobster quesadilla, poke bowls) and desserts (mango ceviche with banana ice cream, apple spring rolls and Key lime pie) right here.

Whereas we loved drinks one evening, we noticed a number of teams huff and puff their approach up the wonderful staircase that leads from the foyer space to the bar. Whereas it is a sweeping sight, you needn’t stroll up all these stairs. There may be an elevator that is hidden across the nook.

The Library

Because the title implies, that is the resort’s library (open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.). Whereas we popped in a single morning, we did not have an opportunity to return again to order something.

It is the place you’ll be able to head for some tea and nice sweets. There’s a $34-per-person “chocolate armoire expertise,” which we sadly didn’t get to strive. You possibly can choose 4 high-end sweets from the case and pair them with tea or espresso.

If chocolate is not your factor, you’ll be able to merely order an espresso, macchiato, scorching chocolate, latte, cappuccino mochaccino, scorching tea or chilly brew iced tea infusion. Drinks value $8-$11.

There’s additionally a small however ingenious cocktail menu with issues like a chocolate quaint and occasional negroni ($22) in addition to nonalcoholic decisions such because the Pink Masala with beet, cinnamon, cardamon and soymilk ($14).

Pik Nik (grab-and-go deli)

This little store sells breakfast, lunch and dinner “to go” from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. You will discover among the similar tasty pastries which are served at Chaya and it’s also possible to buy sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit and yogurt.

I wasn’t in a position to take a look at the sports activities bar, Jack’s Membership, or the Seashore Membership, which serves a BBQ dinner.

Riviera and the Seashore Membership

We didn’t have time to strive Riviera or the Seashore Membership, each of that are informal beachfront eating venues close to the pool. Riviera is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and gives salads, sandwiches and seafood.

The Seashore Membership has a BBQ menu that modifications weekly. It is close to the adults-only pool.

Facilities and repair

As you’d anticipate at any St. Regis, there are many facilities similar to 24-hour in-room eating, laundry, dry cleansing service and turndown service (although nobody got here to show down our room on both evening of our keep).

On-site parking is free.

The Seashore Membership (the seaside, swimming pools and scorching tub)

The seaside space is not big however there may be loads of room for company to unfold out. In truth, after we had been there, it felt as if we had the seaside to ourselves more often than not. Sure, there was sargassum seaweed washing ashore, however that was occurring in any respect the resorts in Playa del Carmen throughout our keep. The resort stayed on high of it and raked it up in an environment friendly method.

I beloved the realm between the beachfront loungers with umbrellas and the swimming pools. It supplied all kinds of various out of doors seating preparations with loads of shade from overhead “sunbrella” material strung between the timber.

Three swimming pools — every manned by a lifeguard — are on-site:

• Household pool and whirlpool (Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)
• Seashore Membership adults pool (Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)
• Adults pool (Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)

Not one of the swimming pools appear that large for a resort of this caliber. There are additionally just a few cabanas out there for lease so prepare these straight away in the event you’re touring throughout a busy time interval.

Spa

The St. Regis Spa is true by the foyer and it is by appointment solely, from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. You possibly can ebook providers by way of the resort’s web site.

Even in the event you’re not a spa individual (I am not), there are some attention-grabbing choices on provide. The 90-minute Secret Backyard therapy ($428) features a stroll by means of the resort’s personal herb backyard the place you select the components on your personal well-being recipe.

The hydrotherapy go ($83) additionally sounded interesting and provides entry to the spa’s sauna, steam room, whirlpool, chilly plunge and out of doors leisure pool.

Quite a lot of massages can be found to focus on leisure, stress reduction and extra they usually run $328-$473.

Health heart

You will discover the 24-hour health heart proper subsequent to the spa. It is outfitted with all of the tools you’d anticipate from elliptical machines, train bikes, free weights, strength-training tools, treadmills and weight machines.

The fitness center additionally gives quite a lot of health lessons, similar to yoga and sound therapeutic in addition to private coaching.

Pet-friendly

Pets are welcome for a $200 nonrefundable payment and just one pet per room is allowed. I didn’t see any furry buddies throughout my journey.

Out and about

I feel the attract of the St. Regis Kanai, Riviera Maya is the truth that it feels prefer it’s in the midst of nowhere. So, I am unsure if the clientele reserving right here need to go “out and about.” However, it is simple to do. Taxis can be found to take you to Playa del Carmen (a 25-minute drive south) and even Cancun, although that is an extended trek at 50 minutes away.

Day journeys could be organized to all kinds of locations, from Cozumel (1.5 hours) and Tulum (about 70 minutes) to Chichen Itza (2.5 hours).

Accessibility

Whereas spectacular staircases are a part of the architectural design of this resort, there are additionally elevators that can whisk you wherever you have to go — although they’re tucked away.

The principle entrance is accessible as are the eating places, spa, health heart and assembly areas. Effectively-placed ramps are a part of the panorama.

To get to the seaside, swimming pools and oceanfront eating places, you in all probability do not wish to push a wheelchair alongside the elevated picket boardwalk, however golf carts are ready to carry you from side to side.

I didn’t see a wheelchair mat main from the seaside to the ocean, so inquire if it is a must-have on your seaside day.

Be aware that some areas of the resort have low lighting and shallow swimming pools with no barrier or lip from the walkway. Watch your step.

In visitor rooms, anticipate the next:

• Accessible vanities
• Adjustable top hand-held bathe wand
• Self-closing doorways
• Lowered electrical shops
• Non-slip seize rails within the rest room
• Roll-in bathe
• Bathroom seat at wheelchair top
• Switch showers in visitor rooms

Trying out

Checkout was as simple as check-in and the workers actually appeared fascinated with our opinions of the brand new property. The bell captain was involved with our shuttle driver and we bid adieu with none hiccups. The resort is gorgeous and I’m intrigued to be taught its mission as soon as all facilities are up and operating.

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