The Buildings at This New Resort in Mexico Are Suspended Over a Mangrove Forest — and Every Room Has an Ocean View

The mile of powdery white-sand beaches doesn't hurt, either.

Mexico's Riviera Maya may conjure images of resort-packed coastlines, but tomorrow, the newest St. Regis is opening on a pristine and relatively private stretch of beach in Kanai. Kanai is a 680-acre gated community, just ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and next door to the Sian Ka'an Reserve nature reserve. And The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, is the brand's third Mexican outpost, and certainly its most striking one architecturally. Conceived by Mexican firm Edmonds International, the resort resembles intertwined circles and semicircles inspired by the constellation Pleiades, which holds special meaning in ancient Maya culture. The buildings are suspended over a mangrove forest and connected by elevated walkways for a minimal ecological footprint,

"When determining the ideal location to expand the brand, our goal was to discover the best new address in Mexico, and we found that in the undiscovered glamour of Kanai," George Fleck, VP and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, told Travel + Leisure exclusively. "We have the opportunity to define the region and put Kanai on the map for our luminaries."

Thanks to the resort's unique architecture and prime location along the Riviera Maya coastline, all 143 accommodations (124 guest rooms and 19 suites) boast stunning ocean views, in addition to private plunge pools or terraces. Toronto-based firm Chapi Chapo Design transformed the interiors into serene spaces with nature-inspired yet ultra-chic furnishings and touches. Beautiful wood-carved accent walls, reminiscent of ancient Mayan tapestries, anchor the bedrooms which also have ceramic light pendants and marble-topped bedside tables. French doors allow for panoramic views and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, while the color scheme invokes the region's cenote trees.

The property's eight distinct bars and restaurants elegantly blend local flavors with global culinary traditions. TORO by Chef Richard Sandoval offers a Latin-inspired menu, while the bright and airy Chaya combines Eastern Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. Afternoon tea, a St. Regis signature, is served at The Library. In The St. Regis Bar, guests can enjoy handcrafted libations, stargazing, and a mural depicting Mayan priests looking to the stars. Fleck also explained that this hotel, like all St Regis properties, will offer a special bloody mary.

"Bringing its own spin to the brand's signature cocktail, the bloody mary, The St. Regis Bar will serve up The Kanai Mary, a local take on the famed libation incorporating ingredients from the ancient Maya diet including corn, peppers, and cucumber," he added.

This hotel is really about being outside, which is why so much of the design plays off the verdant landscape. In fact, to make the area even more lush, during the hotel's construction, wildflower and jasmine seeds were planted across the landscape, so now the intoxicating aroma of the flowers permeates the spaces, serving almost as the resort's signature scent. And, of course, since this is Riviera Maya, the property has access to over a mile of powdery white-sand beaches, in addition to adult and family pools and spacious cabanas for extra privacy.

"Our resorts are inspired by St. Regis' founding family, the Astors, who would welcome notable friends and vanguards of the day across their collection of homes for glamorous and unexpected celebrations in the most exquisite locales," Fleck noted. "Now, we draw on this timeless era of luxury to provide our guests with an escape to the extraordinary."

Nightly rates at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, start at $1,299. You can learn more about the resort and book your stay at marriott.com.

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