Hotel Review: The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

You'll drive through miles of mangroves to reach the entrance of The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, where the biophilic avant-garde architecture makes a bold first impression, with three separate U-shape buildings inspired by the constellation Pleiades — revered in Maya mythology as representing new beginnings and abundance. 

Luxury is certainly in abundance here as you step into a peaceful bubble of relaxation floating above a green ocean of mangrove forest. All of the 124 rooms (including 19 suites) have an ocean view, and architectural firm Edmonds International and design firm Chapi Chapo Design use almost exclusively Mexican building materials, from parota wood doors and furniture to cenote-inspired green marble sinks. 

Thoughtful Accommodations

Every guestroom features a private terrace, a walk-in closet and The St. Regis' signature 24-hour butler service, with amenities such as complimentary garment pressing, morning coffee service and bath drawing. I highly recommend booking a room category that includes a plunge pool — I spent an inordinate amount of time in mine.

Upon arrival, your butler will send a message on WhatsApp; during my stay, every text I sent was answered within a few minutes. A stylish credenza minibar stocked with Mexican wine, spirits and snacks can even be personalized upon request.

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Bathrooms are enormous, with a standalone soaking tub and separate rain shower, plus an island with dual sinks facing opposite directions. Full-size bath amenities from Sodashi, Sachajuan and Ren Skincare go beyond the standard shampoo, conditioner and body lotion; there is even a rose-infused facial cleanser and a styling iron alongside a Harry Josh Pro Tools hair dryer. I found that these kinds of thoughtful touches and attention to detail extended to all aspects of my stay.

Activities for All

The St. Regis Kanai is flanked by The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai and Etereo by Auberge Resorts Collection, and of these three resorts, The St. Regis is the most family-friendly, offering a children's club, kids’ menus and many connecting rooms. In fact, The St. Regis Kanai is a rare resort that caters to both families and adults exceptionally well. Of the two pools on property, one is a separate family pool, while the other is located at the adults-only beach club, where you'll also find sports bar Jack's Club, which boasts big-screen televisions and an outdoor terrace. 

However, the atmosphere is still completely restful thanks to spaciousness and a serene design that emphasizes privacy. The white-sand beach in front of the resort is kept clean of sargassum algae and is great for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. For snorkeling, the concierge desk can arrange for private excursion to the nearby Mesoamerican Reef.

The St. Regis Spa, meanwhile, features eight treatment rooms and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit with treatments influenced by Mayan cosmology — some spa rituals are even performed by a shaman. Arrive early to make your own scrub and masque to apply in the steam room.

Culinary Delights

Even during high season, the resort doesn't feel too crowded since everything is so spread out. The only time you'll feel a busy bustle is at the Chaya breakfast buffet, where everyone gathers to enjoy pan dulces, tropical fruits and made-to-order quesadillas. For dinner, chef Richard Sandoval's Toro is the resort's flagship restaurant, serving pan-Latin cuisine such as Peruvian tiradito (raw fish), short rib tacos, the catch of the day prepared zarandeado-style (a method for grilling fish) and grilled steaks with Argentine chimichurri.

Other unique culinary activities include an anejo tequila and chocolate tasting at The St. Regis Bar, and an afternoon tea ritual and Mayan cacao experience in The Library — a chic nook just off the lobby that doubles as a quiet place to work. For the brand's signature nightly Champagne sabrage, head upstairs to the handsome St. Regis Bar, where there are also complex and balanced cocktails that spotlight Mexican spirits such as bacanora and palo santo-infused tequila. Several drinks — including a house-made horchata with papaya and guajillo chile, and a refreshing cola flavored with damiana leaf, raw cacao, coffee and mangrove leaf — are available without alcohol, as well. 

The passionate bar team made The St. Regis Bar a must-visit for me during my stay. The beautiful views from the top floor and excellent drinks made for a memorable farewell as I lingered over the last sip of my elote old-fashioned, rejuvenated but loath to leave.