Review: St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Hotel Website: The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
Location: Google Maps
Book: Check availability
Room Type: Vincent Astor Suite – Ocean view, Corner room, Private pool, Terrace, Whirlpool
Review Score: Results of our review
Hotel Fact: It’s also important to note that, unlike many resorts in Cancun, the St. Regis Kanai is not an all-inclusive property. Every experience, from dining to drinks, is à la carte, which allows for a more tailored and high-quality experience.

Our Highlights

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, epitomizes unparalleled luxury, evident from the moment guests arrive. The journey itself is curated for exclusivity, with dedicated Ritz-Carlton staff greeting arrivals at Malé airport and whisking them away on a private, hour-long boat transfer to the secluded Fari Islands. Upon arrival, a traditional Maldivian welcome sets the tone for an exceptional stay, further enhanced by the seamless in-room check-in process and a comprehensive resort tour conducted by a dedicated butler. The pinnacle of luxury is experienced through remarkable upgrades, like the reviewer’s unexpected move to a magnificent two-bedroom, 3800 sq ft overwater suite, boasting a private pool and breathtaking ocean views, a testament to the resort’s commitment to exceeding expectations.

This dedication to luxury extends to every facet of the guest experience. Culinary offerings are a highlight, particularly the “gastronomic extravaganza” buffet featuring unlimited lobster and gourmet sushi, setting a new standard for resort dining. The resort’s design harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings, exemplified by the stunning circular main pool that transforms into a “ring of fire” during sunset rituals, creating a truly mesmerizing experience. Impeccable Ritz-Carlton service, from attentive staff anticipating needs to personalized butler assistance, ensures every moment feels pampered. Complimentary amenities like in-villa treats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a range of water sports, combined with exclusive benefits for elite members such as room upgrades and late check-out, further elevate the sense of bespoke luxury throughout the unforgettable escape.

Things to Know

This luxury hotel, nestled within a private 620-acre reserve, offers a rare sense of seclusion while also providing access to two neighboring properties and their dining options. Guests can enjoy eight on-site restaurants and bars, with Toro standing out for its Yucatecan cuisine, tropical garden, and diverse spirits. The resort caters to all, featuring adults-only and family-friendly pools, rentable air-conditioned cabanas with butler service, a sports bar, and an adult entertainment area. Families will appreciate the complimentary children’s club, which offers culturally inspired sensory activities. Additionally, a private dock provides convenient access to various aquatic activities and expeditions in the Mexican Caribbean.

Amenities

🕐 24-hour room service
🧸 Babysitting services
🍸 Bar
🏖️ Beach
🧘 Fitness classes
⛳ Golf
🏋️ Gym
📋 Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🐾 Pet friendly
🍽️ Restaurants
💆 Spa

The Luxe Atlas Rating

Design: 10/10
Vibe: 9/10
Romantic: 10/10
Air Conditioning: 9/10
Room: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Location: 10/10
Gym/Fitness: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 10/10
Overall Experience: 9.8/10

Aluxurious Escape to the St. Regis Kanai, Riviera Maya Resort, lets review!

Stepping away from the typical Riviera Maya beach scene, we started our journey in Merida, Mexico, and traveled toward Cancun by car to finally unveil a hidden gem that has quickly become one of my all-time favorite hotel experiences: the exquisite St. Regis Kanai Resort. While Merida itself is a magical inland town, offering a distinctly different vibe from the bustling beaches of Cancun, it served as the perfect starting point on our gateway to this breathtaking luxury resort.

The Journey

After a scenic three-hour drive from Merida, Kerry and I arrived at the St. Regis, eager for a long weekend of much-needed relaxation away from work. I admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The hotel appeared to be built amidst mangroves, a unique setting that piqued my curiosity. However, any lingering uncertainties vanished the moment we pulled up to the valet. The entire arrival experience was simply breathtaking.

© The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

The St. Regis Kanai Resort’s unique location

The resort is designed to float above and integrate with a preserved red mangrove forest within a 680-acre gated community. This environmentally conscious approach means that the architecture is built around and above the natural habitat, with elevated walkways connecting different areas, allowing guests to experience the lush ecosystem without disturbing it. This offers a unique sense of being deeply connected to nature.

It’s located next to the Sian Ka’an Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ensures a pristine and protected natural environment, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility away from more crowded tourist areas. It also provides opportunities for ecotourism and exploring diverse wildlife.

Mayan-Inspired Design and Mysticism: The architectural design, by Edmonds International, is deeply rooted in Mayan cosmology and spirituality, utilizing circular motifs that symbolize the cosmos and the infinite. The resort’s location, known as “Kanai” (meaning “the House in the Sky” or “Where the sky is born”), also aligns with the Pleiades constellation, which held significant meaning for the Mayans. This thoughtful integration of cultural and astronomical elements creates an immersive and spiritual experience for guests.

Ocean Views and Private Beachfront: Despite being within the mangrove forest, the resort is situated on a private beachfront, with all 124 rooms and suites offering panoramic ocean views. This allows guests to enjoy both the serene jungle environment and the stunning Caribbean Sea.In essence, the St. Regis Kanai’s location is special because it masterfully blends luxurious resort living with a deep respect for and immersion in the natural and cultural heritage of the Riviera Maya, offering an escape that is both indulgent and authentically connected to its surroundings.

Arrival

The reception desk, refreshingly, is located outdoors in the hotel’s open-air lobby, a design choice perfectly suited to the warm climate. We were immediately enveloped in the St. Regis’s renowned hospitality, greeted with warm smiles, a thoughtful welcome gift, and a refreshing beverage. Kerry and I were buzzing with excitement for what lay ahead.

Our Unforgettable Suite Upgrade

Following a seamless check-in, we headed to our room, having originally booked a traditional setup. To our delight, my Ambassador Elite status worked its magic, and we were immediately upgraded to a truly spectacular large end suite called the “Victor Astor Suite,” definitely ask for this in advanced on your visit! This wasn’t just any upgrade; it came with its own private pool and a separate private Jacuzzi, all nestled within our expansive outdoor patio. The sheer luxury and privacy of this space set the tone for an incredible weekend.

St. Regis Kanai, Victor Astor Suite

A Glimpse into Our Upgraded Room

The photos truly speak for themselves when it comes to the magic of our suite. It boasted a gigantic room, a massive bathtub perfect for soaking, a beautiful shower, and every amenity one would expect from a top-tier luxury resort. With this suite, there is only two on the whole property!

This exquisite atudio, 1 king room offers unparalleled access to the best of the resort, situated on the ground floor as the very first room closest to the beach, restaurants, and pools. As a corner room facing the ocean, it provides breathtaking ocean views from its private large lap pool, private terrace, and outdoor whirlpool.

Beyond our room, exploring the property was an experience in itself. The hotel’s design, built on stilts above the mangroves with circular-shaped buildings, ensures that every walk offers a unique and captivating view, whether of the lush mangroves or glimpses of the ocean. It’s a harmonious blend of architectural brilliance and natural beauty.

Among our favorite experiences at the St. Regis were

The Diverse Pools: The resort features multiple pools, each offering a distinct vibe and experience. We made it a point to visit a different one each day, enjoying the variety.

Exceptional fun at the Lobby Bar: The food was consistently outstanding, with multiple venues to choose from. A definite highlight was the lobby bar area. Every evening, they perform a champagne sabrage with a sword – a spectacular ritual that adds an extra touch of grandeur to the already splendid cocktails and gorgeous sunsets.

Breakfast Indulgence @ Chaya: Breakfast was included with our stay, and we indulged daily. The spread was incredible, featuring fresh-squeezed juices of every kind, which Kerry particularly loved.

Chaya is also opened for more than just breakfast, they serve lovely Italian cuisine. You can book directly on OpenTable before you arrive Chaya is open:

Mon,Thu-Sun – 7:00 AM-11:30 AM
Mon,Thu-Sun – 5:30 PM-11:00 PP

Tue-Wed – 7:00 AM-11:30 AM

In the afternoons, our routine involved lounging by the pools and enjoying plenty of cocktails. The “quiet pool,” almost an adult-only oasis, quickly became our favorite. We met some wonderful people there, and with the attentive staff, the margaritas flowed freely throughout the weekend!

Evening fun after the beach

During our stay, a major soccer game was on, and we found ourselves in the hotel’s theater bar area called Jack’s Club. There, we reconnected with a friendly Marriott worker we had met previously at a different pool bar. We hit it off, sharing numerous drinks and enjoying the game together. This personal connection truly highlighted the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff, making the property feel even more like a blast.

We were also incredibly fortunate to visit during a slow period in mid-July. This meant no fighting for lounge chairs, no long lines, and virtually no wait times for anything – a truly serene and exclusive experience.

For an exquisite dinner, I highly recommend checking out Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed. Toro – Book ahead Open Table

Dine amidst an eclectic, well-appointed residential environment at Toro restaurant. This bespoke dining venue invites guests to sample dishes reflecting the spirit of Mexico and Latin America under the direction of Chef Richard Sandoval.

Toro is open everyday, from 5:30 PM-11:00 PM. You can book directly on OpenTable before you arrive when Toro is open.

Toro

Pros and Cons: A Clear Winner

When it comes to the pros and cons, the pros unequivocally outweigh the cons by a multitude.

The “Con” (if you can even call it that): The only “negative” is that it’s not an all-inclusive resort. However, this is a characteristic of luxury properties like the St. Regis, and it certainly isn’t something I can hold against them. The quality of the à la carte offerings far surpasses what you might find at an all-inclusive.

The Abundant Pros:

New and Luxurious: The property feels fresh, modern, and exudes luxury at every turn.
Spacious Rooms: Our upgraded suite, and even the traditional rooms, are incredibly spacious.
Pristine Views: The views of the beach and mangroves are simply stunning.
Secluded Location: The resort offers complete seclusion, providing a true escape from the outside world.
Proximity to The Edition: A fantastic bonus is that it’s right next door to The Edition hotel, offering an additional dining option.

All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend the St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya. As the photos below will undoubtedly show, it was a beautiful and unforgettable time. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious, tranquil, and unique escape in Mexico, this is the place.