Assessment: The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Quick take

After my brief two-night stay, it wasn’t entirely clear to me exactly what audience the resort is going for, whether that’s family travelers who want a new place to explore or couples out for some romantic seclusion. However, the lovely setting paired with a modest convention center made me picture conference and wedding groups high on that list.

The out-of-the-way location and quiet vibe also lend themselves to those looking to totally unplug and enjoy the sun and sand while being pampered by the team of expertly trained butlers. (As with other St. Regis properties, a butler is assigned to every room and suite.)

If you love the buzz of a lot of people, busy night clubs or Broadway-style shows in the evenings, you won’t be happy here. This is a place to enjoy quiet and solitude.

I could have pictured this as a tremendous remote work spot — especially for authors and journalists — but the lack of writing desks in the rooms and suites is an issue. Yes, there is a table on the room terrace but you probably don’t want to work outside all day under the Mexican sun.

The Grand Luxe rooms and the suites — especially the Vincent Astor, St. Regis and John Jacob Astor with private plunge pools — are ideal for couples that may not want to walk or take the golf cart to the pools or beach each time they want to take a dip. The Deluxe guest room or Grand Luxe with two queens or the Presidential Suite with two bedrooms, one king and one with two queen beds, are the best bets for families.

Getting there

Depending on traffic, Riviera Maya’s top resorts are a 40- to 60-minute drive from Cancun Airport. There’s ongoing construction on the roads into the airport, so be ready for possible traffic.

Booking details

Standout features

There are so many resorts vying for vacationers in Riviera Maya and nearby Cancun and Cozumel. But I challenge you to find one that’s got the avant-garde architectural flair of The St. Regis Kanai Resort.

Here are the ways in which this hotel stands out from the competition.

• In a world that thinks “bigger is better,” this resort caters to a very manageable number of people with just 124 rooms and 19 suites on property.
• The architecture and interior design is eye-catching at every turn and there are a variety of comfortable nooks around the resort where you can settle in to enjoy the setting, converse with friends or read a good book.
• Every room is assigned a butler who is trained to provide top-notch and discreet service. No ask is too small or too bold.
• The culinary options are exquisite, from a solid buffet breakfast and a la carte options to several restaurants offering gourmet dinners. A grab-and-go deli with picnic-style options was just opening during my visit as well.

Drawbacks

This resort won’t be for everyone. If you thrive off the energy of others, you may not find what you’re looking for here.

The resort is intimate but with plenty of personal space for everyone. You can walk around the complex without running into a lot of people. Some people will adore that while others will find it stifling.

• The spa consists of two treatment rooms so you may not get your desired appointment times when the resort is busy.
• Nightlife is on the quiet side: Think live music during dinner.
• The pools are small and there aren’t many cabanas so reserve if you want one.
• The Library offers a chocolate-tasting menu but this outlet closes at 6 p.m. I would have loved to enjoy a nightcap and chocolate treats here later in the evening.
• The resort is set off by itself. You can’t walk to any restaurants or shops — though that will change when the nearby Edition opens (no solid opening date as of now).

The vibe

Breezy and cosmopolitan. That’s how I’d describe the vibe at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya. The staff is exceedingly friendly in such a welcoming and authentic way. I wish every hotel had such kind and competent front of house representatives, bellhops, housekeepers and waitstaff like this resort.

What I really liked about this resort, though, is how the architecture and design take on a persona that is very present in the public spaces, the rooms, restaurants and bars and beachside recreation venues. The architects looked to the stars for inspiration and found it in the constellation Pleiades. They designed a series of half-crescent-shaped buildings so nearly every space has expansive views over the mangroves and out to the blue ocean.

And while there’s definitely a minimalist vibe here, it doesn’t mean there aren’t jaw-dropping spaces, such as the multistory water feature in the open-air lobby. And the staircase that leads to The St. Regis Bar… well, it’s a showstopper.

The room

Here are the available room types at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya:

• Deluxe: 592 square-foot guest room with terrace (king or 2 queen beds)
• Grand Luxe: 592 square feet with terrace and plunge pool (king or 2 queen beds)
• Riviera Luxe: 592 square feet with terrace and outdoor bathtub (corner room with king)
• Vincent Astor: 592 square-foot studio with terrace and plunge pool (corner room with king)
• St. Regis Suite: 1,130 square feet with terrace and king bed (a version with a plunge pool is also available)
• Atlas: 1,130 square feet with an outdoor tub on the terrace (corner room with king)
• Caroline Astor Suite: 1,711 square feet with terrace and whirlpool (corner room with king)
• John Jacob Astor Suite: 1,711 square feet with terrace, whirlpool and plunge pool (corner room with king)
• Two-bedroom Presidential Suite: 2,313 square feet with two patios, a whirlpool on the terrace and 2.5 baths (corner room with 1 king bedroom and one with two queen beds; maximum occupancy is six)

As I mentioned, I was in a Grand Luxe King with a plunge pool The room itself makes a wonderful first impression as you walk through the door. Light cascades through the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with views over your private plunge pool to the mangrove and ocean in the distance. (Note: If you’re hoping to hear the ocean waves from your room, this isn’t the right place to book. All of the rooms are a fair distance from the beach.)

Hues of white, beige, baby blue and pale mint green are paired with limestone and walnut woodgrain to wonderful effect. The carved-walnut headboard is a stunner, acting as a focal point and dividing the bedroom and living area from the expansive bathroom and closet-dressing area.

Upon arrival, the resort had left a bowl of delicious mangoes and white chocolate “card” for us to enjoy along with a handwritten note from the manager and a printed letter noting my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite benefits.

Ceramic pendant lights hover over the bed’s end tables, one of which gave pride of place to a carved sea turtle — a little memento for guests to take home. I also liked the throwback style of the Tivoli clock radio.

On the far side of the room is a well-organized credenza with a coffee and tea maker as well as a bar setup and minibar. (Coffee and tea are complimentary while you’ll pay for any liquor consumed.)

The terrace with plunge pool was definitely a highlight. At least four people could comfortably lounge in the water at the same time.

There were also a sun bed, table and two chairs on the terrace. It was very comfortable and we used the pool many times during our short stay.

Designers made the most of the space allotted for the bathroom, with dual vanities and a walk-in closet.

Sliding wooden panels closed off the bathroom from both the entry hallway and bedroom/living area.

The soaking tub and walk-in shower were highlights of the room.

The room was beautifully designed but I do wonder about some of the color and material choices. There are two pretty, velvety chairs in front of the sliding glass doors to the terrace. They are white and pale green. I can picture someone coming in from taking a dip, not being properly dried off and plopping down in one of those chairs. Good luck to staff keeping them looking crisp and clean.

Some of the furniture also had veneer on its edges, which can easily get dinged as guests come and go. The rooms are gorgeous but I’m curious as to how they will hold up over time.

Food and drink

My stay was too short to try all of the F&B outlets at the resort but I thoroughly enjoyed what I sampled. Here’s the rundown on meals and snacks at The St. Regis.

Chaya (Middle Eastern cuisine)

Just a few steps beyond the lobby, Chaya — overseen by executive chef Michael Grau — is open for breakfast (buffet and a la carte) and dinner.

The interior of the restaurant is appealing but, weather permitting, you really want one of the outdoor tables with sweeping views of the property.

There are expansive water features just beyond the restaurant with soothing sounds.

The mood at breakfast was quiet and reserved but musicians play outdoors in the evenings, adding some flair to the dining experience. The dress code is casual.

We enjoyed the buffet that included all the usual suspects — cooked-to-order omelets, baked goods, fruit and more — plus some regional specialties.

The yogurts, muesli and meats and cheeses were a nice way to begin breakfast.

I also appreciated all the different types of breakfast breads and sweets, granola and nuts and dried fruit.

And there were all sorts of hot items, from made-to-order eggs to Mexican dishes.

Dinner, with a Middle Eastern flair, was spectacular, although it would have been more enjoyable if there were more people in the restaurant. Ours was one of three occupied tables that evening.

We started with a Mediterranean mezze platter for two ($34) that included hummus, babba ganoush, labneh, muhammara and pita bread baked in the oven that’s the centerpiece of the open kitchen. (Note that while it looks like a traditional pizza oven, it’s actually electric and not wood or coal-fired.)

Next, we had to try the white clam pizza ($25). It was mind-blowingly good with a garlicy cream sauce, shaved fennel, lemon and mozzarella accenting the delicate clams.

For mains, we tried the seared grouper ($38) and chicken Milanese ($34), both of which were also delicious.

Toro Riviera Maya

While it’s only open for dinner, you don’t want to miss dining at Toro. Celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, originally from Mexico City, is at the helm and has designed a menu with influences across Latin America.

The outdoor seating area is magical, especially as the sun is setting and all the lanterns begin to give off a warm glow.

There is also plenty of indoor seating as well as a small area for bar seating right 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 vinaigrette ($25) seemed to be popular.

There are some interesting starters, such as tuna chicharron ($24), short rib tacos ($26) and an octopus anticucho with peanut and habanero aioli ($31). Or, you could focus more on traditional dishes, like beetroot salad with goat cheese and candied pecans or crab soup ($18 each).

It’s the entrees that really dazzle, though. The shrimp and crab enchiladas with Oaxaca cheese and charred poblanos ($30) were delicious. The lomo saltado was an exquisite beef filet with white rice, Asian sauce and crisp vegetables with sweet potato ($36). Or, you could go for something “simply grilled,” with options ranging from U.S. beef tenderloin, New York strip, rib-eye or a catch of the day.

The only disappointment was that some menu items weren’t yet available. I really wanted to try the heirloom carrots with pepita pistou, cashew aioli and passion fruit honey but it wasn’t an option on the evening we dined.

One word of caution about dessert. La Bomba ($27) is an interactive menu item. While the menu — and our server — didn’t tell us in advance, 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 on your table. It was quite a surprise! We chuckled but do that to the wrong type of person or someone that gets berry juice splattered all over their white outfit and the outcome could be very different!

If you don’t want that type of experience, go for something 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 always look forward to a visit to any St. Regis Bar. This one, open daily 5–11 p.m., is no exception.

It hosts the festive evening Champagne sabering ceremony, which is always fun to watch, and the cocktail menu is extensive.

Some 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. Those signature cocktails were about $25 each while more standard drinks like a Moscow mule, Manhattan, old fashioned and mint julep were $22 each.

This space, on the third floor, has a nice outdoor section with plenty of shade as well as an indoor (read: air-conditioned) lounge.

You can also order a variety of snacks (guacamole, edamame, sashimi), light 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) here.

While we enjoyed drinks one night, we saw several groups huff and puff their way up the glorious staircase that leads from the lobby area to the bar. While it’s a sweeping sight, you don’t need to walk up all those stairs. There is an elevator that’s hidden around the corner.

The Library

As the name implies, this is the resort’s library (open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.). While we popped in one morning, we didn’t have a chance to come back to order anything.

It’s where you can head for some tea and fine chocolates. There is a $34-per-person “chocolate armoire experience,” which we sadly did not get to try. You can select four high-end chocolates from the case and pair them with tea or coffee.

If chocolate isn’t your thing, you can simply order an espresso, macchiato, hot chocolate, latte, cappuccino mochaccino, hot tea or cold brew iced tea infusion. Drinks cost $8-$11.

There’s also a small but inventive cocktail menu with things like a chocolate old fashioned and coffee negroni ($22) as well as nonalcoholic choices such as the Pink Masala with beet, cinnamon, cardamon and soymilk ($14).

Pik Nik (grab-and-go deli)

This little shop sells breakfast, lunch and dinner “to go” from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. You’ll find some of the same tasty pastries that are served at Chaya and you can also purchase sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit and yogurt.

I wasn’t able to check out the sports bar, Jack’s Club, or the Beach Club, which serves a BBQ dinner.

Riviera and the Beach Club

We did not have time to try Riviera or the Beach Club, both of which are casual beachfront dining venues near the pool. Riviera is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and offers salads, sandwiches and seafood.

The Beach Club has a BBQ menu that changes weekly. It’s near the adults-only pool.

Amenities and service

As you’d expect at any St. Regis, there are plenty of amenities such as 24-hour in-room dining, laundry, dry cleaning service and turndown service (though no one came to turn down our room on either night of our stay).

On-site parking is free.

The Beach Club (the beach, pools and hot tub)

The beach area isn’t huge but there is plenty of room for guests to spread out. In fact, when we were there, it felt as if we had the beach to ourselves most of the time. Yes, there was sargassum seaweed washing ashore, but that was happening at all the resorts in Playa del Carmen during our stay. The resort stayed on top of it and raked it up in an efficient manner.

I loved the area between the beachfront loungers with umbrellas and the pools. It offered all sorts of different outdoor seating arrangements with plenty of shade from overhead “sunbrella” fabric strung between the trees.

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

• Family pool and whirlpool (Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)
• Beach Club adults pool (Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)
• Adults pool (Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.)

None of the pools seem that big for a resort of this caliber. There are also only a few cabanas available for rent so arrange those right away if you’re traveling during a busy time period.

Spa

The St. Regis Spa is right by the lobby and it’s by appointment only, from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. You can book services via the resort’s website.

Even if you’re not a spa person (I’m not), there are some interesting options on offer. The 90-minute Secret Garden treatment ($428) includes a walk through the resort’s own herb garden where you choose the ingredients for your own well-being recipe.

The hydrotherapy pass ($83) also sounded appealing and gives access to the spa’s sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge and outdoor relaxation pool.

A variety of massages are available to target relaxation, stress relief and more and they run $328-$473.

Fitness center

You’ll find the 24-hour fitness center right next to the spa. It’s outfitted with all the equipment you’d expect from elliptical machines, exercise bikes, free weights, strength-training equipment, treadmills and weight machines.

The gym also offers a variety of fitness classes, such as yoga and sound healing as well as personal training.

Pet-friendly

Pets are welcome for a $200 nonrefundable fee and only one pet per room is allowed. I did not see any furry friends during my trip.

Out and about

I think the allure of the St. Regis Kanai, Riviera Maya is the fact that it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. So, I’m not sure if the clientele booking here are looking to go “out and about.” But, it’s easy to do. Taxis are available to take you to Playa del Carmen (a 25-minute drive south) or even Cancun, though that’s a longer trek at 50 minutes away.

Day trips can be arranged to all sorts of places, from Cozumel (1.5 hours) and Tulum (about 70 minutes) to Chichen Itza (2.5 hours).

Accessibility

While impressive staircases are part of the architectural design of this hotel, there are also elevators that will whisk you wherever you need to go — though they are tucked away.

The main entrance is accessible as are the restaurants, spa, fitness center and meeting spaces. Well-placed ramps are part of the landscape.

To get to the beach, pools and oceanfront restaurants, you probably don’t want to push a wheelchair along the elevated wooden boardwalk, but golf carts are waiting to bring you to and fro.

I did not see a wheelchair mat leading from the beach to the ocean, so inquire if it’s a must-have for your beach day.

Note that some areas of the hotel have low lighting and shallow pools with no barrier or lip from the walkway. Watch your step.

In guest rooms, expect the following:

• Accessible vanities
• Adjustable height hand-held shower wand
• Self-closing doors
• Lowered electrical outlets
• Non-slip grab rails in the bathroom
• Roll-in shower
• Toilet seat at wheelchair height
• Transfer showers in guest rooms

Checking out

Checkout was as easy as check-in and the staff truly seemed interested in our opinions of the new property. The bell captain was in contact with our shuttle driver and we bid adieu without any hiccups. The resort is beautiful and I am intrigued to learn its mission once all amenities are up and running.

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