Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a luxury beachfront resort with branded residences on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will feature 120 guestrooms and suites with private pools, offering views over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Each will provide seamless indoor-outdoor living, enhanced by natural materials including marble, wood, leather and locally woven fabrics. Fifty thoughtfully appointed and spacious branded residences, with access to a private resident-only beach club, will also form part of the overall offering.
The beach front resort is nestled within a secure, gated community and surrounded by a pristine jungle and protected mangrove reserve. Only 9% of the land is dedicated to buildings and roads, ensuring the utmost care is taken in preserving the natural habitat and its diverse wildlife.
The resort is expected to open in 2028 and has been meticulously designed to respect the diversity of the environment and reflect local culture, blending serene architecture and exceptional craftsmanship with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned legendary service.
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya with its year-round tropical climate, within a 30-minute drive from Cancun Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s downtown, Kanai is a 680-acre masterplan.
Designed by the New York-based William Gray, a new luxury offering by renowned studio Meyer Davis, the resort interiors will beautifully blend a curated collection of art and design, resulting in a tranquil, luxurious ambiance, harmonising with the surrounding natural beauty, landscaped by Maat Handasa. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental and Beach Club will encapsulate special design elements by Esrawe Studio.
Adding to the resort’s unique character, Bosco Sodi will serve as Art Curator and design consultant. Known for his richly textured and elemental works, Sodi’s involvement brings a distinct artistic vision to the project.
Mandarin Oriental will bring its culinary expertise to a wide range of dining options, nestled in the natural surroundings of the resort, featuring distinctive international cuisines in specialty restaurants in addition to locally inspired culinary delights with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. A beach club, café and pool bar will also provide all day refreshments.
The spacious resort will feature three outdoor pools that blend into the environment, providing different experiences for families and adults. The beach club will offer opportunities for a myriad of watersports while a fully comprehensive Kid’s Club will deliver a wide range of experiences for children of all ages.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group commented: “Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya exemplifies our commitment to delighting our fans at every opportunity.
“Nestled in a breathtaking setting and embracing local culture through a curated range of exceptional experiences, art and design, this resort promises to bring the next level of luxury hospitality to the region,” Kleitman said.
“Extending our portfolio in the Americas, brings the brand closer to our North American fans and will introduce Mandarin Oriental to many new audiences.”
Riviera Maya is a tropical paradise renowned for its inviting Caribbean Sea waters and lush tropical forests. Rich in Mayan heritage, the region is home to significant archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum with their iconic pyramids. Guests will be able to explore these historical landmarks through curated Mandarin Oriental experiences and enjoy the region’s refined culinary scene, which offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours.
