qz.com·Apr 5, 2026
Community Deep Dive
Kanai
680 acres of Caribbean beachfront. Four globally-exalted hospitality brands. The only all-top-tier, multi-resort destination on the Riviera Maya.
680
Total Acreage
4
Luxury Brands
9%
Land Developed
1+
Beach (miles)
20+
Restaurants
30 min
From CUN Airport
The Masterplan
Four trophy brands. One singular destination.
Kanai is the only all-top-tier, multi-resort destination on the Riviera Maya. Set across 680 acres of protected Caribbean beachfront between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, the masterplan encompasses four distinct, globally-exalted hospitality brands — St. Regis, Auberge, EDITION, and Mandarin Oriental — with only 9% of the land developed.
The remaining 91% is pristine jungle and protected mangrove reserve, creating an extraordinary balance of ultra-luxury hospitality and ecological preservation. Guests staying at any one resort enjoy access to the experiences of all four — over 20 restaurants, multiple spas, a world-class sports complex, and more than a mile of white sand beach.
Just 30 minutes from Cancún International Airport, Kanai sits in the heart of the Riviera Maya — an area steeped in ancient Mayan culture and history, with the Caribbean's most alluring natural beauty.
The Four Brands of Kanai
The St. Regis Kanai Resort
OpenThe iconic circular architecture rising from protected mangrove and jungle. St. Regis Butler Service, world-class dining, and the brand's signature blend of tradition and innovation. Residences exist but are not actively marketed — a confidential opportunity.
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
OpenAuberge's Caribbean jewel blends Mayan-inspired design with contemporary luxury. Richard Sandoval leads the culinary program. Holistic wellness, pristine beachfront, and access to all four Kanai resort experiences.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
OpenIan Schrager's vision for the Caribbean — sophisticated design, curated experiences, and the EDITION's signature energy. Contemporary architecture set within the masterplan's protected landscape. Residences announced as coming soon.
Mandarin Oriental Kanai
Coming 2028Mandarin Oriental's only property in Mexico. 50 branded residences with private resident beach club, three pools, and the full Spa at Mandarin Oriental. Pre-opening pricing represents the opportunity.
Branded Residences
Four world-class programs. One masterplan.
From the St. Regis's confidential residences to Mandarin Oriental's 50-unit collection opening in 2028, Kanai offers the Caribbean's most concentrated collection of ultra-luxury branded living.
Culinary Excellence
Over 20 restaurants. World-class chefs.
From pre-Hispanic Mexican fare to boundary-breaking nouvelle cuisine, Kanai's culinary program takes full advantage of the Yucatán Peninsula's extraordinary natural abundance.
The Riviera Maya EDITION
KI'IS Restaurant
Chef Paco Ruano
Innovative tasting menu rooted in pre-Hispanic Mexican traditions, reimagined with modern technique.
The St. Regis Kanai
Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval
Latin American flavors from the global restaurateur with 50+ venues worldwide.
The Riviera Maya EDITION
SO'OL Beach Club
Chef Tomás Bermúdez
Beachfront dining with Mexican touches, focusing on Caribbean seafood beside the largest lagoon pool in the area.
The St. Regis Kanai
Chaya
Chef Resort Team
Italian cuisine with Yucatán ingredients, set within the resort's striking circular architecture.
The Riviera Maya EDITION
Kitchen at EDITION
Chef Paco Ruano
Local cuisine, culture, and textures — a deep connection to the roots of Mexican flavors.
The St. Regis Kanai
Riviera
Chef Resort Team
Seafood with Mexican flavors, blending traditional techniques and fresh, local ingredients from the Caribbean coast.
Wellness & Sports
Revitalization is paramount — almost sacred.
Spa at Mandarin Oriental
The legendary Mandarin Oriental spa experience — holistic treatments, thermal facilities, and Mayan-inspired rituals in a Caribbean setting.
The St. Regis Spa
Nature-inspired spa with eight treatment rooms, offering Mayan-infused services and the signature 'Celestial Journey' treatment.
Temazcal & Mayan Rituals
Traditional Mayan sweat lodge ceremonies, cacao rituals, and cenote-inspired wellness experiences rooted in thousands of years of indigenous practice.
LUX Tennis & Sports Complex
Two tennis courts, two pickleball courts, a padel court, basketball court, and courtside dining. Powered by LUX Tennis with professional instruction.
Market Intelligence
Riviera Maya real estate at a glance.
The Riviera Maya continues to attract international investment with strong appreciation and rental yields driven by year-round tourism and limited beachfront supply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Appreciation (Riviera Maya) | 8–12% |
| Avg. Price / sqm (Playa del Carmen–Cancún) | $2,000–$4,000 USD |
| Avg. Price / sqm (Tulum corridor) | $3,000–$4,500 USD |
| Rental Yield | ~8% annually |
| Occupancy Rate (well-located) | ~75% |
| Property Value Growth (prime areas) | 5–8% annually |
The Sacred Riviera Maya
Millennia of history. Unmatched natural beauty.
The Riviera Maya stretches along the eastern Yucatán Peninsula's Caribbean coastline, from south of Cancún down to Tulum. Kanai sits at its heart, optimally positioned on the tranquil shoreline looking out toward the Island of Cozumel.
This is a region steeped in history spanning aeons — ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum and Cobá, the world's largest underwater cave system, cenotes sacred to the Maya, and a Caribbean reef system second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Cancún International Airport, one of Latin America's busiest, provides direct flights from most major North American and European cities. From the airport to Kanai: 30 minutes.
Why Kanai
Only all-top-tier multi-resort destination in the Riviera Maya
91% of 680 acres preserved as jungle and mangrove
Four globally-exalted hospitality brands under one masterplan
30 minutes from Cancún International Airport
Over 20 restaurants led by world-class chefs
Mayan heritage and Caribbean natural beauty
Residences from confidential to pre-sale to coming soon
Available Inventory
4 residence programs in Kanai.
Four branded residence programs on the Riviera Maya — Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, Etereo Auberge, and Edition.
1 Active
1 In Development
2 Pre-sale / Planned
| Project | Status | |
|---|---|---|
Mandarin Oriental KanaiMandarin Oriental | Opening 2028 | → |
St. Regis KanaiSt. Regis | Confidential | → |
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts CollectionAuberge | Active | → |
The Riviera Maya EDITION at KanaiEDITION | Residences Coming | → |
Gallery
680 acres of Caribbean beachfront where four globally-exalted hospitality brands create the Riviera Maya's most ambitious destination.
Stay & Explore
Book a Stay in Kanai
Experience Kanai firsthand. Stay at one of the four world-class hotels on this 680-acre Caribbean beachfront while you explore branded residence opportunities.
138 Photos
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen
Discover the serene luxury of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, where paradise meets comfort.Relaxation and WellnessUnwind at our full-service spa, offering exquisite massages, revitalizing body ...
143 Photos
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen
Luxurious Villas with Private Pools and GardensIndulge in the ultimate luxury experience at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where each villa boasts a private pool, landscaped garden, and a spacious layout. Rela...
105 Photos
Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya - All Inclusive
Playa del Carmen
Discover an oasis of luxury at Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya - All Inclusive, where stunning beaches meet world-class amenities.Indulge in Relaxation: Recharge at our full-service spa, offering a ran...
154 Photos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya - All Inclusive
Playa del Carmen
Luxurious Tropical EscapeNestled in the stunning Riviera Maya, Grand Velas offers a sanctuary of natural beauty and elegance overlooking the Caribbean Sea.Culinary Delights and WellnessSavor the exqui...
8 Photos
Auberge Resorts
Auberge Otero at Kanai
Riviera Maya
Floating atop a lush mangrove forest on the white-sand beaches of Kanai, Etéreo is a celestial retreat defined by ancient Mayan philosophies and contemporary luxury. The Auberge resort's 75 ocean-faci...
Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00
8 Photos
EDITION
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
Riviera Maya
The first EDITION hotel in Mexico, designed by Ian Schrager within a 620-acre nature reserve, redefines sustainable luxury on the Riviera Maya. With 182 guest rooms, a lagoon-sized pool, the largest p...
Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00
8 Photos
St. Regis
The St. Regis Kanai Resort
Riviera Maya
Hovering above a sprawling mangrove forest with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, The St. Regis Kanai Resort brings the brand's legendary butler service and uncompromising luxury to the Riviera May...
Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00
Rental Inquiry
Interested in Staying at Kanai?
Tell us about your ideal stay and we'll curate the experience.
Upcoming Events
What's Happening in Riviera Maya
Curated events near Kanai
Golf
LPGA Tour at Mayakoba
Apr 27 - May 3 2026
Apr 27
El Camaleon Golf Course
Private Inquiry
Request Information
Tell us about your interest in Kanai and we will connect you with our team for a private consultation, floor plans, and current availability.
Explore Kanai
The stuff of dreams.
From confidential St. Regis residences to Mandarin Oriental's pre-opening collection, Kanai offers opportunities at every stage. Let us guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Kanai
Kanai is a new luxury corridor on Mexico's Riviera Maya, south of Cancún, featuring Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, Edition, and Etereo Auberge branded residences.
Branded residences in Kanai range from approximately $800,000 for entry-level units to over $10 million for premium beachfront villas. Mandarin Oriental residences start around $2 million.
Stay informed about Kanai
Get exclusive updates on new openings, price changes, and insider insights for Kanai and Caribbean Riviera.
Latest Intelligence
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The latest news and analysis for the Caribbean Riviera corridor
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