Last Updated
Mandarin Oriental has revealed plans to construct Kanai, a new luxury resort and branded residences in Riviera Maya, one of the fastest-growing high-end travel destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
The master plan will transform a 680-acre plot into a massive luxury complex complete with 120 suites and dozens of high-end residences in one of Riviera Maya’s most sought-after locations.
The Riviera Maya encompasses over 75 miles of white-sand coastline from Playa del Carmen down to Tulum and is a prominent destination for families and couples alike.
Work on the new Kanai project is slated to begin soon, and construction is set to wrap up by 2028, adding yet another option for private luxury accommodation.
With that in mind, here’s what travelers can expect from Mandarin Oriental’s newest Riviera Maya undertaking.
Riviera Maya Chosen For Mandarin Oriental’s New Kanai Project
Despite a rather lackluster summer season, the Mexican Caribbean’s travel numbers are expected to pick up over the coming years thanks to the completion of the new Maya Train and the recently-opened Felipe Carrillo International Airport in Tulum.
Aside from Cancun, the premier destination for high-end resorts, the Riviera Maya is set to become one of the trendiest hubs for luxury travel, with several new properties expected to open soon.
However, few compare in size and ambition to Kanai, a new development announced this week by Mandarin Oriental, one of the world’s leading high-end hotel & resort brands.
The new Mandarin Oriental Kanai will feature 120 lavish suites complete with private pools and unobstructed ocean views with its unique take on indoor-outdoor living.
Situated on an expansive private property just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen and 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, Kanai will be a carefully crafted project that blends beautifully with the local natural and cultural surroundings.
Taking inspiration from the area’s rich Mayan history and heritage, Mexican artist Bosco Sodi and the Mexico City-based architectural studio Migdal Arquitectos have been selected to lead the project’s design phase.
Based on early renderings of the development, Kanai will offer ample green areas, gardens, & pools for guests & residents, with construction taking up just 9% of the total area.
Kanai promises a peaceful retreat for the whole family, with dedicated areas for adult guests and separate facilities for kids, including a Kid’s Club.
Mandarin Oriental will also deliver a rejuvenating experience thanks to its world-class spa offering, complete with signature treatments with a Mayan twist.
The massive property will also include 50 branded residences for travelers seeking lengthier getaways and their own private Mexican Caribbean retreat. A residents-only beach club and exclusive amenities add to the allure of the upcoming offering.
Although guests can spend days enjoying world-class amenities & traditional experiences at the new property, Kanai will also be conveniently close to numerous popular local attractions.
From cultural delights in Playa del Carmen to Mayan wonders in nearby Tulum, guests can look forward to breathtaking experiences organized through Mandarin’s expert concierges.
By the time the new Kanai resort opens to the public, the Maya Train railway system will be in full swing, allowing travelers to easily reach the resort from the nearby Cancun and Tulum International airports.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.