If you needed one more reason to skip the crowded Hotel Zone and head north, this is it.
The “New Cancun”—otherwise known as Costa Mujeres—is about to get a serious upgrade in prestige, and The Cancun Sun can confirm that the wait is almost over. Marriott International has locked in the timeline for the debut of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, and it is set to be one of the most significant luxury openings in the Mexican Caribbean this decade.

While we have known this project was in the pipeline since the initial announcement, updated reports confirm that the property is targeting a grand opening this summer, with reservations officially open for stays starting July 1st, 2026.
Here is why this isn’t just “another hotel,” but a game-changer for travelers who want Cancun’s accessibility without the Cancun chaos.

The “New Cancun” Strategy
First, let’s clear up the geography. This resort is technically in the municipality of Isla Mujeres (the mainland part), but for all tourism intents and purposes, it is the northern extension of Cancun.
Costa Mujeres has quietly become the “Beverly Hills” of the region. It is where you go when you want wide, white-sand beaches, zero seaweed (usually), and absolute silence.
As we detailed in our report on Costa Mujeres wellness trends, this area is designed for isolation and exclusivity. The arrival of St. Regis validates this strategy. They aren’t building next to a noisy nightclub; they are building next to nature reserves and other high-end neighbors like the SHA Wellness Clinic.

What To Expect: 158 Rooms of Pure Class
The St. Regis isn’t aiming for the “mega-resort” crowd. While nearby all-inclusives have 1,000+ rooms, this property will feature just 158 guest rooms and 80 branded residences.
This low density is the ultimate luxury in 2026.
According to the latest design specs, the resort will feature:
- The Signature Butler Service: Yes, the legendary St. Regis butlers who unpack your suitcase and press your morning coffee will be standard here.
- Views of Isla Mujeres: The property is positioned to look directly East towards the island of Isla Mujeres, creating a stunning jagged horizon line that is different from the open ocean view of the Hotel Zone.
- Champagne Rituals: The brand’s famous “Evening Ritual”—sabering a bottle of champagne at sunset—will take place daily on the terrace.

Following The Kanai Success
This will be the second St. Regis in the Mexican Caribbean, following the massive success of the St. Regis Kanai in the Riviera Maya.
When the St. Regis Kanai opened, it reset the bar for design-forward luxury in the region. The Costa Mujeres property seems to be following a similar playbook: modern architecture that blends into the mangroves rather than bulldozing them.
St. Regis Insider Cheat Sheet 🥂
Too busy to read the fine print? Tap to reveal the 5 key details about this opening.
Mark Your Calendars: July 1st, 2026
We have great news: the timeline has firmed up. Marriott has officially opened the reservation system, and the first bookable night is July 1st, 2026.
This puts the opening right at the start of the summer high season, allowing eager travelers to be among the very first to test out the butler service before the winter crowds arrive.
If you need a luxury fix before July, you have options like the new Hyatt Vivid or the Secrets Playa Blanca.

The Bottom Line
The St. Regis Costa Mujeres is the final stamp of approval that “The New Cancun” has officially arrived.
It offers the perfect logistical “unicorn” trip: you are only 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, yet you feel like you are on a private island.
If you want to keep tabs on this opening or find a resort that is open today with a similar vibe, use our Cancun Resort Finder to browse the best of Costa Mujeres.
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