The St. Regis Kanai Resort

Suspended above the mangroves, this ultra-modern resort sits on two miles of white-sand beachfront.

• The epic spaceship-like design of the property with its giant semi-circle pavilions and walkways that lead to the beach
• The panoramic views from just about every room, but especially corner suites with outdoor tubs and hammocks
• The large pool and beach area with maximum space for lounging

St. Regis Kanai is straight out of an Instagram dream—an ultra-modern beach oasis amid the mangroves above Playa del Carmen in the same complex that houses Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection and Edition Kanai. To protect the local flora and fauna and minimize environmental impact, the hotel was made from a series of prefabricated semi-circular pavilions. All 124 rooms and 19 suites face the ocean, which means the views are pretty (with a line of crooked Dr. Seuss-like Truffula trees towering in the distance, marking the shore) and rooms are flooded with light. Be prepared to close your curtains for privacy, though, as the semi-circle design of the hotel makes for Rear Window- like views of your neighbors after dark. Corner rooms are the ones to book and have sleeping and sitting areas and a panoramic terrace with an outdoor tub and a hammock.

Guests reach the two-mile stretch of beach (and get in their steps) via expansive walkways (golf carts are available should you prefer a ride). Designed by Edmonds International, the circular concept was inspired by the Maya calendar and arranged like the Pleiades, the cluster of constellations known as the Seven Sisters that Maya believe is their celestial birthplace. From above, or the hotel next door, it resembles a spaceship. Maya touches in rooms feel more subtle here, however: the Maya calendar is embossed on the back of leather chairs, carved walnut headboards are a nod to ancient Maya tapestries, and allusions to any Astor family connection—a St. Regis signature—feel a bit far-fetched. (Although Lady Astor might be pleased to know that butler service is included for all rooms and the front desk staff was patient and helpful). 

Double Queen rooms run 592 square feet and have large bathrooms with walk-in showers and large soaking tubs, and grand but heavy wooden floor-to-ceiling sliding doors offer privacy and separation from the dressing room. (The doors could be dangerous for young kids and tiny fingers; and take note, the bathroom door doesn’t slide, try as you will). 

Epic public spaces feel calmer (though not quieter) than you might expect, courtesy of the impressive elevated water feature off the lobby that is decidedly louder than a trickling fountain. Multiple pools by the beach also allow guests to spread out and are refreshingly cool, not bathtub-hot, even on a warm day. It also helps that the Beach Club and Tortuga Kids’ Club and Jack’s Club (a sports lounge), are all nicely designed, and that you are 1,300 feet from the Mesoamerican reef for snorkeling. Unfortunately, though the expansive beach area was tempting with an upbeat soundtrack and had lots of comfortable outdoor beds for lounging, like the room terraces, it proved a bit buggy on a November afternoon. 

Restaurants are still finding their feet. There were two restaurants open for dinner during our stay: Toro, in a pretty space down by the beach club, serves an array of seafood and Latin-inspired dishes by chef Richard Sandoval and seemed like the best place to be. At 8:30 p.m. on a Thursday, the Mediterranean restaurant Chaya felt a bit understaffed. Service at Riviera, by the pool, and the beach club (which serves up tapas and light bites) was attentive and chatty. There’s also Pik Nik, a small gourmet shop selling drinks, pastries and snacks, and the Library, a formal private space, for afternoon tea and chocolate tastings and other events. And at the St. Regis Bar, a saber-popping Champagne tradition awaits for those ready for a sunset toast, albeit not at the beach.

Well-being can be a major focus here, thanks to a comprehensive 9,700-square-foot wellness center with eight treatment rooms and a full salon. The hotel also has a large fitness center.

In sum, this is a 21st-century statement resort on a grand scale. We were happy to see that amid the spectacle, sustainability is part of the dialogue: The white translucent panels lining the entire exterior that give the building its futuristic feel are made from Teflon-coated Ferrari textile stretched over powder-coated steel frames, and help to cool down the building and substantially reduce energy and AC use. LED lighting also saves energy. Knowing this, we didn’t mind that elevators are dimly lit. There are also on-staff biologists assessing mangrove safety, major recycling efforts and—not to be overlooked—crocodile management. Though there were no croc sights on this visit.

Couples and young families looking for an escape at the beach with all the creature comforts of home and an easy, quick trip.