At the St. Regis Kanai Resort, architecture becomes a form of storytelling. Nestled within a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the resort’s design is inspired by two powerful forces: the celestial patterns of the stars above and the ancient mangrove ecosystems below. Designed by Edmonds International, the resort takes its structural cues from the Pleiades constellation, a cluster of stars long revered in Mayan mythology as a symbol of cosmic birth. The word “Kanai” itself translates to “the place where the sky is born,” and the architecture follows through on that promise, elevating guests into a narrative that blends astronomy, myth, and ecological harmony.
The resort appears to float gently above the landscape. Built on stilts, its circular and arc-shaped buildings rise just above the red mangrove forests, leaving the terrain below almost untouched. These delicate ecosystems are not just preserved but showcased, framed through glass corridors and open-air walkways that encourage a quiet reverence for the land. From above, the buildings’ layout reflects star patterns, while on the ground, natural materials like limestone, walnut, and textured fabrics echo the colors and textures of cenotes, ceremonial garments, and local flora.
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness
Interior spaces are equally immersive. Natural light plays a central role, filtering through carved screens and skylights, casting shadows that shift with the sun’s movement. Custom furniture, artwork, and lighting fixtures weave in symbols of Mayan cosmology — from moon phases to ancient glyphs — creating a subtle but consistent sense of place.
Guest experiences are shaped by this thoughtful design. Whether entering through a dramatic open-air lobby or resting in a suite that hovers over water, visitors are continually reminded of the resort’s connection to its surroundings. The design is both symbolic and functional, rooted in sustainable principles and constructed with minimal environmental impact. While some guests have noted early-stage service hiccups or privacy quirks in the suite layout, the overall experience remains one of luxury grounded in story.
The St. Regis Kanai is not just a hotel
It is an architectural meditation on how luxury, nature, and myth can coexist. In a region filled with resorts that often separate travelers from the environment, Kanai invites guests to see themselves as part of a larger constellation.
