Diverse surroundings
The resort is expected to open in 2028, and has been meticulously designed to respect the diversity of the environment and reflect local culture.
The Hong Kong-based hotel group is leaning into Mexico’s recent boom in luxury properties with the move. According to Statista, levels of foreign direct investment in the country are at the highest levels since 2010, a number which is only expected to grow.
Acclaimed Mexican artist Bosco Sodi has been chosen as the art curator for this project, with Mexico City’s Migdal Arquitectos handling the architecture.
In addition, New York-based William Gray will be designing the resort, and Maat Handasa will be doing the landscaping of the surroundings. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental and Beach Club will encapsulate special design elements by Esrawe Studio.
The resort is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, a 30-minute drive from Cancun Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s downtown. The resort totals 680 acres and is situated within a secure, gated community.
Only 9% of the land is dedicated to buildings and roads, ensuring the utmost care is taken in preserving the natural habitat and its diverse wildlife.
Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will feature 120 guestrooms and suites with private pools, offering views over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
In addition, Mandarin Oriental is leaning into the branded residences trend, with fifty branded residences also included in the resort, all with access to a private resident-only beach club.
The Mandarin Oriental Kanai will also have a beach club, café and pool bar, alongside event spaces both indoors and outdoors.
The spacious resort will feature three outdoor pools that blend into the environment, providing different experiences for families and adults. The beach club will offer opportunities for a myriad of watersports while a fully comprehensive Kid’s Club will deliver a wide range of experiences for children of all ages.
For those seeking relaxation, an all-inclusive Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer a serene sanctuary and the most comprehensive range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments available in the region.
Spa-goers will enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s signature programmes as well as specifically developed treatments inspired by Mexican traditions and customs. The dedicated wellness space includes an indoor lap pool and outdoor spa trail experiences.
A strong partnership
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group commented: “Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya exemplifies our commitment to delighting our fans at every opportunity. Nestled in a breathtaking setting and embracing local culture through a curated range of exceptional experiences, art and design, this resort promises to bring the next level of luxury hospitality to the region. As shapers of culture and masters of our craft, we have designed every aspect of this resort with our guests at its heart, reflecting our dedication to legendary service and exceptional experiences.”
“Extending our portfolio in the Americas, brings the brand closer to our North American fans and will introduce Mandarin Oriental to many new audiences. We are particularly excited to have partnered with the visionary developer GIM Desarrollos and Abraham Metta Cohen on this ambitious project, and we are delighted they are fans of Mandarin Oriental.”
The resort is being developed by GIM Desarrollos, prominent real estate developers with operations throughout the region. The 50-year-old group of companies is dedicated to developing in Mexico, with residential, social housing, hotels and offices all within its portfolio.
Abraham Metta Cohen, Partner stated: “We are thrilled to bring this exceptional luxury hospitality experience to Riviera Maya, offering guests an unparalleled connection to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
“Enhancing the guest experience by integrating environmental awareness and cultural richness is extremely important to us and to Mandarin Oriental and we are delighted to be partnering with them and to bringing the brand’s renowned levels of luxury hospitality to this unique resort.”
