The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

We had an excellent trip to the St Regis Kanai with my toddler during the June quiet season - no rain, no bugs and the seaweed on the beach was manageable. The hotel was very family friendly, with staff genuinely enjoying interacting with the many children at the resort and many kids amenities available, but also felt suitable for couples trips or girls trips given the designated adults-only areas. We will definitely return.

Positives:
-Top tier service, especially in the F&B establishments and at the pool. The butler service was a real plus, more than I anticipated as I have not stayed at a St Regis previously.
-The hotel managed to offer early check in for us which was crucial with a toddler coming off a redeye flight. On the day of check out they designated a hospitality suite post check out without me even asking, providing a space to shower and rest before our evening flight. I view this as a real asset for a beach hotel that should be more common but isn't.
-We stayed in a St Regis Suite on the second floor, which had a proper solid door between the living area and sleeping area, and was great for early toddler bedtimes/naps. The room felt new and very spacious, and was good value for the rate.

Negatives:
-Food and beverage is overpriced and in some instances was just OK. We were disappointed by Toro, but we do get lots of good Mexican food at home. The Auberge restaurant Itzam next door had much better food.
-No fridge in the room, only a "cooler". Every drink in the "cooler" was warm and unappetizing. I was concerned about storing milk for my toddler who sometimes wakes up overnight for milk. They were unable to provide a fridge when requested with concierge in advance of my stay. It was stressful not having a reliable fridge in the room to store milk overnight and having to give my baby milk that had been sitting in melted ice (water) from the delivery hours and hours before. I managed with whole milk, especially since the staff was excellent with grabbing me a cup at the bars or restaurants when open, but if you are pumping and storing breastmilk I would be concerned.

We took two of our boys to this resort for Spring Break. We flew into Cancun and then took a car service to Riviera Maya. It's a great family oriented resort option with solid dining options, great pools, top notch service, luxurious rooms, a good beach (though the ocean isn't calm) and great options for activities outside the resort.

Highlights:
1. Butler service - per other St. Regis properties, the butler service is a highlight. They were available from early morning until around 11pm, and had a rotation system. Jose was our main butler and he was excellent. I would definitely request him again.

2. Brand new luxurious resort - the resort is really new, the architecture is beautiful and the rooms well appointed. We had a ground floor room with a plunge pool, and our boys had an upstairs room with balcony.

3. Pools - there are a number of pool options. We spent most of our resort time at the large family pool. There were pool beds available as well as chairs. At times it could be crowded, so it's an important to try and reserve a place.

4. Food - we generally enjoyed the on-property food options. We had a couple of meals at Toro, the Latin American restaurant. Our boys enjoyed their steaks, and I as a vegetarian found decent options. We ate at Chaya the Italian restaurant. It was good but not great. One of our favourites was Durya, the beach restaurant. My wife and boys really enjoyed the Lobster rolls.

5. Outside activities - we found a good car service that we used multiple times to go off property. We ate in Playa del Carmen several times. We found a great taco place called Sanchez that we returned to multiple times - the tacos there were exceptional and they had great vegetarian and vegan options as well as plenty for meat eaters. We also spent a day at a water park called Xcaret Xplor that was fantastic and a major highlight of the trip. When we return we would definitely go back to Xplor and visit the other Xcaret parks.

Beautiful contemporary hotel located in a mangrove forest next to the Caribbean Sea. It feels like you’re walking around a modern art museum. The rooms are well-designed all with private terraces and ocean views. The food and service at the restaurants Riviera, Toro and Chaya is fantastic.

We just celebrated our anniversary with 5 nights at St. Regis Kanai. The service team went above and beyond to recognize our special occasion as well as our Bonvoy Titanium status including a suite upgrade and special touches throughout our stay.

The resort is about 35-40 minute drive from Cancun airport - not bad. We booked a suburban from USA transfers, which worked out great. We felt completely safe at the resort. It is several minutes away from the main road and quite secluded.

The rooms are spectacular, finished with such thoughtful design and materials to honor the Mayan history of the community. We had a third story room and loved sitting on the patio drinking our morning coffee (delivered by the amazing Butler Team). The aesthetics of the resort itself are stunning and so well maintained. Everything is just a few years old.

It appeared as if most/all of the first story rooms had beautiful plunge pools while the second/third story had better views as they were a bit higher above the mangroves. Hard to go wrong.

The resort has created a great culinary experience all around. Our favorite meals included buffet breakfast at the St Regis (included with Bonvoy elite status), dinner at Kl’IS (at the Edition next door), and dinner at Toro. We ordered room service one rainy evening and it was quite good. Ulysis at Chaya breakfast was a fabulous host.

The rooms are refilled with purified bottled water each day and it is also available at the pools.

We enjoyed the 6:30pm champagne Sabor each evening. We signed up for the cocktail class, and we were the only ones that class. It was very interesting and delicious (included two cocktails) but would have been fun with more people.

Most of our time was spent at the gorgeous pools (Riviera at St Regis for a few days) and the main pool at the Edition one day. They are impeccably clean and beautiful and comfortable. Eric and Raul at the Riviera Pool took excellent care of us the days we were there!

Finally, the weather in June was a bit humid, but the great breeze coming off the ocean made it barely noticeable, especially at the pools and on the terraces. The beaches did have quite a bit of seaweed this time of year, but we hardly noticed it as there are so many other areas of the resort to relax and enjoy. This is a very special property, particularly the service and care. We hope to back soon!

Rating: 9.5/10

My family and I stayed here in rooms 224 and 225 (adjoining Grand Room and Suite) for three nights in June 2026.

Positives
• The setting is extraordinary. Built between the beach and a dense mangrove ecosystem, the resort feels both dramatic and secluded. The architecture takes full advantage of the landscape, and despite its size, the property manages to feel tranquil and uncrowded. Even at full occupancy, I suspect it would still feel private.
• Our suite was one of the most memorable hotel accommodations I’ve experienced. The wraparound terrace featured its own plunge pool, outdoor shower, and soaking tub. Sitting in a warm bath under the tropical evening air while overlooking the surrounding landscape is a memory that will stay with me for a long time.
• Service was consistently excellent. Every employee we encountered felt genuinely engaged and well trained. The St. Regis butler service proved especially useful, with quick responses through WhatsApp and a willingness to accommodate requests ranging from garment pressing to the brand’s signature coffee service delivered directly to our veranda.
• Dining was outstanding across the board. We sampled each of the resort’s restaurants during our stay and came away impressed every time. Maintaining that level of consistency across multiple outlets is difficult, which makes it all the more noteworthy. The same standard extended to poolside service, where generous staffing levels meant food and drinks were never difficult to order.
• The interconnected pools are among the best I’ve seen at a beach resort. Warm, immaculate, and finished in beautiful blue tile, they somehow remained refreshing even in the Riviera Maya heat. Soft electronic music drifted through the pool areas at exactly the right volume. Loud enough to create atmosphere, quiet enough to allow conversation. My son and I also spent more time than expected battling over the oversized outdoor chess boards scattered throughout the grounds.
• The resort still feels new. Whether that is because of its relatively recent opening or simply exceptional maintenance, everything from the guest rooms to the public spaces felt fresh and meticulously cared for.
• The property strikes a rare balance between welcoming families and preserving a sense of luxury. My children loved the Kids Club, where activities ranged from foosball to piñata smashing. At check-in, a staff member arrived with a basket of books and invited each child to choose one. Small gestures like that went a long way. Somehow the resort manages to make families feel welcome while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for everyone else.
• The fitness center was large, spotless, and stocked with modern equipment. It never felt like an afterthought, which is often the case at beach resorts.
• Water sports options were plentiful. We rented Seabobs for what was supposed to be a 30-minute session and were effectively encouraged to stay out longer. It became one of the most memorable family snorkeling experiences of the trip.
• Given the surrounding ecosystem, I was amazed at how effectively the resort manages wildlife. Hawks patrol the grounds to discourage scavenging birds, and despite spending days outdoors near mangroves and standing water, none of us received a single insect bite. That may sound like a small detail until you’ve spent time elsewhere in the tropics.

Negatives
• There were a few minor operational rough edges. Motion-activated closet lights had an unfortunate tendency to illuminate the suite during late-night bathroom visits, and one of our patio doors lacked a functioning lock. Neither issue materially affected the stay, but both felt out of place at this level.
• One evening we ordered an elaborate room service dinner and had it beautifully arranged on our balcony dining table. Just as we began eating, a raccoon emerged from the darkness and started advancing toward us with the confidence of an animal that had done this before. He seemed entirely unbothered by our presence and appeared prepared to join us for dinner had I not spent several minutes aggressively defending our meal while my family rushed plates indoors. The following night I spotted another raccoon helping himself to the remnants of a neighboring guest’s room service. To be fair, the resort is built within a thriving natural ecosystem. Still, I generally prefer not to negotiate territorial rights with wildlife while eating dinner.
• This is no fault of the resort, but the sargassum situation was severe during our stay. The smell of rotting seaweed along the shoreline was strong enough that the beach chairs became largely unusable. The hotel worked hard to manage the issue, but nature ultimately had other plans.

Abilo and the entire team that came we came in contact with were also very pleasant and kind. From recommendations, to service it was all top notch.
The property is stunning.
We will definitely be back soon!

The best 10th birthday for my son!

The St. Regis Kanai is a beautiful property that is both relaxing and luxurious.

Our trip was amazing from start to finish. I contacted the resort and arranged private transportation from the airport to the hotel, and everything was seamless.

Upon arrival, we went to our room and were pleasantly surprised by an anniversary treat waiting for us. The butler service was on point and they were able to anticipate our needs regarding activities and housekeeping.

Both the service and the food were outstanding at breakfast (Chaya), lunch (Beach Club & Riviera) and dinner (Chaya & Toro). The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable at the St. Regis Bar, a special thanks to Christian for making our post-dinner drinks and evenings especially memorable.
Both Chaya & Toro were fantastic for dinner, there was enough variety and great options that we didn't feel the need to go to the adjoining resort.

The property has several pools; one is focused for families, and The Beach Club is adults only.
We also took part in some of the classes the resort offers, including guacamole making class, margarita class, and Kanai Mary Class. We also paid for the cocktail making class which was quite fun.

Overall, we were very impressed and we intend to come back for another relaxing and chill vacation.

We stayed at the St. Regis Kanai as a family and overall had a good vacation, but it fell short of what I would expect from a true 5-star luxury resort.

The biggest disappointment was the service. Staff were often difficult to find around the beach and pool areas, and when we did ask for assistance, interactions sometimes felt indifferent rather than proactive. Service was inconsistent throughout our stay and felt more in line with a typical Marriott property than a top-tier luxury resort.

The beach itself was also underwhelming. There was a significant amount of seaweed during our visit, and it did not appear to be cleared as aggressively as neighboring resorts. Having stayed at Rosewood Mayakoba several times, the difference in beach maintenance was noticeable.

On the positive side, the food was very good. Breakfast offered a wide variety of options and was one of the highlights of our stay. We also enjoyed dinner and appreciated being able to dine at all of the resort's restaurants without feeling the need to leave the property.

The pool area is well designed and works particularly well for families. Our room was comfortable, though not especially spacious. We had a private plunge pool, which was a nice feature, but it was never heated enough to be truly enjoyable. Fortunately, it received afternoon sun which helped warm it up. One design element we did not love was the open-concept bathroom layout, which offers very little privacy and can be awkward when traveling with children.

Having stayed at Rosewood Mayakoba multiple times, I don't feel the St. Regis Kanai is operating at the same luxury level. While we enjoyed our stay and there are certainly positives, the service, beach experience, and overall attention to detail did not meet the standards I associate with a true 5-star resort. Given the choice, I would return to Rosewood Mayakoba without hesitation.

The resort was beautiful and the room very nice. However, for the money, I felt ripped off. They give you a butler to attend to your needs however the butler did a poor job of pointing out where and how things worked in the room. Light switches, shower nozzle, curtains should have been explained. You are isolated so the only food is located at the resort. Prices were extreme - $90 for a sea bass lunch, $30 for omelette. The beach had a lot of seaweed so there weren’t many people using it. We were there for a wedding so will not ever return. There are many nicer places to enjoy a beach vacation.

We had a wonderful stay in an extremely beautiful place, where nature met incredible architecture. The service was exceptional, the team there were welcoming and warm. The hotel and all facilities were immaculate. Food and drink were also up to standard. The Mexican breakfast was amazing every morning.

The butler service was impeccable. Thank you to José, Kopa and Raul. The extra personal touches were lovely and very much appreciated.

A special mention to some very special team members as well. They made our stay even more special.
Abilio - who extended his knowledge of Mexican wines and took great pride in his work.
Liz - whose passion of tequila and mezcal showed!
Jason & Michael - the margarita class was excellent!
Eric & both Alejandro’s who went above and beyond to take care of us on the beach and poolside.
Eric -

My husband and I spent a week here and loved it. It’s super quiet and relaxing. It’s amazing how it’s built over the mangroves. We loved our heated plunge pool and our room was so comfortable. We had great service and enjoyed all the restaurants. There are hotels on both sides of the St Regis and we visited both on golf cart for dinners.
There are plenty of water activities available, but we loved the quiet adults only pool.
The beach is great, but there was a lot of seaweed, which the staff cleaned up daily.
I would definitely recommend this resort if you’re going to Cancun.

We just spent 5 days at the St. Regis Kanai and had a relaxing stay.

Pros: We were upgraded to a lovely suite. Our butlers were wonderful and the staff were kind and welcoming. The butlers were very responsive. Concierge was also incredibly helpful. The staff at the beach and pools were great. We really felt like we were in nature staying on property. The hotel design and plants and flowers were absolutely gorgeous. Very relaxing. Very quiet property if you are looking for peace and quiet. The food was fantastic at Chaya and Toro. The pools were beautiful. Breakfast was included for Bonvoy members and it was very nice. Loved the guacamole making class.
Cons: The beach was not great. Do not go to this property if you are looking for a long beach with turquoise waters. There was a lot of seaweed and the beach is not as pretty as other Marriott Bonvoy locations in Mexico. Hotel charges too much for the hobie cats. Food and drink were very expensive. There is nothing to do at night on property. While the service was outstanding at the High Tea Ritual, the food presentation was underwhelming and not as spectacular as the food presentation at the High Tea Rituals at the St Regis Cap Cana or Longboat Key or Bal Harbour.

Our stay at the St. Regis Kanai was nothing short of extraordinary. The property itself is stunning—beautifully designed, serene, and effortlessly luxurious—but what truly made the experience unforgettable was the exceptional service.

A special thank you to Eduardo, Jason, and Liz at the Riviera pool area and bar. Their attentiveness, warmth, and genuine care elevated every moment we spent there. They seemed to anticipate our needs before we even voiced them, always checking in at just the right time and ensuring everything was perfect without ever being intrusive. Their professionalism is matched only by their kindness—they made us feel not just welcomed, but truly valued.

We would also be remiss not to mention the wonderful Butlers team—Jose, Raul, and Kopa—whose seamless support and thoughtful touches made our stay feel effortless from start to finish.

It’s rare to encounter a team so dedicated to creating such a seamless and personalized experience. Eduardo, Jason, and Liz, along with the Butlers team, are a true credit to the St. Regis brand, and they played a huge role in making our stay so memorable.

We can’t wait to return.

I could not recommend Gary enough. He is incredibly professional and his photos capture all of the emotion of the day. The images we received are simply beautiful.

The setting was absolutely beautiful, and he knew exactly how to use the light, scenery, and natural moments to create stunning photos. Nothing felt forced—just real, joyful memories that we’ll cherish forever.

When we received the photos, we were blown away. Every image felt authentic and full of life, and they truly captured the spirit of our family. These are the kind of photos we’ll look back on for years to come.

If you’re looking for someone who is talented, kind, and truly passionate about what they do, we couldn’t recommend Gary more highly!

From the moment you arrive, something feels different. Nature, fresh air, and the surrounding sounds slow you down almost instantly. The space feels open and light-filled, with reflections that subtly catch you off guard. Sculptures and architecture have a strong presence, yet everything remains calm and effortless.

The rooms are deeply comfortable, and everything runs seamlessly. The butler team stands out—attentive, warm, and intuitive in a way that you truly feel.

Of everything I experienced, the spa stayed with me the most. The ritual inspired by the phases of the moon goes beyond technique—it’s about how it makes you feel. It creates a unique moment to fully disconnect and turn inward.

The restaurants are another highlight. Beyond the food itself, there’s something special in how each space shifts throughout the day, offering a different atmosphere every time. There’s a clear sense of place—you can feel Mexico in the details, without it ever feeling forced.

It’s a place that invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect—one you don’t easily tire of returning to, in memory or in person.

The rooms don't have microwave, and food are super expensive. Service is mediocre. I've not seen my butler in person. Butler response time is very slow. They have very rude employees who wouldn't honor what they promised. It takes a while to get to the property from the main road.