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When I received an invitation to the opening weekend of Mexico's newest luxury resort, The Riviera Maya VERSION at Kanai in Playa del Carmen, I couldn't answer fast enough. This wasn't my first time visiting an EDITION hotel (Marriott's luxury lifestyle brand). In fact, I found myself staying Sunset Boulevard location almost every week, as it is a popular venue for industry events in Los Angeles. While this newest property is a far cry from bustling city life, there are some common minimalist design details—a soothing all-white color palette, lots of limestone, and beautiful lighting in everywhere you go—across all homes. Ian Schrager-designed properties (this time in collaboration with the architecture and design firm Rockwell Corporation). Add in some local elements like lush greenery and stunning Caribbean coastline, and it's easy to see why standard rooms don't come cheap, starting at $799 per night.
My three-night stay started opening weekend and really felt like summer camp for adults, except instead of crafts and campfires, there were meet-ups on the suite penthouse, late night beach concerts with sets by Mia Moretti And DJ Ruckusand many celebrity websites. After a quick 40-minute drive from Cancun airport, we arrived just in time for sunset. The outdoor lobby immediately caught my attention with its sky-high ceiling decorated with greenery everywhere in sight and a strange infinity pool that perfectly reflected the fiery sunset.
Courtesy of Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai.
As I was shown to my room, we passed the lobby bar, which had crimson velvet seating and a floor-to-ceiling Mexican sculpture behind it. Little did I know that my soon-to-be-weds and I would retire there every evening for a nightcap. It's a moody space asset and stands in stark contrast to the clean, minimalist and all-white theme everywhere else on the property. On the short walk back to my room, I could take in the three wings of the resort, built atop a majestic floating mangrove forest. I was lucky enough to buy a downstairs apartment with a private plunge pool overlooking 620 acres of rich green landscape.
Courtesy of Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai.
In true EDITION style, this room is the epitome of luxury with large tiled limestone floors, all-white bedding and decorations, a custom cream couch and a King-sized four-poster bed. The bathroom is complete with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, and oversized vanity mirror (where many selfies are taken). The The hotel's signature Le Labo black tea scent (which is famously found flying through the air in all VERSIONS) fills the room and lines the tabletop. My evening routine consisted of returning to my room as soon as I could to crawl into it. Luxurious cotton robeshower, order from the 24-hour room service menu and relax on the patio before falling asleep.
Courtesy of Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai.
As expected, the dishes on offer are exceptional thanks to a program of modern Mexican cuisine led by award-winning chefs Tomás Bermudez And Francisco Ruano. Next to the main lobby bar is the Kitchen, open for breakfast. Francisco “Paco” Ruano is behind the resort's most upscale restaurant Ki'is (translated to “passion” in Mayan). Date night spot known for Creative tasting menu includes ready-to-eat dishes such as roast suckling pig, fennel and mole, filled with local ingredients. If you follow the palm tree-lined sandy road toward the Caribbean Sea, there you'll find Bermúdez's So'ol Beach Club (which means “oyster” in Mayan). The restaurant is vibrant around the clock, often with live music and fresh air Menu with lots of seafood That place is full of the freshest and most delicious bar dishes. Pro tip: If you continue down to the water's edge, you'll find cozy hammocks in the sea where you can relax and sip cocktails at your leisure.
Courtesy of Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai.
It's no surprise that the spa is a must-see. The white curved building was inspired by the circular structure of cenotes (natural pools inside local caves in the area). Inside, you'll be able to experience hydrotherapy pools, a private outdoor pool, a Turkish hammam, and both dry and steam saunas (where I spent a lot of time relaxing). . The spa menu offers an extensive list of facials and massages, all of which I would instantly say yes to. Out of habit, I applied a traditional Swedish massage called The Edition Signature Massage (of course with Le Labo black tea scented massage oil).
VERSION Riviera Maya at Kanai
When it's time to leave Resort, I really felt a wave of sadness. On the sad drive back to the airport, memories of fun beach parties and hour-long dinners with new friends flashed in my mind. And while another staycation might be a little out of my price range, something tells me I'll find a way to make it happen. If you are planning a trip to Playa del Carmen this is the place to stay.
