The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai Expands Its Vision of Barefoot Luxury with New Beachfront Villas, Cultural Programming & Offers

Since its highly anticipated debut in 2024, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai has redefined the meaning of laidback luxury along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. Now, in 2026, the resort enters its next chapter with the debut of the Beachfront Villas while doubling down on its cultural programming EDITION is known for. 

Set in a 620-acre protected nature reserve in Kanai, the hotel is a destination unto itself that continues to evolve with its surroundings. The newly opened Beachfront Villas are positioned along two miles of white-sand beach, steps away from the shoreline, offering indoor-outdoor living, direct ocean access, and uninterrupted views of the Caribbean sea. With interiors by Rockwell Group, the evolution builds on the resort’s original vision: a journey through the ancient Mayan concept of the universe - heavens, earth, and the underworld.

With EDITION’s commitment to cultural connection, the resort continues to grow its cultural programming that invites guests to engage with the traditions and creative spirit of the Yucatan Peninsula. Experiences include:

• Cenote Waves Massage, available at the spa, is inspired by the soft, continuous energy of water from the cenotes and the renewal of spring. The full-body massage is designed to calm and ease, offered with light to medium pressure. 
• World of Agave Distillates, at the Lobby Bar, is a weekly recurring experience for guests to discover and savor vivacious Agave Spirits with tastings guided by local experts. Classes and tastings span tequila, mezcal, sotol, maguey, and beyond. 
• EDITION Soul: Stargazing, Copal Cleansing, at the Lagoon Pool, is a complimentary intimate experience that includes a copal cleansing ritual connecting guests to the mysticism of the Maya world, stargazing under the night sky, with a thoughtfully curated honesty bar.

These offerings complement the resort’s vibrant culinary program led by acclaimed Chefs Francisco “Paco” Ruano and Tomás Bermúdez, whose concepts bring local flavors to life across signature venues including KI’IS and SO’OL Beach Club, respectively. 

Throughout the summer, guests can further engage with the destination’s culinary story: each Saturday from 1-5pm Chef Chef Bermúdez offers a Beach BBQ at SO’OL Beach Club (a la carte), while Chef Paco presents a Jalisco Distillates Tasting at KI’IS, guiding diners through a curated menu that highlights the finest spirits from his home region (~$105pp). 

Exclusive Spring & Summer 2026 Offers include:

• Before the First Whistle, or After the Last Goal
  • For guests looking forward to this summer’s highly anticipated international football games, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai presents room rates from $349/night (plus taxes and fees), offering the opportunity to enjoy a sophisticated stay before the matches begin, or to extend the celebration of every goal after. Exclusive benefits include $40 breakfast credit per night, per person (up to 2 guests), 20% savings on food & beverage outlets, 20% savings on spa treatments of 50 minutes or longer, and $100 resort credit per day. Reservations with ed.cunek.reservations@marriott.com 
• Plunge Into Luxury
  • Guests that book 3 night stays from now until October 31st for stays from May 26th, 2026, will receive a free upgrade to the Plunge Pool Room (subject to availability), guaranteed late checkout from 4pm, one-time hydrotherapy access at the spa for two adults, and 20% savings across all Food & Beverage outlets. BOOKING LINK

• Suite Arrival

·       Step into pure sophistication with the exclusive luxury suites where iconic design and unrivaled indulgence set the stage for your escape. When booking these suites from 3 nights or longer, from now until June, guests enjoy discounts up to 35% off, with a $300 hotel credit per stay and complimentary roundtrip airport transportation.  

·       BOOKING LINK 

With fewer than 10% of its land developed, the resort remains deeply committed to environmental stewardship, from mangrove preservation to sea turtle conservation programs. Its architecture, crafted from local limestone and sustainable materials, continues to reflect a philosophy where luxury and ecology coexist.

From its 2024 opening, to the introduction of Beachfront Villas, and expanded cultural programming, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai continues to evolve as a destination that defines barefoot luxury.