Mandarin Oriental to Open New Luxury Resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya Coastline
Hong Kong, 24 September 2024 – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced plans to manage a luxury beachfront resort with branded residences on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, located on the Yucatan Peninsula. The resort, expected to open in 2028, will be designed to honor the local environment and culture, blending serene architecture and exceptional craftsmanship with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service. Acclaimed Mexican artist Bosco Sodi has been selected as the art curator for this project.
Situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, the resort is a 30-minute drive from Cancun Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s downtown. Kanai, a 680-acre masterplan, is a secure, gated community surrounded by a pristine jungle and a protected mangrove reserve. Only 9% of the land will be used for buildings and roads, preserving the natural habitat and its diverse wildlife.
Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will feature 120 elegantly refined guestrooms and suites, all with private pools and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Each space will offer seamless indoor-outdoor living, using natural materials like marble, wood, leather, and locally woven fabrics. Additionally, 50 branded residences, with access to a private resident-only beach club, will be part of the resort’s offerings.
Designed by Migdal Arquitectos, a renowned architectural firm based in Mexico City, the resort’s layout reflects a deep respect for the natural setting, inspired by Mayan architecture. William Gray of Meyer Davis, a leading New York-based luxury studio, will design the interiors, blending art, design, and natural beauty, enhanced by landscape architect Maat Handasa. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental and Beach Club will feature unique design elements by Esrawe Studio.
Bosco Sodi will serve as both the art curator and design consultant, bringing a distinct artistic vision to the project. Known for his textured, elemental works, Sodi’s involvement draws from the Japanese Wabi Sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfections, merging with Mayan traditions and contemporary aesthetics. Sodi commented, “Our creative approach will enhance the resort’s ambiance, creating spaces that inspire contemplation and connection with the environment.”
Mandarin Oriental will bring its culinary expertise to a variety of dining options, featuring international cuisines and locally inspired dishes with a focus on sustainable ingredients. The resort will offer multiple restaurants, including a beach club, café, and pool bar. Event spaces, both indoors and outdoors, will serve as stunning backdrops for weddings and special occasions.
The resort will include three outdoor pools that blend into the environment, catering to families and adults alike. A comprehensive Kids’ Club will provide a range of activities for children of all ages. For relaxation, the all-inclusive Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer a sanctuary for wellness, beauty, and massage treatments, incorporating both the brand’s signature offerings and treatments inspired by Mexican traditions. The spa also features an indoor lap pool and outdoor spa trail experiences.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, stated, “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. Extending our portfolio in the Americas brings the brand closer to our North American fans and will introduce Mandarin Oriental to new audiences. We are excited to partner with the visionary developer GIM Desarrollos and Abraham Metta Cohen on this ambitious project, and we are delighted they are fans of Mandarin Oriental.”
Riviera Maya is renowned for its stunning Caribbean waters, tropical forests, and rich Mayan heritage. The region is home to archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Guests will be able to explore these landmarks through curated Mandarin Oriental experiences while enjoying the region’s vibrant culinary scene, which offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors.
The resort is being developed by GIM Desarrollos, a leading real estate development company with operations across the region. Abraham Metta Cohen, Partner at GIM Desarrollos, stated, “We are thrilled to bring this exceptional luxury hospitality experience to Riviera Maya, offering guests an unparalleled connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Enhancing the guest experience with environmental awareness and cultural richness is important to us and Mandarin Oriental, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this unique luxury resort to life.”
About GIM Desarrollos
GIM is a 50-year-old group specializing in the conception, design, and execution of real estate developments across Mexico, including residential, industrial, office, retail, and hotel projects, with a focus on long-term success.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is a world-renowned luxury hotel brand, operating some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts, and residences. Known for its signature blend of Oriental heritage, local culture, and innovative design, Mandarin Oriental operates 41 hotels, 12 residences, and 24 homes in 26 countries, with many more projects in development. The Group’s mission is to delight and inspire guests through its legendary service. For more information, visit: www.mandarinoriental.com
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Chris Orlikowski (corlikowski@mohg.com), Director of Global Communications