Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new resort and branded residences in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

The property is being developed by GIM Desarrollos, prominent real estate developers with operations throughout the region. 

Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya, set to open in 2028, has been designed to respect the diversity of the surrounding environment and reflect local culture. The beachfront resort is nestled within a secure, gated community and surrounded by a pristine jungle and protected mangrove reserve. The property will comprise 120 guestrooms and suites with private pools, enhanced by natural materials including marble, wood, leather and locally woven fabrics. 50 branded residences, with access to a resident-only beach club, will also form part of the offer.

Mexico City-based practice Migdal Arquitectos is behind the property’s architecture, which draws poetic inspiration from Mayan traditions. Interiors are courtesy of New York-based William Gray, a new luxury offering by Meyer Davis, while Esrawe Studio has designed the spa and beach club, and Maat Handasa is behind the property’s landscaping. Bosco Sodi will serve as art curator and design consultant for the project, commenting that: “Our creative approach will enhance the resort’s ambiance, creating spaces that inspire contemplation and connection with the environment.”

A range of on-site amenities are set to include beach club, café and pool bar; indoor and outdoor event spaces; three outdoor pools and a Spa at Mandarin Oriental outpost.

“Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya exemplifies our commitment to delighting our fans at every opportunity,” says Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “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.”

Abraham Metta Cohen, Partner at GIM Desarrollos adds: “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.”