Where Drama Meets Design: The Edition, Riviera Maya

The Edition’s newest boutique hotel in Riviera Maya was like entering a world tuned to the frequency of quiet extravagance. Nestled within the coastal reserve of Kania, the property spans 620 acres shared with the St. Regis and Auberge. With 187 rooms, it is grander in scale than any boutique hotel I have stayed in and perhaps only boutique by Marriott standards. Still, despite its size, the hotel managed to preserve the intimacy and stillness that define boutique travel.

Throughout my stay, I was enamored by the meticulous design of the hotel. The ergonomic beach loungers invited hours of languid reading; even the cutlery curved perfectly in the hand. Ambient lighting, whether casting soft shadows in the rooms or dramatic glows through the halls, gave the entire property a cinematic quality. No detail was spared, yet nothing was overwrought. Every corner held a curated glimmer: the gentle shadow play of mangrove trees over the black-bottomed pool, the immersive art structures scattered throughout. It felt as if the property had been lifted from a stage set, designed to welcome guests into the temptation of drama and stage play.

Rooms:

The rooms are massive and framed by a generous patio. Editions' signature minimalistic design reigned—sandy tones and subtle textures highlighted the lush landscape. Intuitive features made the stay seamless: soft-glow motion lights beneath the bed, whisper-quiet automatic shades and a bathroom that felt like a personal spa. The restraint in the decor allowed the attention to detail in the design features to shine.

Amenities:

The amenities were endless due to the interconnectedness with the St. Regis and Auberge. Though I am not usually a pool person, this one was undeniably indulgent. Mangrove trees grew from the pool’s center, their branches offering shade and beauty. Daybeds, like small oases, were propped in the pool’s heart, creating moments of privacy while adding to the pool’s dreamy allure.

The beach was pristine, and the service on par with the kind that feels considerately coordinated amongst hotel employees; their efforts could have been a case study in Unreasonable Hospitality. The standalone pier, set with daybeds and overwater bungalows, was a quiet sanctuary. I spent afternoons lulled to sleep by the rhythmic slap of waves or peering into the water to watch stingrays float by or search for the vibrant hues of starfish on the sea floor.

Food:

As someone a bit jaded in the food department, I am a bit hard to impress, but the dining surprised me. The seafood at the beachside restaurant was fresh, artfully plated and balanced in both flavor and texture. We ventured to the St. Regis for a couple of meals, which were equally well done. The cocktails were balanced, artfully garnished, but far from stiff. Each meal was great.

Final Thoughts:

Though the Edition carries a corporate sheen, the attention to detail was mesmerizing. The property surprises in the smallest of ways. The food wonderful and the accommodations precise, but it comes at a steep price point. It is perfect for those coming for a quick weekend reset, especially with the property being 30 minutes from the airport.