Riviera Maya, Mexico
Kanai retreat
with Richard Meier
& Partners
2010 - 2014
The Kanai Retreat is located on Mexico’s magnificent Yucatan coast line, comprised of lush mangroves and pristine beaches. W Retreat Kanai is the centerpiece of the Kanai Resort which includes four hotels and a Beach Club. The 180-room hotel has unparalleled accommodations, state of the art leisure, spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants and three bars. The Beach Club services the entire resort as well as future residential housing units along two surrounding golf courses.
Elevated above the flood plane, the hotel floats on a carpet of mangroves. The dramatic forms of the architecture are incised into the site against the infinite horizon of sea, sky, and landscape, juxtaposed by a playful merging of levels and floating planes that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Building and landscape flow into one another, as meandering gardens and courtyards, sinuous pools and waterworks intersect with terraces and foot paths. The dynamic interweaving of nature, landscape and architecture embodies the spirit of W Hotels and the energy of the international clientele that allows for a unique experience unlike any other resort of the Riviera Maya.