Architecture studios Edmonds International and Rockwell Group have unveiled The Riviera Maya Edition, a luxurious hotel nestled in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state. This latest addition to The Edition hotel group is significant as it marks founder Ian Schrager’s final project for the brand. The hotel, situated on a nature reserve near Playa del Carmen, took seven years to complete and opened earlier this year.
Architectural Masterpiece on a Nature Reserve
Spanning almost 200,000 square meters along two miles of pristine beach, The Riviera Maya Edition is located within a unique wildlife habitat populated by mangroves. Initially masterplanned by architect Richard Meier, the design features a series of perpendicular volumes and elongated linear routes that traverse the site. Edmonds International took over the architectural design, drawing inspiration from ancient Mayan pyramids to create contemporary linear buildings with sloping facades. These structures are elevated on stilts to protect the delicate ecosystem below.
Interior Design by Rockwell Group
The interiors, crafted by New York-based Rockwell Group, blend The Edition’s minimalist aesthetic with vibrant tropical materials and colors suited to the locale. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a pergola that leads to a grand staircase, ascending into a soaring three-story lobby. Vertical teak panels positioned over a shallow pool pivot open to reveal stunning views and provide natural ventilation. The lobby features a check-in area, a lounge with hanging greenery, and a pool table, creating a welcoming and airy atmosphere.
Lobby and Bar Area Highlights
Beyond the lobby is the Lobby Bar, characterized by three-story-high ceilings and a dramatic wall of over 100 local artifacts displayed in a grid of shelves. This space is complemented by bright red velvet curtains and seating upholstered in vibrant yellow and pink, reflecting the rich hues of Mexican art and craftsmanship.
Dining and Wellness Facilities
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Kitchen, is located within this central volume, alongside another dining option, Ki’is, and a conference center nestled among the mangroves. The convergence of the hotel’s three main buildings forms a dramatic plaza, reminiscent of the region’s cenotes, or subterranean pools. Here, a spa and fitness center are housed below a reflecting pool, visible through a skylight, adding to the serene ambiance.
Outdoor and Recreational Spaces
Above ground, a woven bamboo pavilion, used for yoga classes, stands as an architectural highlight. This undulating structure, with a central pool visible from the spa below, casts dappled light into the relaxation areas. From the main swimming pool and terrace, a 100-meter sandy promenade flanked by towering palm trees leads to the So’ol beach club. Here, guests can enjoy another restaurant, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and various beach amenities including cabanas and loungers.
Exclusive Accommodations
The Riviera Maya Edition boasts 182 guest rooms and suites, including a magnificent 2,000-square-meter rooftop Sky Villa. This Sky Villa features five bedroom suites and the largest outdoor terrace of its kind in North America. Rooms on the lower floors offer private plunge pools, while upper-level rooms have angled balconies designed for privacy.
Ian Schrager’s Legacy and Future of The Edition
Ian Schrager, who founded The Edition in 2013 in partnership with Marriott International, announced his departure from his full-time role within the group in 2022. However, he will remain a consultant for the brand. The Riviera Maya Edition is the last property Schrager oversaw in a leadership capacity, marking the end of an era for the visionary behind the boutique hotel concept.
Conclusion
The Riviera Maya Edition, with its thoughtful design and sustainable approach, stands as a testament to the potential of luxury hospitality that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. As the 19th hotel in The Edition’s portfolio, it showcases the collaborative genius of Edmonds International and Rockwell Group, and the enduring influence of Ian Schrager’s vision in the hospitality industry.
Photography: Nikolas Koenig
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