This year, Kempinski Hotel Cancun will observe its first anniversary operating under the flag of the famed European hotelier, but this legendary property is also celebrating 30 years of being a top luxury lodging option in Cancun. And, as I found out during a recent stay, the brand refresh continues to provide an inviting upscale experience.
For decades, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun was known for its luxurious amenities and excellent service — and that’s still the case now, as the rebranded property serves as Kempinski’s first on the North American continent (the company does have two properties in Havana). As part of the Kempinski portfolio, the hotel now offers benefits for Kempinski Discovery loyalty program members.
From the moment I arrived, I felt enveloped in the hotel’s classic elegance. Glistening chandeliers dangle from the ceiling of the tastefully decorated lobby, and stately paintings in ornate frames grace the walls. In and around the lobby, handsome furnishings inspired by Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City round out the posh ambiance of the public areas.
The 363-room Kempinski Hotel Cancun is situated on a picturesque stretch of sand in the Hotel Zone and exudes an upscale yet relaxed and unhurried vibe that’s complemented by supremely attentive service and excellent culinary options. Overall, I found the property offered a tranquil and indulgent alternative to larger, more crowded hotels — not to mention, its European Plan format is a nice change from the more common all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone.
In a destination known for spectacular turquoise waters and silky white sand, it’s no surprise that Kempinski Hotel Cancun boasts great views. My gorgeous Deluxe Seaside Room offered a soothing color palette, as well as comfortable seating, a large work desk and an attractive bathroom that featured both a bathtub and a shower. All guestrooms measure a generous 441 square feet, and suites begin at 882 square feet. (I checked out some of the larger accommodation options, including the 1,905-square-foot, three-bedroom Saasil Suite, which has its own private beachfront pool; it’s ideal for families and multigenerational groups.)
A Seaside Suite at Kempinski Hotel Cancun
Credit: 2023 Kempinski Hotel CancunCulinary Delights
I enjoyed an array of tasty culinary offerings during my stay at Kempinski Hotel Cancun. On my first night, I savored a delicious dinner at Fantino, a Mediterranean restaurant with sumptuous decor and an impressive menu with specialties such as filet mignon, pan-seared octopus and rack of lamb. I also enjoyed the large breakfast buffet every morning at El Cafe Mexicano, which has multiple made-to-order chef stations for both Mexican and international dishes. I found The Caribe Bar & Grill to be a reliably enjoyable open-air venue for lunch; the shrimp and fish tacos were among my favorite dishes — and they were always accompanied by a postcard-perfect beach view.
Since I was working during this trip, I also came to love D-Lounge, a stylish and expansive lounge, bar and restaurant that by day was a peaceful place to stake out a table with my laptop. After dark, I enjoyed excellent food and cocktails.
Two especially flavorful experiences stood out from my visit: a private mixology class hosted by a master bartender on the terrace at El Cafe Mexicano — which taught me the ins and outs of tequila and how to craft the perfect margarita — and a private dinner inside a beach cabana with a sophisticated menu provided by Casitas, the nighttime incarnation of the The Caribe Bar & Grill.
The hotel features stunning ocean views.
Credit: 2023 Kempinski Hotel CancunActive and Restful Activities
Kempinski Hotel Cancun offers myriad opportunities for both relaxation and more active pursuits. I started my trip with the obvious choice: the beautiful, wide beach and expansive pool area, where I sank into a chaise lounge on multiple occasions while sipping frothy cocktails.
The luxury Kayanta Spa, meanwhile, offers a hydrotherapy circuit, steam rooms and options for both indoor and outdoor treatments, many of which are inspired by ancient Mayan therapies and utilize indigenous ingredients from the Yucatan Peninsula. I emerged wonderfully refreshed from the facility and would have loved to have spent even more time there.
The property also features tennis and pickleball courts, as well as the Titan Tikes Kids Club. One of my most memorable experiences, however, was witnessing the release of dozens of baby sea turtles one warm evening. The resort has an ongoing program to protect hundreds of eggs per year, and witnessing the tiny, recently hatched creatures moving their flippers as they were swept into the dark waters was moving, emotional and something I’ll never forget.
