What it is

A bastion of earthy wellness on the beach, with design-forward rooms, curated experiences and a jungle-inspired spa.

What it isn't

Pecking. Five restaurants helmed by star Chef Orli Del Angel make everything from wood-fired tortillas to agave-spiked paletas (popsicles).

What we think

It can be difficult for new resorts to elicit wows in this undeniably exquisite corner of Mexico, known for its perfect powdery beaches (with glass-clear turquoise water, natch) and deep cenote caves flanked by lush rainforests. Thankfully, Etéreo—which translates to “ethereal”—stands up to paradise. Guest rooms look pulled from the pages of Architectural Digest’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” issue, with glass walls that span a panorama over the sea, private plunge pools on each terrace, and Instagram-ready interiors that include textural furnishings and wood walls hand-carved by artist Manuel Felguérez. Book a suite to sprawl out—they begin at a whopping 1,400 square feet—and ask for one with a roof deck and al fresco hot tub. You’re worth it. While you’re here, be sure to book a handful of only-in-the-Riviera-Maya experiences. Some of our favorites? A biking tour of the Yucatan and a guided cenote safari, including a chef-made picnic.

You're here because

They’ve created a handful of unmissable cooking classes and extracurriculars, including mezcal and corn pairing and aged sake tastings.

The Moment

You’ve experienced a Mayan Full Moon Ceremony, and a colorful chromatic aerobics class inspired by the artist James Turrel. Now there’s only one thing left to do to round-off your vacay in paradise, and that’s an overwater massage—yes, a treatment on a spa deck that floats in the languid Caribbean Sea. Bliss.

Restaurants & Bars

Itzam - offers a menu inspired by Mayan tradition but with a contemporary approach

El Carrito - offers coffee, espresso and pastries in the morning, street snacks, paletas and agua frescas in the afternoon, and cocktails in the evening

Alberca - offers a pool menu featuring salads, tacos, raw bowls and ceviches as well as cocktails

Che Che - offers a menu inspired by Nikkei cuisine – the pairing of Japanese techniques with Peruvian and Brazilian ingredients

El Changarro - in-the-sand dining open for lunch, offers a menu focusing on the daily local catch served in myriad ways

Location

Just a 40 minute drive south of Cancun International Airport, within the 24.5 acre beachfront Kanai Project.