Meagan Drillinger
Even before the pandemic, Mexico was full steam ahead with hotel opening and development. Since the pandemic, it's clear that Mexico has cemented its status as one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
According to Reuters, the Mexican economy has the potential to grow up to 3 percent this year and next. As this relates to Mexico's tourism industry, according to Lodging Econometrics, Mexico has the most projects in Latin America's pipeline, with 203 projects with 33,475 rooms in the works as of the end of Q4 2022. The cities with the largest project counts in the pipeline include Mexico City, Guadalajara and Cancun.
Here are some development highlights to note for 2023 and beyond.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort has officially opened. Bringing the famous St. Regis style and service to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the new property has opened on a 620-acre reserve surrounded by mangroves and abutting the Sian Ka'an Reserve. The resort has 124 rooms, suites and residences, all with a private terrace or plunge pool. St. Regis will also be opening a Los Cabos resort at Quivira this year, with 140 guestrooms, luxury residences and restaurants.
Also in the Kanai complex, the Riviera Maya Edition is expected to open this fall, featuring 186 rooms and suites, six bars and restaurants, a pool and beach club and a spa. This will be the first Edition on the Riviera Maya.
For wellness gurus, the beloved SHA Wellness Clinic has announced it will open a resort in Costa Mujeres this year. The wellness paradise will open on 17 acres, including a third of a mile of white-sand beach.
After what seems like a long-time coming, Soho House has finally announced its debut in Mexico City. Built in the bones of a restored private residence in the Juarez neighborhood, Soho House Mexico City will be the first Soho House in Latin America. Across the Casa and neighboring Annex, the House will have three bars and lounges, a restaurant, a courtyard with outdoor dining and an outdoor pool.
Over on the Pacific Coast, the 3,000-acre Xala project is set to open this year with several hotel brands (including the first Mexico outpost of an international luxury wellness brand), beach clubs and community facilities.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Canuva will also debut this fall with 90 hotel rooms, 14 suites and 20 residences as well as a spa, beach club and an 18-hole golf course. Shortly thereafter, the Fairmont Hotel will also open in Costa Canuva.
Banyan Tree is expanding its Mexico portfolio in the Valle de Guadalupe this year, with 30 luxury villas, a spa and a winery.
Speaking of Baja, Los Cabos is ready for an explosion of openings, from the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo del Sol with 142 accommodations to the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos with 80 adults-only, boutique-style guestrooms.
What's in store for 2024
Looking ahead into 2024, Rosewood Mandarina is set to join the One&Only resort and Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, bringing 140 guestrooms, suites and villas as well as three bars and restaurants, three pools, and a fitness center.
Also in 2024, Aman has its sights set on Los Cabos with the opening of Amanvari along Baja's East Cape. The project will include a resort, residences, multiple dining venues, a spa and a stretch of beach.