All photos courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya
Luxury branded residences to debut in 2026 along Mexico’s spectacular Caribbean coast
As more and travelers are seeking extended luxury vacations in the beautiful Riviera Maya region of the Yucatán Peninsula, top global hotel brands are expanding into branded residences that offer fully-furnished homes in sought-after locations.
Among the latest developments in this fast-growing trend is The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya. Situated along Mexico‘s lush Caribbean coastline, this exciting new project is part of Ritz-Carlton’s ongoing efforts to create world-class living spaces in iconic destinations.
Construction on this highly anticipated residential community is set to begin this year, with the first phase slated to debut in 2026. The initial phase will include 29 completed residences and the grand opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Riviera Maya. The entire development will feature 127 luxurious residences, with starting prices from around $1.8 million (US).
Ritz-Carlton Residences Riviera Maya’s Strategic Location
With Quintana Roo welcoming over 33 million visitors in 2023 alone, the timing is ideal for Ritz-Carlton’s expansion into the region. Located just a 45-minute drive from Cancún International Airport and an hour from Tulum’s new airport, these luxurious residences are set on 220 acres of mangroves, canopies, and pristine Caribbean shoreline.
The property’s design also aims to incorporate the natural surroundings and Mayan heritage, with sightlines and architecture crafted to reflect the region’s rich cultural history. Led by Desarrolladora Arca in collaboration with IMI Worldwide Properties, the development has renowned Mexican architecture firm Sordo Madaleno overseeing the overall design.
The vision? The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya’s goal is to create a self-contained village that blends seamlessly with the area’s dramatic natural landscape, while maintaining an eco-conscious approach.
Luxurious Amenities and a Focus on Sustainability
The luxury hotel component of the project will feature 300 rooms and suites, along with high-end amenities such as four swimming pools, a family-friendly lagoon area, and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center. Additional recreational options will include a Kids Club, Teens Club, and The Racquet Club, with professional tennis and pickleball courts.
Sustainability remains a priority, with developers aiming to preserve 85 percent of the surrounding jungle while maintaining the integrity of mangrove forests and dune landscapes.
Residences will range from beachfront estates to jungle-view condos offering a variety of living spaces. The Beachfront Estates, a limited collection of 13 five-bedroom homes, are situated directly on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and span three levels, totaling over 3,500 sq ft. Grand Residences provide mangrove views in two- and three-level configurations, while the Mangrove Cottages offer intimate two- and three-bedroom spaces set against dense jungle canopies.
Dining and Social Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya will boast a range of dining options, including Bonfire, an open-fire grilling venue, and Sagrado, a Mexican bakery and café. The Excursion Lounge will cater to those looking for quick bites, while Restaurant Central will feature alfresco dining with an open-air food hall offering six culinary experiences, including a distillery, wine cellar, and speakeasy.
Additional dining options include The Farmhouse, with a farm-to-table concept, and Aldea, a minimalist indigenous food market. The Beach Club will serve as the community’s social hub, offering beachfront dining and leisure.
And just how posh will this exclusive development be? Mike Collins, founding partner and CEO of IMI Worldwide Properties had this to say about the development:
“All residences will provide a one-of-a-kind living experience, with the most notable being The Beachfront Estates, a limited collection of 13 homes placed on the sand, providing direct beach access, a rarity for the region,” says Collins. “With its thoughtful amenities, exceptional design, and unparalleled service, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya will undoubtedly captivate discerning buyers seeking luxury living in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.”
Riviera Maya is in Great Company
And he’s right about that. A recent report by Savills, a global real estate agency, highlighted the growing demand for branded residences as the number of high-net-worth individuals with international lifestyles continues to rise. The report lists Dubai, South Florida, Phuket, New York City, Los Cabos, London, and Riviera Maya among the hottest markets for these exclusive properties.
There’s little doubt The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya, is set to become a standout choice for luxury living in the region. We can’t wait for 20236 to get here…
Find out more about this luxury development at www.rcrrivieramaya.com.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Co-Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.