Visitors to Mexico’s Riviera Maya often seek out all-inclusive resorts where they can fully relax and enjoy the tropical weather without having to go everywhere. Naturally, there are plenty of options, with many such resorts. But if the mood is for something relaxed and yet a bit more sophisticated, the UNICO 20.87 is a perfect choice. A 5-star, Leading Hotels of the World member, the UNICO is one of the few adults-only all-inclusive properties in the area.
Located between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, with architecture by the renowned local firm Artigas and interiors by one of hospitality design leading offices, the New York City-based AVROKO, the resort can be used as a benchmark for what an all-inclusive experience should be like. Its size is on a smaller scale compared to other similar properties in the area. All the UNICO rooms have an ocean or partial view plus they all come with a bathtub making them very similar except for the ground-floor rooms being all swim-up suites. If guests are looking to be social there are many common areas to engage with fellow guests, but where the hotel excels is with many spots to unwind and relax into tranquility without the masses characterized by nearby all-inclusive resorts.
UNICO 20.87 Arrival Experience
The relaxed vibe starts with the check-in experience. The process consists of a rather informal conversation in the lobby welcomed with UNICO’s signature drink, Jade (A refreshing mix made with cucumber, mint, and lime juice). Guests are asked to pick among 3 choices of aromatherapy for the room that is set up with a diffuser and a local host is assigned that will be the point of contact for dinner reservations, excursions, and concierge- like services.
UNICO 20.87 Room & Suites
After freshening up in the lobby, guests are shown to their room. Guests staying in their most sought-after Alcoba Ocean View room with a spa tub in the balcony and a lounging area to relax or enjoy the in-dining services. The bathtub is spacious and ideal to enjoy the sunsets. The Alcoba rooms have a rustic-modern, open, and airy feel with a large bathroom and come with personal touches like a sweatshirt bathrobe and branded 20.87 slippers. Bathrobes are so popular it can be purchased at the UNICO shops. A selection of pillows is available to make sleep an even more heavenly experience!
UNICO 20.87 Food & Drink
Dining is an important part of the all-inclusive experience when staying at an all-inclusive resort. And in that department, UNICO does not disappoint! Its 3 main restaurants feel like any Michelin star-rated restaurant.
The 3 specialized restaurants Mi Carisa (Italian), Cueva Siete (Mexican), and Mura House (Japanese) have been well thought out with its culinary themes and with an impressive menu taking inspiration from each country. Each restaurant offers a list of carefully selected cocktails to enjoy with dinner. At the Cueva Siete Mexican restaurant guests can order with dessert the Mayan Coffee exotically prepared by your waiter. The Mayan Coffee is an amazing show not to be missed! The ritual takes about a few minutes consisting of lots of fire flames, Mayan coffee, liquor, and Kahlua.
A more casual restaurant, the 20.87 located by the pool has a wide selection of dishes to eat by the pool, a classic grill in the evening, and an a la carte menu for breakfast. Or if just staying in for the night and want to enjoy in-room dining in the balcony, an impressive menu can be had such as shrimp ceviche, beef tenderloin with Roquefort sauce, pasta & pizzas, and salmon among many other choices.
Guests heading to one of the hotel specialty restaurants should keep in mind reservations are highly recommended and can be booked directly with your local host via WhatsApp.
If still hungry after indulging in diner, the resort has a new chocolate store named Sool, where one can purchase a range of Mexican hot chocolate, a variety of chocolates truffles and bonbouns, all inspired by distinct Mexican flavors.
UNICO Guest Experience
The UNICO guest experience is unparalleled and hotel guests will always feel welcomed when interacting with hotel staff. The pool service is efficient, and your waiter will not disappoint in keeping drinks coming or taking lunch orders. As part of the all-inclusive guest experience an in-room mixology selection can be requested each night before dinner and one get to mix their own drinks. After coming back from dinner housekeeping will pamper you with turndown room service. Your room will be ready for a wonderful night of sleep!
UNICO Amenities
Hotel guests at the resort will be impressed with a plethora of hotel amenities featuring two main pools and one quiet pool for guests to relax. The upscale spa offers a wide range of treatment options for a service charge and if getting a treatment one can enjoy the pools inside the spa area. For those guests that want to work out a sweat, although on the small side the facility is well-equipped with modern weight and cardio machine and work-out activities are held there weekly.
