Unveiling All-Inclusive Allure at UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ Hotel Riviera Maya

Enticed by the idea of an adults-only haven? UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊Hotel Riviera Maya not only removes children from the equation, but also allows you to leave your wallet in your room with an ocean view. This all-inclusive resort offers an elevated experience designed for the sophisticated traveler seeking to connect with the Mexican Caribbean’s coveted Quintana Roo region.  

A retreat which redefines the traditional notion of the “all-inclusive,” UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊provides a bespoke experience with access to locally inspired amenities married with luxe accommodations. From the moment you arrive at the lobby, you’re greeted by a calming signature scent and a sense of place which greets you with a blend of old Mexico and today’s trends.  

Located about 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport, half an hour from Playa Del Carmen, and about 20 minutes to Tulum, UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ creates a new category of all-inclusive, marked by relaxed luxury. Every aspect of the hotel embraces the local from hotel elements to spa treatments and curated experiences, providing guests a profound connection to the surrounding region (with coordinates 20 ̊N 87 ̊as its location). With an arsenal of local experts, guides, artisans, and specialists, the hotel aims to showcase the true essence of the Riviera Maya.  

During our stay, we were fortunate to catch some of the hotel’s Dia de los Muertos festivities. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply rooted Mexican celebration that honors departed loved ones. Originating from ancient Aztec traditions, it’s a Mexican holiday observed from October 31st to November 2nd. Contrary to its name, Día de los Muertos is not a somber occasion but rather, a joyous and life-affirming holiday that embraces the circle of life and death.  

UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ reflected this with an elaborate ofrenda, or altar set in the lobby and adorned with photographs, favorite foods, drinks, and cherished possessions of the departed. Families create these offerings in their homes and at grave sites to welcome and honor the spirits and fill them with skeletons, marigolds, candles, and butterflies, all  symbols during Día de los Muertos. The authentic and inspired decorations added a unique and culturally rich ambiance to the experience. 

The property features 448 lavishly appointed guestrooms with predominantly ocean views. Accommodations include semi-private swim-up pools on the ground floor and outdoor hydro spa tubs in other rooms. Fusing modern design and locally inspired art and décor, UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊evokes a unique aesthetic which seamlessly blends coastal rustic and modern elements. 

Dining at UNICO 20°87° is not a singular experience, but rather a multi-sensory adventure, with five unique dining experiences available, along with 24/7 in-room dining, with locally-sourced ingredients are a staple at every restaurant and bar, the offerings are a diverse mix of international flavors with restaurants ranging from elevated fine dining to casual poolside offerings. There’s also a wide range of healthy options as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes with their Flora menu options, available at each restaurant.  

Each restaurant offers a unique vibe and delicious cuisine, that gives variety while on-property. Cueva Siete was my favorite, offering deliciously elevated Mexican cuisine. To more closely connect with the culinary innovations of modern Mexican cuisine, they’ve implemented a rotating chef program. We got to try Chef Lula's menu, the hotel’s first woman rotating chef! Her menu prioritizes preventing the extinction of authentic Mexican ingredients such as beans, corn and grains. Embracing the local culture, Chef Lula aims to carry the region’s authenticity into her dishes by implementing her version of the different flavors of Mexico. 

Coastal Italian cuisine and fresh pasta takes the stage at Mi Carisa, while Mura House boasts Japanese a la carte cuisine and Hibachi dining. 20.87 Restaurant—the hotel's casual beachside venue, shifts throughout the day: from a bountifully diverse a la carte breakfast menu, with fresh juices, eggs and Mexican pastries, which transforms into a classic grill in the evenings, serving up choice cuts of steak and fish.  

Cafe Inez is UNICO 20°87°’s own take on European café culture, offering healthy eats, smoothies, juices, coffee, tea and baked goods are served in the morning (they have the most delicious oatmeal and chia pudding). While the menu transitions to sandwiches, paninis and meal-sized salads for lunch and dinner late into the night.  

UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ adopts a "no-itinerary-necessary" approach, encouraging guests to indulge in on-property culturally inspired experiences. From mixology classes and cooking sessions with local flavors to live demonstrations by musicians and painters, the hotel offers a diverse range of programming for a truly immersive stay. You can easily coordinate curated “excursions” at a discounted all-inclusive rate, like a curated tour of the nearby cenotes (underwater caves), or a visit to the Mayan Ruins.  

You don’t have to leave the property to feel a sense of culture or vacation excitement. From pop-up pool parties with live music and tequila tastings to cooking and art classes and artisanal chocolate making, there is no shortage of fun on or off-property, and all on your schedule.  

Meticulously crafted cocktails and a selection of top shelf spirits can be found at both lounges while the café sports a variety of juice creations. The energy shifts as the evening darkens to night with live performances, late-night snacks, and one-of-a-kind programming. Palmera Lounge beckons the Cuban clubs of the 40s with expertly crafted cocktails, bright, inviting design, boisterous live entertainment, and a cigar bar. Bar Balam is UNICO 20°87°’s day through night cocktail bar, calling to mind the mystique of hidden-door cocktail dens of yore. Balam (which translates to jaguar in Mayan) is a powerful spirit in the ancient Mayan tradition a divine symbol of strength and a protector of fields. You can also take the party back to your room after a visit to La Botella wine store and enjoy a curated selection with the help of the hotel’s sommelier. 

All rooms feature an anfitrión, a local host, to provide personalized services like a butler would, including handling all reservations, assisting with planning on and off-property activities, as well as dry cleaning and transportation, to name some. However, your local host service goes beyond traditional butler service, offering insider's guides to the local scene.   

Offered at a discounted rate for guests, the dreamy full-service Essencia Spa and beauty salon caters to body, mind, and spirit through a range of luxury spa treatments and locally inspired beauty rituals. A fully equipped hydrotherapy facility and a wide variety of natural ingredients help create an immersive and ultra relaxing environment.  

UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ Hotel Riviera Maya stands as a testament to redefined luxury, cultural immersion, and personalized service. A stay at this exclusive adults-only retreat promises a journey into the soul of the Riviera Maya, offering an experience that is both indulgent and authentically Mexican. The perfect retreat for travellers seeking a connection to the region with the ease of a luxury all-inclusive resort.  

Learn more and book now at UNICOHotelRivieraMaya.com! Thank you for galavanting with me — Alexia