About the Resort
UNICO 20°87° is a chic, adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya, offering all-inclusive luxury with local charm. With modern design, top-tier amenities, and authentic Mexican touches, it’s a refined coastal escape.
Key Property Facts
Our Experience
First Impressions
Disclaimer: My brother and I were invited to stay at Unico Riviera Maya for three nights, including accommodations, food, drink, and entertainment in exchange for an honest review.
Riviera Maya is one of my favorite spots, and as someone who’s made multiple trips, I’ve come to appreciate the region’s wide variety of resorts. From the grand luxury of Vidanta Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya to the laid-back vibes at Sensira Resort & Spa, I’ve experienced quite a bit.
I hadn’t heard of UNICO 20°87° until a friend recommended it, describing it as a boutique resort with luxury amenities at prices that wouldn’t break the bank. While I enjoy staying at chains, I especially love one-off boutique resorts, so I decided to experience it for myself. With my mind made up, I reached out to the press team at the resort.
After a few email exchanges, I set up a trip to experience all the resort has to offer. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Cancun. From my home base in Omaha, NE, it’s a 6 hour travel day with a connection through Dallas.
The cheese omelette on American was phenomenal
The resort itself is located about an hour and 20 minutes from Cancun International, nestled in a quieter stretch of coastline. While the resort is a bit further south than most other resorts I’ve stayed at, the drive wasn’t too bad. I recommend taking a private transfer (I prefer a Suburban), since I find shared vans to add an extra hour onto my day. This way, I can be on the beach with a drink in my hand by 1PM. The best way to start a trip!
Arrival & First Impressions
Dropoff is standard for an all-inclusive in the area
After what seemed like a quick drive, we entered through the gates (standard for a Mexican resort) and were dropped off at the front of the resort. I’d consider UNICO to have a modern take on traditional Mexican architecture. While the grounds were not palatial, they were well-kept and modern. Check-in was fairly quick, with the bellman taking our bags and a 10 minute wait in the lobby while our concierge checked us in.
The lobby was warm and inviting
While our check-in was fairly quick, it’s important to note that we arrived at noon. My wife visited a few weeks earlier and arrived at 1pm, requiring a wait of an hour. Apparently this was a busy time, since on our walk to the pool at 1, we saw a crowded lobby with lots of people waiting around. Long waits at peak check-in time are standard at all-inclusives, but I point this out to level-set expectations should you choose to arrive between noon and 2.
The landscaping is modern and the grounds are quite expansive
After checking in, we had lunch and went back to the front desk. There, our concierge greeted us and gave us a brief tour of the resort’s expansive grounds, which were beautifully landscaped, featuring lush gardens, tranquil pools, and plenty of open space.
More boutiques than I’ve seen at a resort
Overall, the grounds were well-kept and inviting. Maybe it’s a habit I acquired during my real estate days, but I found myself drawn to the little touches of traditional Mexican architecture. I loved all the accent lights and natural wood that had a strangely calming feel.
Our Accomodations
We were given a Alcoba Ocean View suits, one of the few rooms in the entire resort that had 2 queen beds. At 624 sq. ft., the suite was expansive and thoughtfully designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered glimpses of the azure Caribbean Sea.
One of the few queen bed rooms
Our room was the Alcoba Ocean View, which had a modern design with some subtle Mexican touches. The décor leaned minimalist with natural wood, soft lighting, and neutral tones. It felt more like a modern condo than a typical all-inclusive hotel room. The layout worked well, with a small living area, and two queen beds.
The bathroom was nice and modern
The bathroom was also very nice, featuring dual sinks and a rainfall shower. The resort stocked L’Occitane bath products, which were a step up from what you normally see. There was also a drying rack for swimsuits and towels, which turned out to be more useful than I expected after days at the pool and beach.
Amenities in the room went a step beyond what I’ve seen elsewhere. There was a Nespresso machine, robes and slippers, and a minibar stocked with top-shelf liquor and snacks. What stood out to me was the option to customize it. The difference is that the resort send you a checklist ahead of your stay, allowing you pick your minibar drinks, snacks, and even the scent for your in-room diffuser.
I’ve stayed at quite a few resorts, and I had never seen that before. It gave the room a more personalized feel and I really appreciate the thought UNICO put into making a great first impression that felt almost like home.
Big windows with a large balcony, a great place to have coffee
The balcony was expansive, with a sitting area and a big tub. Of course, I didn’t use the tub but could see the draw for someone who’s into that type of thing. I did, however, sit on the balcony in the morning and watch the sun rise.
The view from our room. A nice view but a bit hard to see the ocean
While the room and grounds are very nice, I was a bit surprised at the lack of ocean view. At most resorts I’ve stayed at, the lobby and pools are built in such a way that you always have great views of the ocean. But even on the fourth floor, there is tall vegetation that blocks the ocean views. So even though we stayed in an ocean view room, it was hardly that.
That said, it’s not a big criticism, but I do love the ocean, and the bulk of my stay I forgot I was at a beach resort since there were pretty much no areas on the resort with true ocean views. I want to point this out in case you’re like me and love waking up, opening your door, and hearing the waves crash.
Room Options at Unico Riviera Maya
While the Alcoba Ocean View room was great, Unico offers a variety of luxurious accommodations tailored to different preferences:
- Alcoba Ocean View – Offers partial ocean views, a private balcony, and a double hydro spa tub.
- Alcoba Ocean Front – Similar to the Ocean View but with full ocean vistas and an outdoor lounge area.
- Alcoba Swim-Up Pool – Ground-floor rooms with semi-private swim-up pools and a furnished terrace.
- Estancia Suite – A larger suite with a separate living area, available with tropical or ocean views.
- Oceanfront Master Suite – The most spacious suite (1,200 sq. ft.) with a plunge pool and panoramic ocean views.
- Villa 20°87° – The most exclusive option, featuring private butler service, a private pool, and multiple bedrooms.
No matter which room you choose, Unico ensures a luxurious and thoughtfully curated experience that blends modern comfort with authentic Mexican charm.
The Rest of Our Stay
The Service
My travels have taken me to a wide variety of resorts, and I think UNICO’s service rivals that of even a top-tier resort. From the moment we arrived, our concierge, Luis, checked in multiple times a day to make sure we were taken care of. He booked our dinner reservations, set up spa appointments, and even gave us tips on things to do at the resort.
The mudslides are top-tier
Around the resort, service was just as strong. At the pools and beach, staff were attentive without hovering. On our second day at the Tranquilo Pool, a server came over with another round of mudslides before we even had to ask. Small touches like that seem trivial but make the experience one that stands out and makes the experience feel more personalized than at a larger chain.
The Food
The food at Unico Riviera Maya deserves its own spotlight. I’ve been to my fair share of all-inclusives, and while many offer decent food, UNICO elevates it to another level. With several high-end dining options, the resort focuses on both quality and authenticity, ensuring that every meal is an experience in itself. The resort’s restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes, and everything from local Mexican fare to international cuisine was on offer.
Superbia showcases local talent in an immersive way
We happened to visit during Superbia, a unique showcase of local artists, mixologists, and chefs that host popups and takeovers to showcase their talents. I normally don’t gravitate towards traditional Mexican food, but Cueva Siete was hosting a tasting menu, so of course we had to try it out.
We only had 3 nights, so we chose Mi Carisa, Cueva Siete, and Mura House. Here’s a sample of the food I ate at the various restaurants throughout my stay, in no particular order.
Traditional breakfast. I missed the pancakes on the secondary buffet by the pool
Every bar and restaurant made a mean old fasioned
Tomato caprese salad and fried mozzarella
Very rich but amazing flavor
Second course; a traditional Mexican street corn with shrimp
I’m not sure what this was but it was amazing and very rich
I don’t normally like Crème brûlée but I couldn’t stop eating this one
While we ate most everywhere, here’s a rundown of all dining options:
- Mi Carisa – The resort’s Italian-Mediterranean option. It’s built around a wood-fired oven and serves seafood, pastas, and classic Italian dishes in a more upscale setting. The chicken parmesan and fried cheese were amazing; I suggest ordering extra sauce to make it even better.
- Cueva Siete – A concept restaurant that rotates chefs, each bringing their own take on traditional Mexican and Yucatecan cuisine. Expect local flavors, moles, and regional specialties you don’t always see at other resorts. We ordered the tasting menu during the Superbia takeover, which was mind-blowing.
- Mura House – UNICO’s Japanese restaurant, offering teppanyaki, sushi, and yakitori. It’s a good change of pace from the heavier Mexican and Italian meals. I ordered the Cali roll and the teriyaki beef. Both were delicious.
- 20°87° Restaurant – The most versatile dining option, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the morning it’s an à la carte and buffet mix with pastries, fresh juices, and hot dishes. At night it shifts into a steak and seafood grill. A la carte service was a bit slow here for lunch but the food is higher-quality than the pool food, so it’s worth the wait.
- Café Inez – A European-inspired café that works well for quick meals. They serve pastries, sandwiches, salads, and good coffee throughout the day, and it’s open late compared to the other restaurants. I had a wonderful and filling ham panini here for lunch and multiple coffees every day.
- Room Service – Available 24/7 with a wide selection of items, from simple snacks to full meals, all included in the all-inclusive package. The food is standard room service fare but I was bummed the chicken tenders weren’t available until 11pm (I’m a big kid at heart and love chicken tenders).
The Pools
UNICO has three main pools, each with its own personality. I spent most of my mornings at the 20°87° Pool, which is the largest and most central. It has the most open space, a swim-up bar, and daily DJ sets that give it a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.
Walking up to the pool from the resort lobby. You can see the incredible amount of chairs
The secondary part of the 20°87°, which is slightly elevated and a bit more private than the main pool
In the afternoons, I usually moved over to La Escondida Pool, the quiet pool. The music is softer, the seating is spread out, and the water is kept cooler, which made it a good place to wind down later in the day.
I loved this pool for the good service and cool water
I spent most of my time here since it was fairly quiet and shaded
The third option, La UNICA Pool, is also on the livelier side and sits next to a snack bar serving ceviches, salads, and other light food. Both La UNICA and 20°87° use black-tile bottoms, which made the water noticeably warmer compared to La Escondida. At all three pools, loungers were plentiful, and I liked that staff placed towels on every chair each morning.
The smaller La Unica pool, which has all the activities and noise you’d expect from a party pool
Even though we visited in August, which is the slower season, it never felt crowded. I also never had to “reserve” chairs early in the morning like at many other resorts, which made the pool experience feel much more relaxed.
The only drawback is that none of the pools have direct ocean views because of the vegetation between the property and the beach, but otherwise, the pool setup worked well and offered variety depending on the kind of atmosphere you wanted.
One of my favorite things to do is sit in the pool and watch the waves. As I mentioned earlier, I forgot we were even by the ocean since there was so much vegetation obstructing the view of the ocean. A huge bummer for me, but I believe the price point and other amenities make up for this.
The Beach
To be honest, the beach at UNICO was the biggest drawback of the resort for me. While there were more loungers than I usually see at other properties, the shoreline itself is narrow and often covered in seaweed. The smell was noticeable, and it made it difficult to want to sit close to the water. I also like to walk the beach, but with the amount of seaweed that had washed up, it was tough to do.
A nice walkway but you can see how much vegetation is between the resort and the ocean
This was not only my experience. Many other guests say the same thing, that the beach feels small, rocky in some spots, and not very swimmable. A number of reviews I read before my trip mentioned spending little or no time on the beach and choosing the pools instead. After seeing it for myself, I understood why.
Too much seaweed to walk this way
Seaweed, or sargassum, is an issue across the Riviera Maya and tends to be worse in certain months. The difference is that some of the larger luxury resorts actively manage it by clearing it throughout the day or installing a floating barrier that catches it, allowing you to swim. At UNICO, I did not see that same level of effort. The end result was a beach that looked and smelled less inviting than what I expected at a property of this level.
I saw countless loungers but zero seaweed control
If you aren’t focused on the beach, the pools more than make up for it and that is where most guests seemed to spend their time. But if sitting by the ocean, swimming in it, or walking the shoreline is important to you, this will likely be the resort’s weakest point and something to consider before booking.
The Spa
The Esencia Spa at UNICO is a full-service facility and one of the better resort spas I have visited. It offers a wide range of treatments along with a hydrotherapy circuit that includes saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and relaxation areas. I booked a traditional 50-minute massage during my stay, and it was excellent.
Hallway with the various showers and hot/cold rooms looking toward the hot tub
The therapist was skilled, and I would rank it among the best massages I’ve had in Mexico. While mine was comped, the list price is $180. It’s on the higher side, but I felt the quality matched the price and I would have no issue paying it myself. I also tried the hydrotherapy circuit, which lasts about an hour and runs $60. It includes a sauna, cold shower, steam room, cold room, cold plunge, and hot tub, with staff guiding you through each step.
The warm tile chairs and hot and cold tubs
Many resorts include some version of hydrotherapy at no charge, so the fee here is worth noting. That said, the experience was more comprehensive than most, and I could see it being a worthwhile add-on for guests looking to extend their spa day. Personally, I probably would not pay for it every time, but it worked well alongside the massage.
Final Thoughts
To me, UNICO Riviera Maya feels like a resort that punches above its weight. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, the grounds are modern and well maintained, and the food is some of the best I have had at an all-inclusive.
Service was consistently good, and small touches like being able to customize your minibar made the stay feel more elevated than expected for the price. That said, the trade-offs are real. You won’t see the ocean from the pools, and the beach is narrow with more seaweed than you’d hope for. If the beach is a priority, this resort may fall short.
But if you’re happy spending most of your time at the pools, in the spa, or enjoying the restaurants, you won’t feel like you’re missing much. Where UNICO really stands out is its positioning.
It offers boutique-level touches and high-end dining at a mid-level price, which puts it ahead of most resorts in its range. It may not reach the level of a Grand Velas, but it delivers a refined experience without the top-tier cost, and that combination makes it an appealing choice for many travelers.
We Liked
Exquisite, gourmet dining with multiple restaurant options.
Spacious rooms with stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities.
Personalized service that anticipates your every need.
We Didn't Like
The pools ran hot because of the black tile.
Limited beach space compared to other resorts.
Limited to no ocean views.
Why You Should Upgrade Rooms
If you’re looking to truly experience the luxury of Unico Riviera Maya, upgrading to a Master Oceanfront Suite or the Swim-Up Suites is worth the investment. These rooms offer incredible views, more space, and exclusive amenities.
Plus, you’ll enjoy a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere with access to more personalized services. If you’re already splurging, the upgrade is definitely worth it.