Minutes within arriving at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, I sent a text to family and friends saying, “I might not return home; I found heaven.” I’m sure your clients won’t disagree. The accommodations at this new all-inclusive Mexico property exude modern Mexican flair and a relaxed ambiance—mine came with a swim-up pool with chaises set in the water and hammocks hanging in the patio. Can you say pure bliss? The property has swim-up pools on every first-floor guestroom—76 total. Mine, set within a few feet from the grand 20˚87˚ Pool and Swim Up Bar and La Unica Pool, offered views of passersby, pool action, and well-manicured lush gardens. For those who prefer a soak in the tub instead, every room—372 to be exact (not including the two in Villa 20˚87˚, a 2-bedroom villa)—offers a hydro spa tub on the balcony, also ideal for taking in the surrounding scenery.
Rooms come stocked with wines, mescal, tequila, soft drinks, and complimentary sun hats that guests can have decorated during one of the many pop-up activities around the resort. While lounging about in the room, guests can use the services of their anfitrion, or “host,” who, among other things, can set up the spa tub.
Although it will be hard for honeymooners to leave their room, there’s plenty to do around this unique adults-only resort. Frank Maduro, v.p. of marketing for AIC Hotel Group, agrees when I say UNICO is a different type of all-inclusive. He describes it as, “an adults-only, all-inclusive hotel that embodies relaxed luxury and immerses the guest in the local culture through great food and mixology, the design, including art and local artisan program, pop-up programming, the wellness experience and exclusively curated tours.” He’s on point. At every corner something’s going on, but it isn’t rowdy or disruptive. One afternoon there could be an artisan by the pool weaving handbags, belts, and table runners, and another afternoon there’ll be artisans drawing on the hotel walls, showcasing their artwork on mescal bottles, or decorating notebooks with traditional Mexican artwork. At night, the pop-up experiences switch to a more entertaining aspect offering everything from a Spanish pop band performing by the pool, or perhaps a sultry jazz singer serenading guests at Palmera Lounge before the DJ and local band take over. Maduro adds, “Each day offers a different experience. You’ll never know what to expect.”
For guests who want to venture off property, the resort’s “uniqueness” also extends to its Signature Excursions, each designed with added details and amenities to supplement the experience. For my adventure, we headed off for a half-day in Tankah with a small brown bag of goodies in hand that included organic sunscreen, body mist, face wipes, and bug spray from the hotel’s onsite spa. Our destination: a Maya village where we jumped in, ziplined across, and canoed through cenotes, and relaxed on hammocks. The day concluded with a traditional Maya meal served by the locals.
After partaking in the local culture, guests can relax at the onsite Esencia Spa, which offers one daily complimentary service, as well as amenities to use in-room upon their arrival. Suggest your clients sign up for the 60-minute Esencia Signature treatment where two (yes TWO) therapists work simultaneously to target tension in the body. I have to say that this massage was completely euphoric; your clients will definitely walk out in a state of pure bliss.
“This is not your typical all-inclusive property, it’s anything but cookie-cutter, so keep that in mind when positioning and selling the hotel to your guests,” advises Maduro. Rates start at $600 per night dbl.
Contact Information
UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya: unicohotelrivieramaya.com
