UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Words Ashley Bowling | Photos Ashley Haguewood
Flying two hours east will immerse travelers in a vastly different landscape, yet a similar ease of life with idyllic beaches and welcoming culture await. Under Caribbean blue skies lie emerald seas that convert to aquamarine waves as they crash on white-sand beaches dotted with cream coral. Under those same sun-soaked skies, Mayan ruins rise out of lush green forests amidst colorful architecture, matching its sea life ablaze with a canvas of color.
This destination, however, caters to the modern and luxe travelers who seek to escape the rowdy scene of Cancun and Los Cabos and lures those seeking seclusion at an elegant adults-only resort. This is UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya.
On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, UNICO 20°87° embraces its natural surroundings, paying homage to colonial architecture and supporting local artisans in every design detail. With an unfiltered view of modern Mexico, UNICO aims to whisk guests away with a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive experience, gifting all who stay a deep connection to the region—hence the name.
This resort’s sun-filled interiors, moody backdrops, and intimate spaces are easy on the eyes. The design details carry into each stateroom, where guests have the option to specify their every preference, from the firmness of the pillows to the scent in the room to their daily mini-bar selection. Each guestroom reflects Mexico’s past and present with putty-colored walls, wood-beamed ceilings, leather armchairs, a lounger, and fabulously soft beds dressed in crisp white linens. At turn-down, rooms are stocked with local artisanal treats, and the bathrooms are filled with soaps by local artisans. They’re designed in rich wood tones and black stone, while the vanity mirrors float to allow the Caribbean sun to seep past the bedroom into the bathroom.
Accommodations include a “local host” who checks in daily, ensuring everything from a good night’s rest, restaurant reservations, unpacking, and even ironing services are attended to. While the ground-level guestrooms have swim-up pools, the upper levels have outdoor hydro-spa tubs for the ultimate seclusion, and nearly all the rooms boast ocean views.
Dining at UNICO is not a singular experience. Each of the five restaurants offer a multi-sensory, fine dining experience, all the way to their lively bars and beachside cafes. The food is sourced locally, the service is impeccable, the drinks are delicious, and the atmosphere is elegant. Every detail is intentionally played out, adding to the concept of modern luxury meets local spirit.
There are plenty of moments of seclusion at UNICO, from the luxe men’s and women’s spas (complete with a hydro-circuit, eucalyptus steam room, complimentary mud masks, and dreamy spa treatments) to a “smaller” relaxation pool near a boardwalk with private cabanas ready to rent where the lull of waves crashing ashore eases the body and mind. There are also ways to connect to other travelers through art classes, board games, and a pool table in the main bar, as well as mixology and cooking classes.
Just a short drive south, Playa Akumal’s shallow azul waters are the perfect locale to get up close and personal with sea turtles. Bring your own lifejacket and snorkel gear or rent it there, but know that lifeguards do paddle the shallows to ensure the turtles are respected. Drive a bit further south, and you’ll come upon one of Yucatan’s most photographed beaches, full of Mayan history where limestone formations dramatically rise from the turquoise sea. Tulum’s Archaeological Site features ruins perched cliffside overlooking some of the most stunning stretches of coastline.
Explore the Yucatan! For the ultimate day of cultural exploration, visit Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For over two thousand years, this Mayan city was the greatest in Central America because of its access to the underground cenotes that pepper the region, gaining the ancient world access to fresh water. Now rediscovered, the Yucatan is riddled with these underground caves begging to be explored. A quick search will render various nearby cenotes that each bring their own sense of wonder accompanied by a small entry fee. However, I suggest visiting names like Ik-Kil, Zaci-Ha, Sac-Aua, or Secreto Maya. A trip to the Yucatan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Las Coloradas Pink Lakes, a magical land where sea water transforms from cobalt blue to fuscia. Red algae, plankton, sea salt, and brine shrimp all attribute to this natural phenomenon that is an incredible sight to behold. To add to its photogenic beauty, Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is also home to Mexico’s pretty pink flamingos.
