UNICO 20°87 Hotel Riviera Maya
Couples seeking a design-led, deeply Mexican adults-only escape with elevated dining
At a glance
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UNICO 20°87 Hotel Riviera Maya is a premium adults-only all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya, near Puerto Morelos, about 30 minutes south of Cancun's airport. The 448-suite resort is themed around immersive Mexican culture — local materials, hand-crafted artwork, regional culinary programs, and a curated staff of "anfitriones" (hosts) who guide guests through curated experiences. The architecture is sleek and modern, with white stone, dark wood, and abundant natural light. Suites are large, all with furnished balconies or terraces, freestanding tubs, and stocked minibars; many categories include private plunge pools or direct swim-up access. The resort features three pools, five restaurants, a well-equipped spa, and a long swimmable beach. UNICO is known for its elevated dining program, its 24-hour room service, and a mixology program that rivals luxury-tier resorts. The vibe is sophisticated-romantic — quiet, design-forward, and deeply Mexican.
Who It's Best For
UNICO 20°87 is best for couples seeking a sophisticated, design-forward adults-only escape with a strong sense of place. The resort's deep integration of Mexican culture — regional dining concepts, local artwork, hand-crafted furniture, and curated experiences — makes it a standout for travelers who want more than a generic Caribbean all-inclusive. It is an exceptional pick for honeymoons and anniversaries, especially for couples who appreciate design, food, and culture. It is also a smart choice for adult friends who want a relaxed but social atmosphere — the pool bars and lobby lounge foster conversation without the high-energy party scene of Breathless. UNICO is not for travelers seeking couture-tier butler service (UNICO has hosts, not butlers) or for families. If you want a quiet, design-led, deeply Mexican adults-only vacation with excellent food, UNICO is one of the best in the region.
Location & Setting
UNICO 20°87 is located in the Riviera Maya, approximately 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes north of Puerto Morelos. The location is convenient — close enough to the airport for an easy transfer, and within a short cab ride of Puerto Morelos's quiet town center and the larger Playa del Carmen scene to the south. The setting is distinctly jungle-meets-beach: the resort is set back from the shoreline through a stretch of preserved mangrove and jungle, and the architecture incorporates white stone, dark tropical wood, hand-painted tile, and abundant native vegetation. The beach here is wide and sandy, with turquoise water that is generally swimmable, though red-flag days do occur when the wind is strong. The architecture is modern but warm, with an emphasis on natural light, open-air corridors, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. The lobby's open-air design and water features set the tone on arrival.
Standout Amenities
UNICO 20°87's standout amenities include the curated "anfitriones" (host) program — each guest is paired with a host who helps plan excursions, dinner reservations, and curated experiences — the elevated dining program, the 24-hour room service, and the spa. Suites range from approximately 600 to over 1,300 square feet, all with furnished balconies or terraces, freestanding tubs, double vanities, and stocked minibars. Swim-out suites on the ground floor have direct plunge-pool access, and several higher categories include private plunge pools on the balcony. The spa, built around natural elements, offers hydrotherapy, a temazcal (traditional Mexican sweat lodge), couples' treatments, and a full menu of services using local ingredients like cacao, agave, and honey. The fitness center is well-equipped. Daily activities include yoga, water aerobics, mixology classes, and cooking demonstrations. The resort also offers curated local experiences through its anfitriones — market visits, cenote swims, and cultural tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Dining & Drinks
UNICO 20°87 runs five restaurants plus a casual pool grill and a lobby lounge. The headline venues include Cueva Siete (a Mexican concept that rotates through regional menus — Oaxacan one week, Yucatecan the next, with visiting celebrity chefs), Mura House (Asian-fusion), Su Casa (Italian), Ina Maki (sushi), and Palma (Mediterranean). The all-inclusive operates on a no-reservations model. Room service runs 24 hours and includes a full menu — UNICO's 24-hour room service is genuinely good, not an afterthought. The mixology program is one of the resort's differentiators: cocktails are made with fresh juices, house-made syrups, and top-shelf spirits (Don Julio, Tanqueray, Absolut Elyx). The wine list is solid, with Mexican, Spanish, and Argentine options. The lobby bar is the social heart of the resort, with live music most nights and a curated cocktail menu. Mixology classes are offered several times per week and are a guest favorite. The vibe at dinner is resort elegant.
Pools & Beach
UNICO 20°87 features three pools: a large main pool with a swim-up bar and Bali beds, a quieter relaxation pool, and a smaller activities pool. The main pool is the social center, with submerged loungers, in-water seating areas, and Bali beds lining the deck. The relaxation pool is the place to go for quiet — it is tucked away from the main energy and rarely crowded. The swim-up suites on the ground floor have direct access to a private plunge pool. The beach is wide, sandy, and generally swimmable, with turquoise water and palapas for shade. The water here can have waves on windy days, and the resort posts daily flags — when it is green, swimming is fine; when red, water access is restricted. Beach butlers circulate with drinks, cold towels, and sunscreen. Non-motorized water sports (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear) are included when the water is calm. Bali beds on the beach can be reserved for a fee.
Good to Know
UNICO 20°87 hits a strong value-to-quality ratio — it is priced in the premium tier but delivers a near-luxury experience, particularly on the dining and mixology front. The 24-hour room service and the elevated culinary program are real differentiators at this price point. The anfitriones program adds a personal touch without the formal structure (or price) of butler service — hosts are accessible and genuinely helpful with planning. The resort is large (448 suites) but well-designed, with most rooms within a short walk of the main pool and restaurants. Book early for swim-out suites and private-plunge-pool suites, especially for the holidays. The location near Puerto Morelos is convenient — close to the airport and within a short cab of both Puerto Morelos's quiet town and Playa del Carmen's nightlife. The minimum age is 18, and the dress code at dinner is resort elegant. Mention celebrations at booking — the staff arranges free touches.
UNICO 20°87 Hotel Riviera Maya — frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age at UNICO 20°87?
UNICO 20°87 is adults-only; all guests must be 18 or older.
Are swim-up suites available?
Yes — UNICO offers swim-out suites on the ground floor with direct plunge-pool access, and several suite categories include private plunge pools on the balcony. They book up early.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, the beach is wide and sandy with turquoise water that is generally swimmable, though red-flag days do occur when the wind is strong. The resort posts daily flags.
What is the anfitriones program?
Each guest at UNICO is paired with an anfitrión (host) who helps plan excursions, dinner reservations, and curated experiences. It is a personal-touch program similar to butler service but more focused on local immersion.
Is room service really 24 hours?
Yes — UNICO's 24-hour room service includes a full menu, not just a limited late-night menu. It is one of the resort's standout perks.
How far from the airport?
UNICO 20°87 is approximately 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport by private transfer.
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