Unico 20˚ 87˚ is an adults-only, five-star resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya that delivers more than just sun and sand. This modern property blends high-end amenities with Mexican culture, giving every guest an experience that feels tailored and memorable.
From the moment you enter the lobby and are greeted with a welcome drink to the custom spa product you can create to memorialize your vacation, you’ll recognize the uniqueness of this property. You’ll find hammocks swaying outside swim-up rooms and hat painting by local artisans, all touches Unico offers that you won’t find at a typical all-inclusive.
I was part of a press trip to the property, and I absolutely adored my time here. This isn’t my first visit to an all-inclusive, and it compares very well to any property I’ve visited.
Some links in this article are affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them.
Book your stay at Unico 20˚ 87˚!
Location and Getting There
Unico 20˚ 87˚ sits on the Riviera Maya coastline, about 60 miles south of Cancún International Airport (CUN). The drive takes roughly 75 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
The hotel does not have a shuttle option, and most guests pre-book private or shared transfers. Because taxis are costly for this distance, you definitely want to arrange transportation ahead of time.
The setting itself is classic Riviera Maya: long stretches of white sand, turquoise Caribbean waters, and easy access to both cultural and natural attractions. Guests can take day trips to cenotes, Mayan ruins, or Playa del Carmen (which is where you can find my favorite excursion exploring the underground caves of Rio Secreto), though many choose to spend most of their time on property because of how much is offered.
Adults-Only Here
Unico 20˚ 87˚ is exclusively for adults, which sets the tone immediately. You won’t find splashing kids in the pool or family-oriented activities on the schedule.
Instead, the vibe is more laid-back and indulgent, whether you’re sipping cocktails by the water, unwinding in the hydrotherapy circuit, or enjoying live music at night. It creates a resort experience that feels more grown-up and relaxed without being overly formal.
Rooms Designed for Comfort and Style
Like all resorts, you can choose from a variety of room categories and features. All rooms are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and come with balconies or terraces.
Alcoba rooms are the entry category, but they hardly feel basic. They come with soaking tubs, rainfall showers, plush bedding, and handcrafted touches like local textiles. Views vary from tropical gardens to partial or full oceanfront.
Swim-up rooms are a guest favorite, offering direct access to a semi-private pool right from your patio. Each patio also has a hammock, perfect for lazy afternoons. These rooms feel private while still giving you the convenience of a pool steps away.
The Estancia Suites offer more square footage, separate living spaces, and expansive terraces. There are both one and two bedroom options, as well as a two bedroom villa.
The Estancia Suites include separate living and dining areas with a large terrace that has plenty of space to lounge and enjoy. These are ideal for groups of friends traveling together or couples who want ultimate privacy.
No matter the room, you’ll find upscale bathrooms, snacks you can grab as you crave them, and thoughtful touches like hats left for guests to personalize during their stay – more on that in a bit!
Use your local host
All guests are assigned a local host throughout your stay. This is like a butler, and they can help you with everything from unpacking your suitcase to reserving amenities you want to include.
Like most destinations, your local host can make reservations for restaurants and the Balinese beds that surround the pools for an even more exlusive experience. They also assist with ironing requests and shoe-cleaning needs, which is something not every resort offers.
They can prep your whirlpool in your room so it’s ready for you when you come back from dinner or whenever you need it. Each room has an iPad that you can use to do everything from contacting your local host to arrange for cleaning to ordering room service and setting an alarm and so much more.
Three Pools, Three Personalities
Unico 20˚ 87˚ has three distinct pools, and each offers a different type of experience. The two larger pools are next to each other, while the quiet pool is tucked away.
There is also a Legendary Vacations Club pool, but that is not available to hotel guests. The signs are very clear around these areas, but there is plenty to enjoy as a standard guest.
There are plenty of chairs available, so you don’t have to play the “wake up early to save a chair” game. In fact, staff in the morning put towels on each chair and replenish them throughout the day, so you don’t even have to hunt down a towel when you find the perfect spot to relax.
The liveliest of the three is the main pool nearest the beach. The 20˚ 87˚ pool has a DJ, activities, and a social energy that carries throughout the day.
A side of this pool is dedicated to fitness activities, and you’ll find aqua spinning and water aerobics on a schedule. There is also a volleyball net for fun and games throughout the day.
La UNICA Pool is the pool you first see as you walk from the lobby towards the beach. This pool is aimed at hanging out, and you can hear the music from the main pool without the activities within the pool.
La Escondida Pool is designed for unwinding in peace. There is a swim-up bar, but the atmosphere is quiet, making it perfect for reading, napping, or sipping cocktails without distraction, and this is also where you’ll find the stand-up paddle yoga on (tethered) floating mats.
One of my favorite moments was relaxing by the pool when the popsicle cart came by. This is a regular occurence where you choose your popsicle flavor and any toppings – I went with mango coated in tajin – and truly chill out by the pool.
All pools have full food and beverage service. Whether you want tacos, ceviche, or a cocktail crafted tableside, it’s easy to spend an entire day without leaving your lounger.
Dining That Rivals the Setting
Food is a highlight at Unico 20˚ 87˚, with dining experiences that go far beyond the buffet and mass-produced food stereotype of all-inclusives. The resort features five main restaurants and several additional snack and bar options.
Mi Carisa is an Italian-inspired restaurant that serves handmade pasta, seafood dishes, and wood-fired pizzas. The ambiance is romantic and upscale, making it a popular choice for date nights.
It’s also open for breakfast, and it seems to be less busy there than the beachfront option. Be sure to stop in at least once for breakfast, however, because it was delicious – and better than our dinner!
Cueva Siete may have been my favorite dinner while at the resort. The food was fantastic, and one of the coolest experiences was the Mayan coffee you can order for dessert that the server makes tableside with a fantastic side show.
The rotating chef program here means the restaurant always has a new menu that focuses on authentic Mexican cuisine part of the chef’s personal history. Each chef is chosen to highlight different regional flavors and preparations that reflect the diversity of Mexico’s culinary traditions.
Mura House serves an Asian fusion that blends sushi, teppanyaki, and modern takes on Japanese and Korean flavors. The teppanyaki tables offer interactive meals, while the sushi bar focuses on presentation and flavor.
20.87 Restaurant is the beachfront option that transitions seamlessly from breakfast to lunch to dinner. Breakfast and lunch have both a buffet and a la carte items, but the buffet is a higher-end version that fits with the rest of the resort.
Its open-air setting with both indoor and outdoor seating and ocean views makes it ideal for relaxed meals, and the variety ensures you’ll never get bored. Make sure to request a specialty coffee, as every time I got my iced latte in a giant goblet, it made me smile.
Avec is the newest restaurant at Unico 20˚ 87˚. This French option wasn’t yet open when I visited, but this dinner restaurant provides upscale bistro items for yet another delicious option.
You’ll find Café Inez just off the lobby. It’s a European-style café offering coffee drinks, pastries, paninis, and smoothies. It’s the perfect grab-and-go option when you’re heading out early or want a light afternoon snack.
Beyond the restaurants, there are poolside options for snack bars with everything from ceviche and tacos to pizzas and empanadas, plus 24-hour room service. The food quality is consistently high, which sets Unico 20˚ 87˚ apart from many resorts.
Spa and Wellness Offerings
I was lucky enough to enjoy some time at the spa. I started with the hydrotherapy circuit – which you can do as an add-on to your treatment or as a separate booking – and enjoyed a heavenly massage.
The hydrotherapy circuit is a guided circuit of saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and hydrotherapy showers. It was well done, and I appreciated that we had the option for shorter or longer times at certain points, depending on what type of heat we most enjoy, for example.
The spa offers massages, facials, wraps, and scrubs, and many of them incorporate local ingredients like cacao or aloe. You can choose from individual or couples’ treatments, and remember that there is a sunburn body treatment, just in case.
The spa also includes a full-service salon with haircuts, blowouts, manicures, pedicures, and grooming services for men. It makes Unico 20˚ 87˚ a great place for weddings or special occasions, and yes, I did attend a wedding while I was there.
Classes and Hands-On Activities
One of the things that makes Unico so memorable is the daily schedule of activities. These aren’t the typical resort trivia or karaoke contests I’ve seen at many resorts. Instead, they’re creative, engaging, and often tied to local culture, and I only wish I had more time to do more of them.
First of all, in your room, you’ll find a card on your bathroom vanity that you bring to the spa to use to create a complimentary custom spa product sample. Each guest can work with staff to blend their own body lotion, after sun balm, or soapy scrub with your choice of essential oils.
I chose to make an orange-scented after sun balm that they mixed up right in front of me, though I also had the choice of peppermint, lavender, and basil. I love how this creates a personalized souvenir.
I also took part in both the mixology and chocolate-making classes. There are several classes and other dining options that have a small added cost to them, and I definitely recommend the two I participated in.
The mixology class walked us through the process of creating cocktails with fresh herbs, house-made syrups, and premium spirits. We muddled, shook, and garnished, learning and tasting as we went.
The chocolate class was equally engaging. It explored the history of cacao in Mexico, from its sacred role in Mayan ceremonies to its modern uses.
We started out with a Mexican hot chocolate and then tasted various types of chocolate before watching our instructor melt it and mix it into various treats that then had volunteers make themselves for the group.
It was educational, delicious, and made me appreciate how deeply chocolate is woven into Mexican culture. It’s located in the resort’s chocolate shop, and it was really hard to walk out without buying even more!
Each day’s activities include classes like painting, beach walks, bingo, and so much more. The daily schedule is easy to find, and I definitely recommend participating in the daily art experience, even if art isn’t usually your thing.
Hat Painting with Artisans
One of the most unique touches at Unico 20˚ 87˚ is the complimentary hat painting experience. Each room comes with a wide-brimmed hat, and during scheduled times, local artisans set up to paint custom designs.
Guests can choose from a number of styles from chili peppers to flamingos to a hibiscus flower. You can also choose to include your name or the resort name or something more fun like Mr. and Mrs.
There’s no cost for this, though tips are encouraged, and the artistry is impressive. It’s a souvenir you’ll actually wear, and it feels more authentic than anything you’d find in a gift shop.
Enjoy Your Luxury Stay
Unico 20˚ 87˚ is a fantastic five-star, adults-only resort. Many resorts call themselves five-star, but they fall short. This experience did not.
Between the three pools, top-tier dining, immersive classes, and spa experiences, it provides you with the getaway you desperately need with no stress anywhere. If you’re looking for a Riviera Maya getaway that blends relaxation with authenticity, Unico 20˚ 87˚ delivers on every level.
