UNICO 20°105° Riviera Nayarit Brings Laid-Back Luxury to Mexico’s Pacific Coast

UNICO 20°105° Riviera Nayarit sits on the beach about 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport, yet it feels miles away from everything. This new adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta is the second in the UNICO collection after UNICO 20°87° in Riviera Maya, bringing the same focus on Mexican culture, great food, and personal service to Mexico’s Pacific coast.

I spent three nights here, and it wasn’t nearly enough. I ate at every restaurant and still left with a long list of dishes I wanted to try.

If you’d like to see it before you read, my full UNICO Riviera Nayarit resort tour walks through the whole property. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth even more, right?

I visited UNICO Riviera Nayarit as a guest of the resort and received a complimentary stay as media. As always, these are my own opinions.

High-angle view of a tropical resort complex featuring multiple swimming pools, palm trees, and beach cabanas overlooking the ocean.

Some links in this article are affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

Checking In at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

Staff take your suitcases as soon as you arrive and deliver them to your room later, so you don’t have to even wheel them into the hotel. You check in sitting comfortably in the reception area while the receptionist comes to you.

A modern armchair with a patterned blue throw pillow sits in a hotel lounge next to a small table with a chessboard.

You hand over your passport at check-in, and they return it as soon as they have the information they need. While you wait, enjoy the welcome mocktail, a Paloma coquita with grenadine, soursop (my favorite tropical fruit), lime juice, and Squirt in a Tajín-rimmed glass. You can ask for tequila or mezcal in yours.

A pink cocktail in a faceted glass with a chili-salted rim and an orange slice, served on a chessboard with a glass of water.

They’ll put a bracelet with your room key on your wrist. It opens your door and also serves as your restaurant check-in. The color of your band tells them your departure date, and they cut it off when you check out.

A dark blue fabric wristband with a silver circular charm featuring a logo and text, worn on a wrist.

Your Local Host Handles the Details

Every guest gets a local host, available 9am – 5pm, who works like your personal concierge. Angel was my amazing Local Host, and when he was off duty, someone else was still available to take his place if I needed anything (I generally didn’t).

Your local host makes dinner and spa reservations, books excursions, answers questions, and handles whatever else you need. You communicate via WhatsApp, and with the resort wifi, you don’t have to worry about international roaming.

Your local host also sends that day’s activity schedule each morning, so you can plan around what sounds fun. I relied on mine to sign me up for activities, and he made sure the diffuser in my room was filled with whatever scent I chose.

A dark wood-grain essential oil diffuser releasing a thin stream of mist on a countertop.

My Alcoba Ocean View Room

I stayed in an Alcoba Ocean View room, and it was incredibly spacious. The amount of room I had felt decadent.

The bed is incredibly soft and comfortable. I sank right in and felt cocooned every night, and turndown service left little candies on my pillow and slippers beside my bed.

A hotel bed made with white linens, with a pair of slippers placed on a mat on the floor.

I already mentioned the aromatherapy diffuser that sits on the nightstand, and you can choose from several scents. I tried two during my stay, and walking into a spa-scented room never got old.

As a light sleeper, I loved the blackout curtains. They run from floor to ceiling instead of just brushing the floor, and they extend well past the edges of the balcony door, so no light slips in from the sides. That’s something I just don’t see at other resorts.

Hotel room with a king bed, a seating area, and a balcony overlooking the ocean.

The shower is massive, with a rain shower and a handheld showerhead, so you can use whichever you prefer. There’s even a stool to hold your things or prop your foot on while you shave your legs. The shower products are so nice that I never used the bar shampoo and conditioner I always pack.

Your balcony has its own spa tub, plus bubble bath and bath salts if you want to indulge. I didn’t, but it’s a lovely way to end a day in the sun.

A hotel balcony featuring a jetted tub, a sofa with pillows, and a small table, overlooking the ocean and nearby buildings.

The minibar is included and restocked daily. You’ll find sweet and savory snacks like Snickers bars, potato chips, and jars of nuts. Not that you need more food, but it’s perfect if you’re exhausted when you arrive or want a middle-of-the-night snack and don’t feel like ordering room service.

A woven basket filled with assorted snack bags, including Loly’s chips, Bran Frut bars, a Snickers bar, and a jar of Super Mix nuts.

The fridge holds water, Gatorade, beer, and pop. Tell your local host what you prefer, and they’ll stock it that way anytime. I only drink water, so that’s all I needed in my fridge.

Interior of a small hotel refrigerator stocked with canned beer, soda, and plastic bottles of water.

Watch my Alcoba Ocean View room tour to see the whole room.

Other Room Types at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

The Alcoba Swim-Up rooms sit on the first floor, and there are only a few. They’re set up like the Alcoba Ocean View rooms, with a tub on the terrace, but steps lead down into a narrow pool only those rooms can use.

That pool connects all the swim-up rooms, so none of them have their own pool. It’s screened from the rest of the resort, though, so you get a bit of privacy, and I saw guests enjoying it during my stay. You can get a sense of it in my Alcoba Swim-Up room tour.

A round jetted tub on a patio overlooking a swimming pool, with a sofa and coffee table in the foreground.

The one-bedroom Estancia Suite is much larger, and it’s gorgeous. You get a tub in the enormous bathroom plus another on the balcony, a walk-in closet with room for more clothes than you could possibly pack, and a breakfast nook. It’s ideal if you plan to spend time in your room or want a truly luxurious stay.

The Estancia Suite sleeps two, but many connect to an Alcoba room that sleeps up to four with two king beds. That works well for friends or family traveling together. See it in my Estancia Suite tour.

A hotel bedroom with a king-sized bed, a wooden wardrobe, a bench at the foot of the bed, and an open bathroom area.

The largest option is the two-bedroom Estancia Suite Panorámica Oceanfront, which sleeps up to six people. These aren’t the only room types, but it gives you a sense of your options.

Rates start at $600 per night for the Alcoba Ocean View, $650 for the Alcoba Swim-Up, $1,350 for the one-bedroom Estancia Suite, and $2,260 for the two-bedroom Estancia Suite Panorámica Oceanfront. These prices are per room, per night, based on double occupancy.

What’s Included at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

This adults-only resort includes nearly everything in your room rate. There’s no nickel-and-diming for meals, drinks, room service, the minibar, activities, or classes.

No premium surcharges apply to drinks, and you’ll find top-shelf labels on property. Room service runs 24 hours a day with three menus: breakfast from 7am to noon, lunch and dinner from noon to 11pm, and a late-night menu from 11pm to 7am.

Wi-Fi is free and doesn’t need a password. It worked everywhere I went, from the beach to the rooftop pool to my room, and I never had a connection issue.

Tips are included in your reservation, so they aren’t required. Many guests still tip bartenders, room service delivery, and more, and US dollars are fine, so you don’t need to exchange money for pesos.

The only charges are for spa treatments, excursions, and cabana rentals. Services at the on-site beauty salon also cost extra, which shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Where to Eat at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

Dining is where UNICO Riviera Nayarit really shines, and that’s often a weak spot at all-inclusive resorts. The resort has three main restaurants, Agua Madre, Lia, and Kobo, plus a rooftop snack bar, pool service, Café Inez, and 24-hour room service.

The menus clearly listed which items contained common allergens and which were vegetarian or vegan. If you have allergies, they also have someone you can talk to to coordinate your meals and ensure they are safe for you.

All three restaurants offer walk-in lunch, but dinner requires reservations. You can book dinner before you arrive, even three or four months ahead, or your local host can arrange them when you check in.

The menus are extensive, with everything from pasta and pizza to tacos, BBQ, seafood, and more. They also change between lunch and dinner, so you won’t eat the same thing all week.

You can find dishes that suit those who want familiar food, or you can step outside your comfort zone and try something new. I loved ordering as many local specialties as I could.

Portions are small enough to try several dishes without feeling ridiculously full, but large enough to satisfy. Servers kept encouraging me to order more, and with so much that looked good, I understood why.

Service is fast without ever feeling rushed, which I appreciate since so many resort restaurants run on island time. I never had to wait for a table either.

Rather than asking for your room number, the hosts scan your wristband key when you arrive to check you in. When you sit at your table, the host places your napkin in your lap with tongs, and an amuse-bouche appears at every meal.

A person scanning a wristband with a smartphone.

Agua Madre

Agua Madre serves Mexican food, and I ate both lunch and dinner here on my first day. The restaurant recently changed its menu, and they did a great job with their choices.

At lunch, my local host recommended the ceviche and the flank steak tacos, and both were fantastic. I could eat ceviche at every meal, and I also sampled the different versions from the pool service and at the rooftop pool bar.

A carnitas taco topped with guacamole and herbs, served with a lime wedge on a ceramic plate, with a side of tortilla chips.

When I saw molotes on the menu, a Oaxacan dish of elongated fried masa pastries, I knew I had to order them. These plantain molotes with quesillo and black mole, topped with crema and cotija cheese, were absolutely fantastic.

My server insisted I also try the corn ribs, a cob sliced into four with mayo and toppings on the side to spread on yourself. They were less limey than I’m used to but still really good.

A bowl of grilled corn ribs with a side of dipping sauce and a plate of three small potatoes garnished with herbs and white crumbles.

When I spotted quesabirria, one of my all-time favorite foods, I had to order it too, and it was delicious. I saw tables around me with chile rellenos and ribeye steak, and I talked some of them into trying those corn ribs.

Two birria tacos garnished with pickled red onions and cilantro on a dark plate, served with a side of dipping broth and a lime wedge.

For dessert, I chose chocolate ice cream encased in dark chocolate with an orange caramel sauce and a dehydrated pineapple slice. It was good but so filling that I only managed about a third. The menu also included churros and a rice pudding-style dessert.

Agua Madre also hosts a breakfast buffet. It leans Mexican, with chilaquiles, poblano strips, and eggs in green sauce, plus made-to-order eggs, fresh sopes, fruit, oatmeal, breads, pastries, and juices from orange to grapefruit to green juice. It’s fine, but I preferred breakfast at Lia, and every other guest I talked to did too.

A buffet setup on an outdoor deck with blue and red lidded pots, serving bowls, and a staff member working at a station in the background.

Lia

Lia is the Italian restaurant, and it was fantastic at both breakfast and dinner. I didn’t have enough time to enjoy lunch there.

For dinner, I ordered the caprese salad, beef carpaccio, and squid-ink-dyed lobster risotto. I really enjoyed them all and couldn’t choose a favorite. The menu had even more dishes I wanted to try. Next time!

Squid ink risotto topped with lobster pieces, cream sauce, and chives on a white plate.

While the tiramisu, panna cotta, and crostatina di miele sounded fabulous, I chose hazelnut craquelin with Parmesan ice cream for dessert. I’d never had that flavor before, and I could have eaten just the ice cream and been happy. I love everything hazelnut, though, so I got every last bit of the light, fluffy filling.

Two chocolate-covered cream puffs topped with a scoop of ice cream, garnished with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Breakfast at Lia is a sit-down meal with indoor and outdoor seating, and they start you off with bread, jams, and butter delivered to your table. The menu is huge, with wellness bowls, pancakes, waffles, Mexican favorites, and more.

I ordered huevos motuleños with poached eggs, served with black beans, a homemade tortilla, red sauce, and fried plantain. Despite how it looks, it wasn’t heavy and was absolutely delicious.

A bowl of tomato-based soup topped with chopped meat, vegetables, cheese, and a sprig of cilantro, served with a drink and coffee.

Every morning, I enjoyed a different fresh-squeezed juice blend. My favorite was an immunity-boosting juice that I ordered just in case, plus it sounded delicious.

Lia also makes specialty coffees, and I had a vanilla latte with oat milk. The next morning, my server remembered exactly what I’d ordered, and that’s not a standard order. That gives you an idea of the kind of service I experienced throughout my stay.

A glass of green juice and a cup of coffee on a table.

Kobo

Kobo serves Asian cuisine, and you choose either hibachi or the full sit-down menu when you make your reservation. They’re such different experiences that you may want to reserve Kobo twice, or more.

The hibachi puts on a great show. I could see it from where I sat, though I didn’t have time to eat there myself. I talked to guests who did, and they said it was as delicious as the rest of the food on property.

The sit-down menu covers several Asian cuisines. A lovely couple from Arkansas invited me to join them for dinner, so I got to try even more dishes than I can eat on my own.

Appetizers range from crab rangoon and edamame to pork belly bao and crispy rice topped with avocado cream and tuna. You’ll also find sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, miso or tom kha soup, and entrees like beef teriyaki, chicken yakitori, pad thai, and lobster fried rice. There’s something for both adventurous eaters and those who like to stick with what they know.

I’m so glad I had extra people to share the food with, because I couldn’t justify ordering both the crispy rice and the bao. Both were absolutely fantastic, and I could have eaten just that all night.

Two crispy rice cakes topped with spicy tuna tartare, dollops of avocado mousse, and chives.

Everything was fantastic, and we all ate too much. We still ordered dessert, and the green tea cheesecake was the table favorite. I liked the sesame ice cream with a brownie, too, while the Banana Thai I chose wasn’t quite what I pictured but was still delicious.

A dessert consisting of two thin, circular cookies layered with cream and topped with a garnish on a square plate.

Lunch at the Rooftop and by the Pool

The snack bar at the Alto 20°105° rooftop pool serves lunch from noon to 6pm. My local host recommended the wagyu sliders (as did several other guests I talked to), and they were delicious.

I don’t usually order fries, so I almost skipped them. They came topped with Parmesan and parsley, crispy outside and fluffy inside, and to my surprise, I ate every one.

Two sliders with lettuce, tomato, and cheese on a plate with fries, accompanied by a pink cocktail.

At the main pool, a roaming server takes food and drink orders. I knew the drink side, but didn’t realize you could also order food there until another guest told me. He told me that he hates fish and ordered a quesadilla, not realizing it was smoked marlin. He loved it, then tried to order it again the next day, convinced it was chicken or pork.

Of course I had to try it. I never would have picked it on my own, but I loved it, and I added ceviche since it’s my favorite food.

The server brought everything on a large tray I could set on my lap or the table, and the chips came covered with a plate. The birds here are opportunistic, so keep that plate on when you aren’t grabbing a chip. None bothered me, but one hopped close the second I uncovered everything for a photo.

A meal tray with a bowl of food, a quesadilla, salad, and small dipping containers, positioned in front of a resort swimming pool.

One thing I really loved at UNICO 2087 was the popsicle cart that came around the pools each day. I was hoping to see one here, and I did – sort of. The popsicle cart did fool some people.

A person serves from a white cart decorated with orange and yellow flowers and a “PALETAS” logo.

Unlike the various popsicle flavors you could dip into Tajín, here there was only one option: jicama. I happen to love jicama and found my “popsicle” delicious and refreshing, but a couple of other people I spoke with thought it was ice cream and didn’t enjoy it as much.

A hand holding a paleta topped with dark sauce and chili powder, with a resort pool and palm trees in the background.

Café Inez and the Bars

Café Inez, just off the lobby, serves quick bites from morning to night. The barista there is fantastic with coffees that rival any coffee shop, plus smoothies, pastries, salads, and more.

Interior of a cafe with a display case of pastries, a long bar, and various seating areas including a large wooden table and smaller round tables.

The avocado toast I saw another guest order looked amazing, but I was never hungry enough to order it with all the other food at the resort. There’s a hummus version too if avocado isn’t your thing.

The lobby bar stays open until 1am, and you’ll also find bars at the main pool, the rooftop pool, and the members-only pool. The bartenders are incredibly friendly and attentive and can make pretty much anything you want.

The Pools at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

UNICO Riviera Nayarit has three pools, all open 8am to 8pm. There’s no lifeguard on duty, though I saw staff walking around who I assume were there to help.

Alto Pacífico is the main pool on the ground level, closest to the ocean. It has loungers in the water and along the pool edge, a swim-up bar, and pool service for food and drinks.

Resort swimming pool at sunset, surrounded by lounge chairs, palm trees, and thatched-roof structures.

You can rent a Bali bed cabana at the main pool for $150 a day, which includes a bottle of liquor. They are the best way to stay in the shade all day, though there were plenty of loungers with umbrellas for guests who wanted them. I moved my chair around on the deck a few times to avoid too much sun.

Circular outdoor cabana with a large bed, side tables, and curtains, overlooking a grassy lawn and the ocean.

Towel stations sit at both ends of the pool, and staff kept them stocked the entire time I was there. I loved that next to one of the towel stands was a table with a small book library, in case you needed a new book or didn’t want to bring a finished book home.

Even more unique, the table often had sunscreen, after-sun, and bug spray you could use if you didn’t have any with you. I wouldn’t count on it being there every day, but it was great to see it available.

A wooden cart outdoors holding a Jenga tower, sunscreen bottles, bug spray, and three books by Bruce Campbell, Jeff Abbott, and Riley Sager.

Alto 20°105° is the rooftop infinity pool, and it’s much smaller with gorgeous ocean views. It has covered seating at both ends, loungers in the water, a bar, and a snack bar serving food from noon to 6pm.

The rooftop also has complimentary shaded day beds, which I didn’t realize until after my stay. Most were reserved for Legendary Club members, so I assumed they all cost extra.

Infinity pool with rows of lounge chairs on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean under a cloudy sky.

The third and smallest pool, closest to the lobby, is for Legendary Club members only. More on that below.

You don’t need to play the chair game here, at least not when I visited. Even after a 9:30am exercise class, I had plenty of loungers to choose from and saw only a few chairs with towels and no people.

If you want a pool float, bring your own. Every day, I saw a few round floats other guests left behind, but no hammock floats, which are my favorite.

The Beach at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

The beach is pretty and gorgeous to watch, but don’t count on swimming. This is the Pacific, and the water was too rough to go in during my stay.

The resort uses a flag system. Green or yellow means you can swim, but red or black means no one goes in. We had a black flag my first day because a tropical storm had recently stirred things up.

With black flags, staff lock the gate to the beach, so you can’t walk on the sand either. It’s frustrating for some guests, but I understand from a safety perspective because the ocean is so tempting.

Concrete stairs leading down to a closed black metal gate with a tree-branch design, overlooking the ocean at sunset.

If ocean swimming is a must, Mexico’s Caribbean coast usually has calmer water. UNICO 20°87° and Palmaia The House of AiA are both in Riviera Maya.

Esencia Wellness Spa

Book time at Esencia Wellness Spa. Treatments are priced at resort rates, but they do an amazing job, and I loved my time there.

I had the 50-minute Esencia massage, which starts with a ritual where you pick out a quartz stone to take home. The rooms are quiet and well-appointed, and my therapist was fantastic.

They’ll ask if you want to upgrade with deeper pressure, a facial component, or hot oils, but they easily respect it if you’d rather not. The massage is moderate pressure and very relaxing.

One differentiator is the heated, lightly weighted neck pillows the spa gives you throughout your visit. You get one while filling out paperwork at check-in, again at the end of the hydrotherapy circuit, and during your massage.

Add on the hydrotherapy circuit. Just take my word for it. Unlike many I’ve done, where you guess at the order and timing from a chart hanging on the wall, an attendant guides you through the entire process.

I loved the vitamin C spray and cucumber slices for my eyes, with a cold cloth over my eyes and forehead during the sauna portion. To keep the relaxation theme, the cold water isn’t as cold as some hydrotherapy circuits I’ve tried, which made switching between hot and cold more manageable.

At the end, you relax on a heated mosaic-tiled lounger for 15 minutes to let it all soak in. I nearly fell asleep, and I can’t nap, so that says a lot.

One small touch I loved is that the attendant took my swimsuit after hydrotherapy and dried it during my massage. I just set it on the silver tray in the locker room for that purpose, and after my massage, it was waiting for me, folded and ready to go.

A white countertop holding a tissue box, a folded patterned garment, and a rectangular silver serving tray, with a flower vase and wall outlet in the background.

Daily Activities at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

Your local host sends the day’s activity schedule each morning via the WhatsApp chat, and you can also preview the week’s schedule on your TV. Keep in mind that it’s always subject to change based on weather.

Expect about six to eight activities between 9:30am and 9:30pm. They range from a guessing game to arts and crafts to exercise classes and beach volleyball.

Activities that need a reservation have an asterisk on the schedule, and your local host can book them. Many activities happen only a couple of times a week, so jump on anything that sounds interesting.

This isn’t a nonstop activity kind of place. There’s music and a DJ during the day, but nothing over the top and nothing late at night. Most guests just relax around the pool, read, chat, or float.

In your room, you’ll find a hat for each guest. You are meant to keep these as a souvenir of your time at UNICO Riviera Nayarit, and twice a week, a local artist paints them with your choice of decorations.

A person sitting at a wooden desk outdoors, painting a straw hat while viewing a phone on a stand.

I chose a whale, and it turned out great. There’s no official charge for this service, but please tip the artist, as she works hard and does beautiful work.

A woven straw sun hat painted with a whale tail on the crown, held up against an outdoor resort background.

Mixology and Art Classes

The mixology and cooking classes at UNICO Riviera Nayarit are included. At UNICO 20°87°, the mixology and chocolate tasting classes carry a small extra charge, so this is a nice perk.

You do need to reserve classes in advance because seating is limited, and some activities may only happen once a week (like the cooking class that sounded so great but ran on a day I wasn’t there). Your local host can book them for you.

The mixology class lasts about an hour, and you make two cocktails. Adrian, the chief mixologist who runs the class, is fantastic. He has the perfect personality for this, and what we made was amazing.

A dark cocktail in a patterned glass, topped with foam and an orange slice garnish, on a bar counter.

The drinks change from class to class, and both of mine came from the Kobo cocktail menu. His focus wasn’t on learning a specific cocktail, but on understanding what makes up that cocktail style so you can make your own variations at home.

I’m pretty sure everyone in the course went home intending to buy a whipped cream dispenser because the coconut cream foam topping the cocktails was so delicious. Between that and the charcoal powder for dyeing cocktails, we all felt like master bartenders by the end of class.

Show up on time or early. They wait about five minutes for latecomers, which isn’t fun for everyone else, and walking in partway through makes it hard to catch up.

The art classes are more hit-or-miss. My first evening, I signed up for one with no description and ended up fusing Perler beads into little patterns with an iron. It felt more like a kids’ activity at an adults-only resort, and I’d have preferred making bracelets or earrings.

A hand holding a flower-shaped bead craft against a blurred beach background.

The canvas painting class was a lot more fun, mostly because of the people. The instruction wasn’t great, so many of us fell behind, and we didn’t have enough time to match the detail in the example.

We all still ended up with pretty decent paintings, which shocked more than a few of us (I am not an artist at all). It’s a fun, free way to spend time with other guests after dinner, so go for it.

Two small canvas paintings of volcanoes, each on a wooden easel, sitting on a wooden table.

Fitness Classes and the Fitness Center

The daily schedule includes a couple of exercise classes, like stretching and yoga at 9:30am, and aqua fitness that runs at noon every day. They’re held outside near the pool, on the beach, or in the pool, not in the gym.

I did the 9:30am stretching class one day, and it was very easy and only about 25 minutes. It felt great after so much time on the plane. I was a little concerned it would be too intense for a relaxing vacation, but I loved the classes, which surprised me.

Yoga mats laid out on a wooden deck outdoors, some with towels on top.

Another day, I did the noon aqua class. It was a hoot, and everyone got really into it. The instructor was great, and the music and variety of moves kept us all having fun and ready to do it again.

Five women in a swimming pool participating in a water aerobics class while using blue foam dumbbells.

The fitness center is on the third floor near the spa and salon. Turn left as you enter Esencia Wellness Spa, and you can use it 24 hours a day. It isn’t massive, but it has all the equipment you’d want, and it was never crowded while I was there.

Who Stays at UNICO Riviera Nayarit

UNICO Riviera Nayarit is adults-only, so every guest must be 18 or older. When I visited, guests ranged from honeymooners in their 20s to retired couples, plus a few larger groups of friends and family.

Most guests came from across the US, with some Canadians and Mexican nationals. Staff speak both English and Spanish, so use whichever is easier for you.

My Spanish is nowhere near as fluent as I want it to be, but I used it anyway. Staff complimented me on it, which I found sweet, though definitely generous.

The staff is the highlight at this resort. Everywhere I went, people asked how I was doing and what they could get me, and they genuinely seemed to mean it.

The resort is small and easy to navigate since everything is in one building. That makes it a great fit if you prefer smaller resorts or have mobility challenges, and even the path to the beach has a ramp.

A multi-story hotel with a repeating column design, featuring a poolside cabana and palm trees in the foreground.

Good to Know Before You Go

A gift shop on the main floor carries items you may have forgotten plus souvenirs. The bellman who walked me to my room gave me all the info and told me there’s also a pharmacy across the street and a mall about seven minutes away by taxi.

The resort is nonsmoking in accordance with Mexican laws, and the only place guests can smoke is the parking lot in front. I did see several guests sneak off to the side to smoke anyway, so I moved my seat when I smelled it.

Bring workout clothes for the fitness classes, your own pool float, and your own sunscreen and bug spray. Dinners aren’t super dressy, but you’ll want something to change into after your day at the pool or beach.

Getting to UNICO Riviera Nayarit From the Puerto Vallarta Airport

To get there, you’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). The resort is in Nuevo Vallarta on the Nayarit side, and the drive usually takes 20 to 25 minutes.

Transportation isn’t included unless you book directly on the UNICO website. If you book there, contact the resort at least seven days before you arrive to request your free round-trip transfer.

Booked somewhere else? You can still arrange transportation through the resort in advance, and I recommend it for simplicity. Both options are round-trip prices per vehicle.

  • Private sedan for up to four people, $55
  • Private luxury Suburban for up to five people, $325, with bottled water and a refreshing towel

I had the car service to get to the resort, and it was easy to find when I walked out of the airport. My car was ready, and my driver handed me that welcome cold towel and a bottle of water before whisking me off to the resort.

A multi-story hotel illuminated at night, viewed from a poolside patio with palm trees and lounge chairs.

The Downsides of UNICO Riviera Nayarit

The biggest potential drawback is the beach. If swimming in the ocean is a priority, the Pacific may not cooperate, and the beach gate stays locked when the flags are red or black.

That said, I am a water girl. I would live in the ocean if I could, and I still had a fantastic time at this resort. The important part is to know what to expect so you aren’t surprised when you arrive.

Because the resort is small, you have neighbors on both sides. Facing the ocean, the Hard Rock Hotel sits to the left. It was closed for renovations during my stay, so I imagine it’s louder when it’s fully booked. High-end condominiums line the right side, so that side stays quiet.

The art classes can be hit or miss, but we still had fun, and a few guests ignore the smoking rules. Neither ruined my stay, but it’s worth knowing.

What Is the Legendary Vacation Club?

You’ll see references to the Legendary Club throughout the resort, from a pool reserved for them to small placards reserving shaded beds on the rooftop. If you aren’t familiar with it, it can be confusing, and no, it isn’t their loyalty program.

The UNICO resorts are part of the Legendary Vacation Club, a members-only vacation club that works much like a timeshare. Members buy into the program for perks and access to partner resorts, including Hard Rock Hotels.

You’ll spot members by their different wristbands. At UNICO Riviera Nayarit, they have their own pool near the lobby with a swim-up bar, loungers, and cabanas, and a separate lounge with dedicated local hosts.

Their local hosts also reserve many of the rooftop day beds for Legendary Club members. The biggest benefit a couple mentioned to me is a significant discount on spa services.

You don’t need to be a member to stay at UNICO Riviera Nayarit or enjoy the resort. No one ever approached me about joining, and I felt zero pressure during my stay.

Is UNICO Riviera Nayarit Worth It?

Yes, and I would absolutely go back. The service was amazing, and I loved the food at every restaurant.

I also loved that it didn’t have a party vibe. The daytime activities aren’t so loud that they kept me from enjoying a book. Nights are relatively calm if you want to sleep early, though there are still activities from casino games to karaoke, and the bar stays open until 1am.

If you want to relax close to the airport but still feel miles away from everything, this is your place. Just plan for more than three nights. I wish I’d had at least two more to try more dishes, eat at Kobo’s hibachi section, and spend more time on the rooftop.

UNICO Riviera Nayarit FAQ

Is UNICO 20°105° adults only?

Yes. All guests must be 18 or older.

How far is UNICO Riviera Nayarit from the Puerto Vallarta airport?

The drive usually takes 20 to 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. I timed my drive from the resort to the airport and got there in 16 minutes, door to door.

Is airport transportation included?

Only if you book directly on the UNICO website and request it at least seven days before arrival. Otherwise, you can book a round-trip transfer through the resort.

Can you swim at the beach at UNICO Riviera Nayarit?

Sometimes. The resort uses a flag system, and you may swim only when the flags are green or yellow. It’s the Pacific Ocean, so it’s less calm than the Caribbean side of Mexico.

Do you have to be a Legendary Vacation Club member to stay here?

No, and most guests were not Legendary Club members. Anyone can book, but one of the three pools is members-only.

Are tips included?

Yes, tips are included in your reservation, though many guests still tip in US dollars for many services.

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