WHY GO
UNICO 20°87° has redefined “all-inclusive.” We know—it’s a term we’re all a little wary of, but rest assured, picked-over buffets and throngs of screaming kiddos are nowhere to be found here. UNICO has created an insta-worthy, adults-only playscape where getting anything you want is not only possible, it’s probably already included and customized specifically for you.
So, what’s included? Top-notch dining and drinks, yoga on the beach, paddle boards, kayaks, steaming, ironing, packing/unpacking services—and for a small service fee, select spa treatments, golf, scuba, swimming with dolphins, even day trips to the local cenotes or to the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá are included as well. The best part: every room has their own anfitrión—a 24/7 personal butler—so the delicious milk-chocolate churros are available whenever you want, even at 2 o'clock in the morning.
THE HOTEL
Named after its coordinates, UNICO 20°87° is committed to keeping things authentically local and personalized. From the four restaurants and three bars we wished we could bring home with us, to the resort’s thoughtfully stylish design rooted in traditional Mayan elements, to the 3 signature pools—each with a unique design and water temperature, everything has a true sense of place. All 448 guest rooms have rain showers, custom-scented amenities and a mini-bar stocked (and magically replenished) according to your personal preferences.
WHAT WE LOVED
The spa. UNICO’s Spa Esencia has beautiful blue mosaic tiling, heated relaxation beds, individual plunge pools, hydrotherapy, and a veritable tome of treatments—from the standard massages to kombucha and green clay facials. Best part? Most of these treatments are part of the “unlimited inclusions”—so for a 20% service fee, I was able to have the best day of my life, everyday.
WHAT WE ATE
It’s been more than a week since I stayed at UNICO and I haven’t stopped gushing about the food. Waking up to breakfast waiting for us on the oceanfront balcony, carefully arranged over a bubble-filled Jacuzzi was the moment that I knew life couldn’t get better. But then, fast-forward to the pool-side service: Refreshing ceviche, burgers that rival Minetta Tavern's Black Label Burger, and heavenly quesadillas.
Pro Tip: Take every opportunity you can to order “Manuel’s special”—a lovely concoction of chilly mango vodka and grapefruit juice.
Dinner surpassed the high bar that had already been set. Our favorite restaurant, Cueva Siete, is the resort’s de facto gem. A dedication to Mexican flavors and traditions, locally sourced ingredients and a rotating chef program made every meal perfection. Get the local pork served with plantains and a pumpkin seed, achiote and tomatillo sauce.
THE MOMENT
On our walk back to the resort, our heels leave a trail in the golden sand behind us. When the bright Mexican sun dips below the horizon, our musings about what we’ll find on the evening’s menu are abruptly cut off—we're captivated as an ombré curtain is pulled across the sky: amber, crimson and rose take over the evening.