It started in the Estancia Suite. Bottles of prosecco chilling on ice, bowls heaped with guacamole and a minibar with vodka, tequila and gin. And an expansive terrace, with a hydro tub and direct access to the pool, packed with a party.
It was an A-list experience, and the best part was all this pampering came at no additional cost. This was my introductory experience to Unico 2087, and it was a smashing success.
The best part of the Unico 2087 all-inclusive experience is just how little it feels like an all-inclusive. The luxury lifestyle hotel concept made its debut on the Riviera Maya in early March (the 2087 in that property's name refers to its coordinates: 20 degrees north, 87 degrees west) and is shaking up the way the industry views the all-inclusive model.
Certainly, this is a tagline we've heard before, as hotel companies around Mexico and the Caribbean promise an all-inclusive experience that transcends the stereotypical idea. While many have tried, for most it still feels like the same old story. Unico 2087, however, is one of the few that has managed to achieve that goal.
The sprawling, adults-only resort extends along a sugary stretch of Caribbean coastline, where 448 rooms encircle a massive outdoor public space home to a plethora of play areas.
Ninety percent of the rooms have ocean views, with the smallest measuring 624 square feet. All first-floor rooms have swim-up pools, while floors two through five have double hydro spa tubs on their terraces. The luxury continues inside the rooms, with flat irons and hair dryers by CHI, a touch greatly appreciated by this curly-haired girl who turns into Weird Al whenever humidity strikes.
The Escondida pool, one of three pools at Unico 2087, which opened in March.
The public spaces extend down to the beach, though admittedly there are more welcoming sections of beach in other parts of Riviera Maya. What you will get at Unico 2087 is an epic pool scene (three to be exact) and on-property amenities.
For the first meal, we went decidedly Mexican at Cueva Siete, named for the seven caves of Mayan mythology. The menu is driven by Mayan culture and Mexican flavors, with highlights including venison carpaccio, tuna aguachile, shrimp burgers and fish balam (a locally caught fish served over plantain leaves with turnips, mint, potatoes and carrots).
Mura House is the Asian fusion restaurant, with a focus on Japan. Without a doubt the star of this show is the sushi, which will convert any naysayer who doubts that this resort is anything but luxury. Add to that a fine dining Italian restaurant, Mi Carisa, and the 2087 casual beachside restaurant (complete with Champagne brunch) and there is no proverbial pancake left unflipped in terms of culinary offerings.
By day the scene swings sexy pool party, with DJs spinning, grills firing and tanned-and-toned bodies lounging with multicolored cocktails. It hardly cools off at night across the resort, with the Palmera Lounge. Inspired by Cuba's 1940s heyday, the Palmera Lounge shows off an impressive mixology culture, with glamorous cocktails, live entertainment and a cigar bar.
The Cueva Siete restaurant has a menu featuring Mexican flavors.
The wellness options put Unico 2087 over the edge, as well, with its included offerings of spinning, yoga, Pilates, bikini boot camp, circuit training and more. Not only that, the luxury spa has two couples suites, six couples cabins and 10 single cabins, along with hydrotherapy facilities and outdoor lounge areas. Unlike other all-inclusives, there is a selection of spa and beauty treatments that are included in the nightly rate. For these, all customers are required to pay is the 20% service fee (hello, $6 pedicure!).
Select local tours are also included in the rate, again with guests paying the 20% service fee. Some of these activities are a guided tour of Chichen Itza, swimming with dolphins, a dine-and-sail excursion and exploring Coba and Tulum.
There are also five luxury signature tours that are not included. One to note is the exploration of a Mayan village, which includes the Tankah cenotes. This excursion includes relaxing swims in the cenotes, canoeing and a typical Mayan lunch in a nearby village. The Sunset Sailing & Vino excursion is another luxury option, which includes a sail along the coastline aboard a catamaran, an open bar and fresh canapes.
Rates for Unico 2087 begin at $518 a night for an Alcoba Swim-Up suite in low season. High season starts at $604 a night. Alcoba Ocean Front suites are $642 per night in low season, and $729 per night in high season. The Estancia Suite begins at $1,157 per night during low season, and $1,312 per night in high season.
Visit www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com.