For those that followed us on social media as we shared our adventures to UNICO 20º87º in real-time, you could see that this experience was over the top! This week, we are showing you all of our favorite experiences from this trip whether it be the top-notch cuisine or the luxurious spa treatments.
Our team enjoyed a week of both fun and relaxation at UNICO 20º87º, an all-inclusive luxury resort and we wanted to share our favorite parts of the stay with you.
MATTHEW: Seriously, hands down UNICO provides the most amazing culinary experiences. Their series of al a carte restaurants are top-notch. It was like enjoying five-star dining each day. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I loved the ambiance of Mi Carisa, with cuisine that features an Italian coastal flair. I love that every space throughout the property, including the restaurants, incorporated a well-thought-out design. The interiors of each are unique and inspiring, each feels like a mini-excursion and a week of adventures. If they have lamb chops while you are visiting, I highly recommend paring with their amazing list of wines. We loved the Casa Madero, a wine from Mexico. Point of interest: Casa Madero owns and operates the oldest vineyards and winery in the entire American Continent!
I’m pretty picky when it comes to the amenities and services at hotels, so the spa is one area that often doesn’t deliver at other destinations I’ve visited. At UNICO, the spa is one of the best features! From the amazing hydro-therapy experience to beautiful suites overlooking the jungle for the perfect massage, I don’t know what could be more relaxing. Our team started the trip off with manicures and pedicures, so I’d also recommend the salon which is adjacent to the spa when you arrive.
ERIKA: Anyone who knows me knows I love a curated vibe and aesthetic, and UNICO had no shortage of either. Every inch of the property from the floor to the ceiling is adorned with amazing interior design that brings together the heritage of the Riviera Maya and modern luxury. As you enter the lobby, you are greeted with calming water features and gorgeous traditional steel black Mexican chandeliers. The lounges are designed with leather furniture pieces that sit on Moroccan rugs paired with jute-woven ottomans. Regional elements are also seen in the rooms and suites. In all of their rooms, you are met with clean lines and natural materials. I loved the weathered wood beams on the ceiling and the local art on the walls.
Whether you choose to imbibe in a craft cocktail or indulge in international cuisine, each of UNICO’s lounges and restaurants transports you into another world. My personal favorite was the Palmera Lounge, the property’s on-site nightlife bar. Curved velvet furniture and peach-toned walls take you back to another decade. The design was inspired by the glamour of Cuban clubs in the 1940s with bright and inviting elements and live music. I suggest kicking back and ordering a refreshing Mayan Mule complete with vodka, sour orange juice, green lemon juice, handmade ginger syrup and topped with tonic water.
ELLAINA: UNICO is a great experience all around from the minute you arrive! Picking just two of my top things wasn’t easy when writing this…but if a property is that great that you love it ALL, it must be great, right? I was ready for some sunshine by the pool, and with the multiple different pool options, each with a distinct vibe, there was a fit for your mood of the hour or day. We tended to move around! I loved the chairs and beds around for lounging. They all had plush cushions, basically, everyone had a sofa they were laying on, making it easy for sun naps. Food and beverage options are all over the pool (and property!). Swim-up bars were in 2 out of the 3 main pools, and it led to lots of fun. We even met a wedding group from Minnesota at the pool one day. I enjoyed that the property hosted pool parties with a DJ on some of the afternoons. With those parties, out came the giant floaties – I had to grab the unicorn!
The rooms were beautiful and had lots of custom touches with the ability to personalize. There is the option to go to the spa and custom select products you would like to use during your stay for your room – how cool is that?!? Another service that they offer is a pillow menu to find the best fit. Each room had either a deck or a swim-up patio. Mine had a deck with a jetted soaker tub and a lounge sofa. For the tub, it comes with some essential oils or bubbles to add to it, I used the bubbles! One of the final great features in the room that I personally enjoyed, were the hooded robes and slippers waiting for you in the room.
