UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya

Set along a white-sand beach in Akumal, the UNICO 20 87 is one of the most beautiful resorts in the area. The property may look like any other luxury all-inclusive from the outside, but interiors have been carefully designed to evoke traditional haciendas with modern touches. Ochre rugs over black tile floors, big tufted couches in gray hues or brown leather, wooden shutters, and high ceilings with exposed beams make the lobby feel immediately inviting and stylish, while sleek details such as raspberry and moss-green velvet seating, black leather booths, and wood accents lend restaurants a sophisticated vibe. The grounds are spacious and manicured, but the property is more compact than most of its neighbors, allowing for a rather boutique-y feel despite its high room count. The vibe is also quite unique here: two of the hotel’s three pools are lively during the day, with DJ sessions, swim-up bars, whirlpools, and lots of loungers, and there are plenty of activities for guests to take part in (from tequila tastings to fitness classes), but nights are mostly quiet, with just some live music a few times per week, and an idea of fun that focuses more on drinks with friends than on long nights dancing to electronic beats.
The all-inclusive package is one of the most comprehensive in the area. It covers not only all drinks and food but also all minibar items, a selection of spa and fitness classes, 24-hour butler services, and even some tours. Still, extras can be hefty, and wellness services carry a 25 percent service charge. Travelers seeking something in this price range but closer to the airport may prefer the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, a sleek, adult-only resort with gorgeous suites, beautiful pools, and over a dozen dining options. The Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an Don Pablo Collection is a great alternative for travelers shopping around for something similar but cheaper, though it is located a 15-minute free shuttle ride from the beach.

The resort is located in Akumal, a resort-filled area that’s about a half-hour drive from both Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Although there is nothing within walking distance or even a quick cab ride away, most guests are more than happy to hang out at the beach or the pools, only leaving the premises to go on resort-organized tours. Attractions such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha are just up Highway 307, on the way to Playa del Carmen, but Chichen Itza is two hours away. The resort is just over an hour's drive south of Cancun, home to the nearest international airport.

The resort offers 448 rooms divided into several categories. All are spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to big, furnished terraces, and a beautiful, upscale design that brings together lovely local touches and modern elements. Four-poster wooden beds combine with rope details and leather finishes to create rooms that feel luxe and attractive. The soft earth-tone palette adds to the soothing atmosphere, while stump-like coffee tables give rooms a rustic-chic touch. Many rooms have panoramic ocean views, and others overlook the pools and the grounds. Swim-up units feature shared pools that can be accessed directly from the terrace. Though most room types are designed for only two guests, the hotel also offers a number of two-bedroom villas and suites for up to six people.
Amenities are excellent across the board, and include espresso machines, free Wi-Fi, free minibars stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and pillow menus with aromatherapy options. Bathrooms are spotless and upscale, with black marble counters, wood accents, and separate cabins for toilets and rainfall showers. Most rooms also have soaking or jetted tubs, and many feature outdoor tubs with ocean views.

UNICO 20 87 features three pools, including two lively ones with music and activities, and a quiet one where guests go to relax. 20.87 features DJ sessions several times per week and a hopping, fun atmosphere, while Escondida is tucked away in a quieter part of the resort and pipes soothing music. Drink and food service is available around all pools, and two of them have swim-up bars. Multi-person whirlpools and cabanas (for a fee) are also available in all pool decks. The beach is another highlight here, with fine, white sand, padded loungers, and waiter service. Non-motorized water sports are available free of charge. Other on-site activities include tastings, dance classes, themed parties a couple of nights per week, and sports screenings.
Dining options are varied and outstanding here, with four wonderful restaurants serving up Mediterranean, traditional Yucatan, and Asian cuisines, plus a casual beachside buffet offering a wide array of international dishes. Mura House, the Japanese restaurant, is a guest favorite. All are covered by the all-inclusive package, but reservations are required.
The spa is upscale and relaxing, offering a wide range of treatments and salon services, some of which are included in the standard rate. All, however, come with a 25 percent service charge. Though smallish, the gym is well-equipped and modern, and offers weekly classes, some of them free (plus a 20 percent service fee).