UNICO 2087, Mexico

UNICO 2087, located in Riviera Maya, Mexico is a fairly new concept in the adults only, all-inclusive industry.  The resort is part of the AIC hotels group brand who also owns and runs the Hard Rock all-inclusive properties in Mexico and Putna Cana; UNICO 2087 is quite a nice departure from the Hard Rock properties.  The resort is part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World portfolio and is held to very specific standards to maintain this status.  

I was invited to visit UNICO 2087 in fall 2018 to attend an Industry FAM (familiarization trip) and was pleasantly pleased and delighted with this property.  After the initial release of this property a couple of years ago it quickly became the most instagrammed resort in Mexico.  Its not hard to understand why when you see it.  The design of the property is meticulous and a deliberate use of local themes is weaved throughout.  It is a harmonious mix of comfort and modern clean lines sprinkled with gorgeous pops of color inspired by local Mexican artisans.

Aside, from the comfortable bed, juicy decor, and AMAZING service, one of the absolute standout features is the food!!  The food is fabulous - honestly some of the best I have had and with only 4 nightly restaurants the food needs to be a standout feature - UNICO has not missed the mark here.  My favorite meal was a tie between the Mushroom Crusted Steak at Mi Carisa and the Mexican pizza at Cueva Siete (a far far cry from the taco bell images the word "Mexican pizza" conjures here in the US).  I should also disclose that I am gluten free and have been for about 9 years.  There are tons of gluten free options at this property and I had no issues getting what I needed or wanted! 

In the realm of food the resort succeeds in serving some of the best room service breakfast in the industry.  They even figured out a way for guests to order up food and drink directly from their pool and beach lounge chairs...its all in the details! The resident chef, Xavier Perez Stone seamlessly continues the overall theme of connecting and sharing local cultural vibes through his fabulous food creations.  The menus are constantly changing and updating.  They pay wonderful homage to Mexican cultural scents and flavors. 

UNICO is not overly large, the lay out is easy to learn and the beachfront is expansive enough to enjoy a walk.  I have to think hard to find negatives to report on the property.  If hard pressed...... there are some rocky areas on the resorts' beach frontage, no need to fret though, there is plenty of beach without rocky terrain - you just have ot look for it.  The other thing that annoyed me slightly was the roped off area of lounge chairs by the main pool reserved for guests who are part of the time share associated with the brand.  As a travel consultant timeshares are an annoyance to me - they undermine the unique individual travel expereinces a person should invest in throughout a lifetime (that is a whole other blog post).  

You should not have anyone trying to sell time share options to you, but I'm just not a fan of "exclusive" areas like this.  It can make guests feel unworthy or like there is something better you are missing out on.  Although, I did think it was smart where they chose to put the area.  It is far from the fun swim-up pool bar and back away from ocean breezes, so the best spots are still open for all guests to enjoy.  

My favorite memory:  After enjoying a mushroom crusted steak at Mi Carisa, I ordered up a bubble bath from the on site resort App.  Exhausted and sore from touring properties all day and missing my family at home,  I returned to my room and a beautiful bath had been prepared especially for me.  I cannot think of a better way for the resort to make me feel like their one of a kind, valued guest whose upmost comfort and happiness is ultimatley what matters to them.

So....if you cannot tell, I love UNICO 2087 and is definitely a perfect choice for the right client.  Remember, not all resorts are for all people - everyone wants and needs something a little different.  Contact me to help you find the right fit for you!  Enjoy the pics and happy travel dreams~  

amye@destinationstoexplore.com
803-381-0330
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