Traveling in a post-COVID world was definitely worth it to stay at Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya. I’ve stayed at a few all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Unico is by far my favorite resort because of the exceptional service and delicious food and cocktails.
Travel COVID-19 Style
But let’s start with the airport experience, DFW airport had low crowds in July which was as expected. DFW Airport placed signage everywhere enforcing masks being worn and following social distance measures. Standing in line to check-in and drop off our luggage, I felt completely safe as other travelers were standing 6 feet apart. Before boarding any flight, all passengers to be screened before takeoff. The screening is just a questionnaire with typical COVID-19 questions about symptoms, travel outside of the country, and potential exposure. Numerous airports have the form available online to fill out before arriving, I highly suggest filling out the screening a day before.
We flew Sun Country on the way to Cancun and the way back to Dallas we flew Spirit Airlines, both airlines required masks to be worn. I was really impressed with Spirit Airlines as they were leaving the middle seat open for social distancing and adding filtration systems on planes to help filter and recirculate the air from the cabin and mix it with fresh air. Each airline has their cleaning protocols and it’s best to research your preferred airline to see how they are implementing sanitary measures and determine your comfort level. My suggestion is to carry your own COVID-19 travel kit to prepare and make yourself feel more comfortable to travel. This kit should consist of a face mask, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and snacks. Having all these things in your personal bag or carry-on luggage will prepare you for the airport and flight.
5 Star Service
Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya increased their level of sanitation such as sanitizing guests’ hands, shoes, and luggage and checking temperatures upon arrival. As well as increased their frequency for cleaning high-touch point areas and provided social distancing rules in high traffic areas such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, bars, pools, gyms, and spas. Guests are not required to wear masks, but all staff members wear masks and some even wear gloves when handling your luggage. Unico also has hand-sanitizer stations throughout the resort for convenience and signage to remind guests of social distancing.
The 5-star service started when we walked into Unico! The staff immediately took our luggage and escorted us to the lobby where we were greeted with drinks and began the check-in process. The front desk reviewed our reservation details with us and showed us a resort map to ensure we knew where the beach, pools, spas, gym, and restaurants are located. They then took our aromatherapy requests to finish those final touches on our room. Before being shown to our Swim-Up room, our local host, Javier, introduced himself at check-in and asked what we needed assistance with for that day, and informed us how to contact him throughout the week.
Swim-Up Pool Room
We decided to stay in the Swim-Up Pool room since we never experience this before and we are so thankful we did! I was blown away as I stepped into our room, each room features a warm and elegant ambiance in an ideal setting of relaxed luxury that makes instantly feel at home. The handcrafted touches and local artwork inside the room give that contemporary touch of Mexico.
The Swim-Up Pool Room features a spacious bathroom with his and her sinks and a huge walk-in shower with a bench. In the bathroom, they had every toiletry item you can think of in case you forgot an item at home. The toiletry basket included the following items: toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, manicure kit, sewing kit, and q-tips. You can also request a flat-iron if needed, so leave that extra weight at home!
The king-size bed was oh so comfortable and we slept very well each night. We enjoyed eating in our room throughout the week in our living/dining area, with plenty of space to enjoy a quiet meal together.
My favorite area of our room was the patio where you had the option of laying in the lounge chair in the water, sitting on the outdoor couch, or hanging out in your hammock. And we can’t forget the pool, we loved having a semi-private pool to take a swim after being at the beach or resort pools all day. If you haven’t experienced a Swim-Up pool in your room, I would highly suggest it.
Oceanview Room
On our second stay, we got to experience the Oceanview Room and it did not disappoint! We were in building 4 and we had a lovely view of the resort including the pools and ocean. My favorite part of this room was the exterior hydro spa tub! Every day my incredible host, Javier, would prep my spa tub for me after a day spent at the beach and pool. Soaking in a bubble bath at the end of the day/before dinner was a great way to close out a relaxing day.
I also spent my mornings on the balcony taking in the ocean views and enjoying the quiet time before the guests started their day. Make sure to treat yourself to room service breakfast on your balcony if you chose to stay in this room.
Give me all the food
I am such a foodie and every meal we indulge in at Unico was absolutely delicious and worth every calorie. Plus, every restaurant as well as the pool and beach service gave 5-star quality service each day. Here’s a list of my favorites from each menu, you can’t go wrong with ordering any of the following items.
Room Service
•burger
•steak fillet
•flank steak
•churros
Pool\Beach Service
•hotdog
•nachos
•buffalo wings
•chicken fried tacos
•pizza
•burger (any!)
2087
•pancakes
•waffles
•omelet
•donuts
•crabcake
•grilled grouper
•parmesan risotto
•ribeye
Mi Carisa
•tomato bisque
•lasagna
•gnocchi
•calamari
•mussels
•truffled beef carpaccio
•salmon
Cueva Siete
•duck tacos
•bone marrow
•lobster
•rib eye
•pork loin
•Mayan coffee
Mura House
•grilled duck breast
•lobster fried rice
•any of the sushi rolls!
Activities
Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya is known for a relaxed yet luxurious adult-only experience with refined entertainment. We enjoyed this atmosphere as we were in dire need of a “do nothing” vacation. If you are looking for a party resort, Unico may not be the right accommodation for you.
I highly recommend downloading the Unico app, as they list activities for the day to make it easy for you to plan your day or week out. Some of the daytime entertainment consisted of DJ playing music at the pool, ping pong, and pool volleyball. And don’t forget to have your sunhat decorated, Unico gives each guest a sunhat to customize by painters. Just check out their schedule on the app!
If you want to continue your workout routine on vacation, you can schedule a reservation for gym time with your local host or join one of the many classes! Unico has numerous workout classes to choose from including yoga, hydropilates, cycling, aqua spinning, and cardio dance.
If you are looking for something to do after dinner, Bar Balam always has a live DJ! You can even play bingo, pool, or chess at Bar Balam as well. Since we went back to Unico for a second stay, we got to experience more activities as they are currently operating before post-pandemic times. The Palmera Lounge is now open and they have a live DJ as well as theme nights such as casino night!
Unico features a Mixology Master Class, ask your local host to RSVP for you. If for some reason the class is full for the week ask your local host to provide a mini-mixology class in your room. Great way to try a new cocktail!
Spa Treatments
The best thing about staying at Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya is the unlimited inclusions. Guests only have to pay 25% of the price for selected spa services, we took advantage of this feature and schedule a deep-tissue couples’ massage. My husband and I are were particular about our massages and both therapists were fantastic. On our second stay at Unico, my friends enjoyed the Roses and Diamonds couples package. This treatment started with a body scrub and then you get to soak in a private bubble bath with your significant other. To top off this experience, the spa staff provides chocolate-covered strawberries, cookies, and champagne. The Roses and Diamonds treatment end in a relaxing massage. I recommend splurging and treating yourself to one of the spa services. Here’s a tip, arrive at the spa an hour before your appointment to enjoy the complimentary hydrotherapy. The hydrotherapy includes a sauna, steam room with a mask, thermal chairs, and a whirlpool. There’s also an outdoor pool to enjoy before your treatment.
We love UNICO
We absolutely fell in love with Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya and this resort will be a place that we return to as we already have plans to go back in 2021. You can’t beat the top-notch service, relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, exceptional amenities, and delicious food and cocktails! Contact me directly so I can plan your next vacation to paradise!
TIPS FOR UNICO
For the first-timers, I pulled together a list of tips to experience all that Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya has to offer.
Unico
· Download the app before arrival.
· You can use the app to order food at the pool or room service.
· You will find all the restaurants’ menus on the app as well.
· The app also has a map of the hotel in case you need it.
· Use the app to schedule housekeeping or turn down service
· Your room will have the following items: steamer, blow dryer (without attachment), toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, manicure kit, sewing kit, q-tips
· Place the knot on the outside of your door for “do not disturb” and then schedule your housekeeping after you leave so you can sleep in
· Bring a yeti cup to keep drinks at pool/beach cool
· Bring a small/cheap float for the pool
Beach
· Use the middle or far left bridge to find a spot. It’s less rocky on that side
· Walk down to the far left for about ten minutes and you will find beach swings
Host
· Utilize your host for everything!
· They can make dinner and spa reservations for you.
· You can also request things from your host such as bug spray, a pillow off the pillow menu, flat iron, etc.
· If you have a bathtub in your room, request spa tub preparation an hour or so before you go back to your room after being out for the day
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