UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is an adults only, all inclusive resort on the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya, around an hour and a quarter by road from Cancun International Airport. Everyone staying is 18 or over, which gives the resort a grown up, unhurried pace. Premium drinks, specialty dining, a stocked minibar and 24 hour room service all sit within the board basis, and a Local Host can arrange restaurant reservations and tours.

Nine room categories cover Alcoba rooms, Alto rooms and Estancia Suites. Most Alcoba rooms face the ocean or the tropical gardens, while Alcoba Swim-up Pool opens from a private terrace straight into the water. Alto Ocean View King sits on the upper floors, and Alto Panoramica Ocean Front takes the top floor for unobstructed sea views. Rooms feature a terrace with lounge area, an outdoor whirlpool tub, a pillow menu and a Nespresso machine. Estancia Suites add a separate living area, with one or two bedrooms for travelling companions.

Active days start on the beach, where kayaking and snorkelling are available in suitable conditions. Stand up paddle yoga takes place at La Escondida, while pool volleyball and aqua spinning run at the 20°87° Pool. Dance lessons suit beginners and anyone refining their steps, and a Silent Party lets you pick your own music channel. Further options include customising a hat with local makers, a Mayan inspired Shaman Ritual, a mezcal class and live tropical music in the evening.

Three pools each have their own character. La UNICA is the large social pool, the 20°87° Pool is the lively centre with a resident DJ, and La Escondida is the quieter option with a hydro-pool. Swim-up bars serve cocktails at the 20°87° Pool and La Escondida. Esencia Wellness Spa blends Mexican traditions with modern treatments, including the Esencia Four Hands massage by two therapists, with a hydrotherapy circuit open from 8:00 to 18:00. A fitness center with visiting instructors, yoga sessions and a beauty salon complete the wellbeing offer.

Six restaurants cover a wide range of tastes. Mi Carisa cooks coastal Italian dishes in a wood burning oven, Avec serves a French bistro menu, Cueva Siete celebrates Yucatecan cooking and Mura House focuses on Japanese teppanyaki, yakitori and sushi. The 20°87° Restaurant focuses on premium cuts and fresh seafood, and Inez Cafe serves coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Bar Balam is a speakeasy style cocktail bar open from 9:00 to midnight, Palmera Lounge adds Cuban club music late on Thursday to Saturday nights, and La Botella offers sommelier led wine tastings. Dress is smart casual, with collared shirts for men at dinner.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are both close by, and the resort organises excursions to Tulum, the Yalku lagoon, Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and underground rivers for swimming. Taxis wait at the valet entrance at any hour, and shuttle transfers can be arranged from the airport, which is about an hour and a quarter away.