My Visit To UNICO, Riviera Maya
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To say that the all-inclusive market is saturated is an understatement. In order to break through the clutter, particularly in Cancun and Riviera Maya, a resort has to be truly different. Unico, as its name implies – is unique – from the overall ambiance, to the inclusion of spa, hair and nail treatments, to the favorable price point and abundance of meeting and convention facilities. This is a resort that not only caters to transient vacation guests – but is perfectly positioned to exceed the needs of meeting and incentive programs.
Unico is located an hour’s drive south of Cancun airport, about 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen. With 448 rooms and suites – all with spacious verandas or swim-out pool access (first floor) – Unico is a very manageable size. The resort is built in a horseshoe – making every room, pool, bar, restaurant, spa and function space easily and quickly accessible. Upon entrance into the lobby, you can tell that the design was extraordinarily well thought out. The concept at Unico is simple – to create a resort that reflects the culture and feeling of Mexico – but not old world Mexico, rather modern day Mexico. All of the products, furnishings and décor are manufactured within the country. From stunning ceramic sinks to elegantly designed lanterns and Mayan replicas in the lobby – you feel as though you have been invited to a diplomat’s home. The resort is uncluttered, bright, charming and inviting.
There are four restaurants – each with menus that make use of local products – but completely avoid typical Mexican fare. For example – Cueva Siete, the “Mexican” restaurant doesn’t have a single bean on the menu. It is local gourmet – incorporating some of the flavors of the region in an unexpected “modernly elegant” way. I am personally not a Mexican food fan, yet I could have easily indulged in most of the offerings. Additionally, Unico has Mediterranean (Mi Carisa), Asian (Mura House) and “World Food” (20.87) restaurants. The latter serves as a full buffet for breakfast and lunch – doubling as a steak and salad outlet for dinner. So what’s different? All of the restaurants have their own chef, own kitchen, own restroom facilities – and each has outdoor patio seating. Each restaurant is carefully and beautifully decorated to reflect the “theme” – yet nothing feels “kitchy” or overdone. Even the drinks are specially crafted to accompany the “flavor” of the establishment.
Ninety percent of the 448 guest rooms are ocean-view. Each room features blue tooth speakers, clothing steamers, jacuzzi bathtub on the terrace (with the exception of the swim outs), 55-inch television, Nespresso machine, flat iron, rain showers, aromatherapy and pillow menu, custom bathrobe and slippers, custom scent amenities AND unlimited free calls to the US and Canada!
As for meeting and function space – the resort features a main ballroom of 11,603 square feet, divisible into three sections. There are an additional ten breakout rooms.
The most incredible feature of all are the complimentary spa treatments – ranging from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures to hair salon services. Guests can book as many treatments as they want with the only cost being a charge of 20% of the service. For example, if a massage is $100 – the guest pays $20. It is an incredible deal for guests who like to be pampered. With 18 treatment rooms and extensive spa hours – resort guests can be easily accommodated.
Rates range from $250-380 pp/night based on seasonality and availability. This gorgeous and brand new resort is worth exploring. Want to have a look? Ask us about complimentary stays for qualified planners.
