As a destination wedding specialist, I have visited a lot of resorts and I’m always looking for something unique and special to share with my clients.
The all-inclusive Unico Riviera Maya resort in Mexico checks that box bigtime and definitely has that “wow factor” to set it apart!
There is nothing cookie-cutter about this resort. They’ve taken great care to showcase the heart of the Riviera Maya region throughout the property, and you’ll feel immersed in the region’s beauty and culture from the moment you arrive.
Every detail has been well thought out, and the modern Mexican design is absolutely stunning.
The rooms have a rustic-meets-modern kind of vibe with elegant wooden features and decor accents made by local artisans.
Most of the rooms have an ocean view, and they also have a luxurious soaking tub on the balcony. And, all rooms have are assigned a Local Host who acts as your personal concierge during your stay.
Just picture yourself relaxing in your tub (that your Local Host has drawn for you with flower petals), sipping on a glass of champagne, and soaking in the ocean views – it’s the definition of being pampered!!
The Unico Riviera Maya resort is known for its top notch food using locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a diverse mix of culinary innovations highlighting a variety of international flavors.
Here are some of my favorites from my most recent stay:
⭐️ Tropical fruit ceviche at La Escondida
⭐️ Chilaquiles with eggs & chicken and a hazelnut crepe at Mi Carisa (breakfast)
⭐️ Tuna tartare and also the dry noodle with avocado at Cueve Siete
⭐️ Spring rolls and the lobster & rice dish at Mura House
⭐️ Empanada Duo, crab cake, and *Chocolate Whoopies at 2087 (*mini brownies filled with oreo cream, chocolate and pistachio with vanilla ice cream)
⭐️ Churros from room service (especially when they're still warm)
⭐️ Honorable mention to the shrimp tacos and quesadillas that I ordered from the resort app which were brought right to me at my poolside lounge chair - it’s very possible that they tasted even better because I didn’t have to move a muscle to get them 😉
One of the really unique things about this resort is that there is a mixologist on staff who creates delicious handcrafted cocktails. My favorite is called the Sinner at Bar Balam (lobby bar), which has chile-infused vodka, strawberry puree, basil syrup, and lime juice. It is spicy and sweet and totally delicious!
Guests have the option to participate in the complimentary Mixology Class with the famous Luis who has been the head mixologist at Unico since it opened (reservations are required because they cap the class at 12 people). Or, you can book your own private experience for $25 per person.
PRO TIP: You can also make arrangements with your Local Host to bring some mixology to your room, which makes for a perfect "getting ready cocktail" in the evening.
Unico Riviera Maya Resort: Overview
All-inclusive: gourmet meals, premium spirits, entertainment, activities and more are included
Adults-only
Located on a beautiful long stretch of white sand beach
Most rooms have ocean views and soaking tubs on the balcony
Butler service for all rooms (referred to as a “Local Host”)
Five dining options including: a buffet, Italian, Asian, Mexican, and an adorable café/coffee shop (there's a focus on quality over quantity of restaurants) - they will be adding a new French restaurant later in 2024
Five bars including a swim-up bar and a Cuban cigar bar
Three pools: 2087 where all of the activities and main swim up bar are located, La Unica which is a little quieter but still pretty lively (next to the 2087 pool), and La Escondida that is a bit hidden and very chill/relaxing with its own swim up bar
Excellent pool and beach wait service
Spa and hydrotherapy facility (four-handed massage with two masseuses working on you at the same time is not to be missed!)
Fitness center
Only about 30 minutes from the Tulum ruins
24 hour room service included
Complimentary WiFi
Unico Riviera Maya Resort: Unique Special Touches
You can use the resort app to order drinks or food delivered directly to your lounge chair
Guests receive two complimentary sun hats that you can have custom painted and are yours to keep (arrive at least 10-15 minutes early because they only paint a limited number of hats)
Mini ice cream truck option for your table (so cute!)
Pillow menu available
Personalized in-room aromatherapy
Super cozy/soft robes in all rooms
Loungers and day beds all have comfy cushions
Wait staff can bring waters and/or beers in a bucket of ice to you at the pool or beach
Unico Riviera Maya Resort: What Sets It Apart
Food is fantastic using locally-sourced ingredients
Incredible hand-crafted cocktails created by a mixologist
Culturally immersive activities showcasing the region
Unico Riviera Maya Resort: Fun Facts
The Unico Riviera Maya resort was designed by a woman.
The 20°N 87°W (or 2087) that you’ll see in the official resort name represents the latitude and longitude of the resort. This is done to show how important the location of the resort is and how proud they are of the Riviera Maya region.
Unico Riviera Maya Resort Wedding Venues
There are two main ceremony venues at Unico: the wedding gazebo and the beach.
Wedding Gazebo | Ceremony
NOTE: max guest capacity is noted as 80 (can actually fit up to 120 if use additional concrete space)
Click here to see a video of this venue.
Beach | Ceremony or Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity is 150
Click here to see a video of this venue.
For wedding reception venues, Unico has multiple large terrace options to choose from plus the beach and the ballrooms. There is also a smaller covered terrace near the lobby that can comfortably fit up to 70 people for a cocktail hour or 20-30 for a dinner reception .
The Nayade Terrace and Costera Terrace are almost identical to each other (Nayade is a bit bigger) and are both located in the central area of the resort; when you're looking towards the beach, Nayade is on the right and Costera is on the left.
Nayade Terrace | Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity for cocktail hour is 450 and reception is 240
Costera Terrace | Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity for cocktail hour is 340 and reception is 140
The Terraza Verde and El Patio Terrace reception venues are both very private as they're tucked back behind the resort; when you're looking towards the beach, El Patio is on the right and Terraza Verde is on the left. Receptions at most of Unico's venues need to end by 10:30 p.m. to prevent disruption for other guests, but because of their location, receptions at either of these two venues can go past 10:30 p.m.
Terraza Verde | Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity for cocktail hour is 1120 and reception is 800
El Patio Terrace | Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity for cocktail hour is 1120 and reception is 800
INSIDER INFO: They are planning to renovate El Patio Terrace this year which will include adding a roof.
Ballrooms | Reception
NOTE: max guest capacity for cocktail hour is 1104 and reception is 840
There are several things that set Unico apart for weddings:
Fantastic group perks - especially for larger groups (e.g. free room night credits and room upgrade for wedding couple, complimentary private events, etc.)
You get to work with the team in Miami during the planning process (no language barrier issues)
They have an awesome wedding calculator tool to help you estimate overall costs
AND, since I'm an "AIW Specialist" for their weddings, you would currently get to choose from one complimentary perk from the list below:
--1 Hour Cocktail for Wedding Party
--2 Extra Wedding Reception Hours
--50 Minute Couple's Massage
--Romantic Dinner For Couple
--Bali Bed for Couple (if available at property)
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