As one of Central Travel’s top producers for Delta Vacations, I was part of an incentive award trip this January to the Riviera Maya.  We did site inspections at Ocean Riviera Paradise, Hotel Xcaret, Unico 20° 87°, Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita, Generations Riviera Maya, by Karisma and our host resort was the beautiful Grand Velas Riviera Maya.  All resorts were 4.5 – 5 Star properties and we saw all room categories in each resort.  There is certainly something for everyone in the Riviera Maya! 

I found the Unico 20° 87° resort to be rather unique.  The property is owned by Hard Rock and is considered a luxury hotel in Riviera Maya.  Located in a bay with a private beach flanked by El Dorado Seaside Suites and The Palladium resorts, the hotel is set in a horseshoe and 90% of their rooms are Ocean View.  The resort is adults only.

Alcoba is the name of the lead in the category and is a swim up room on the first floor and not Ocean view.  If you have an ocean view or ocean front Alcoba room, it is not a swim up but has a tub on the terrace, however, the tub does not have a privacy curtain. The Estancia Suites are one bedroom, 1.5 baths and either tropical view (palm trees in way of the ocean) or Ocean view.  These are located on floors two and above with large living area and terrace.

The resort has a laid back atmosphere-they have no scheduled entertainment but always something going on. Three pools including one quiet pool.   Palmera is open Wednesday through Saturday until 2:00 am with music, but if you want a “club” atmosphere they have a $10.00 excursion that takes you to the Hard Rock Club-Heaven from 10:00 pm-2:00 am.

Restaurants-you can make a reservation or do first/come first served.  Best take away-casual dress code in every restaurant. Unico does not expect you to come to Riviera Maya and have to dress up for dinner.  Inez Café opens from 6:00am-2:00am-great for early morning flights if you want to have a breakfast take away.

I would be happy to assist you with your next Riviera Maya vacation!