Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico: UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

What are the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico? It’s a question that I get asked all the time. If you know me by now you know it’s a question I’m *extremely* hesitant to answer, because “best” can mean so many different things based on what you’re looking for.

But if you ask me what are the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen and the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen for adults-only, I often come back with one answer: UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya.

I first visited this resort when it opened in 2017, and it blew me away so hard that it has been the benchmark to which I measure other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico ever since. I recently revisited in November 2021 and was pleased to see that it still holds up to the memories in my mind.

Why do I love this resort? Because it's absolutely beautiful. It's small by all-inclusive standards, with around 400 rooms — but it feels like it's way smaller than that. All the rooms have ocean or partial-ocean views, as well, plus all ground-floor rooms are swim-up suites. Rooms on higher floors all have terraces with soaking tubs. Basically it's tough to book a bad room at this all-inclusive Mexico resort.

That's just the beginning. It's also one of the best party resorts in Playa del Carmen, if you're looking to be social, but has plenty of spots to unwind and disappear into tranquility if you want to lay low. The food, the service, the design, the decor, and the location are all a cut above other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Plus, it's one of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen for couples.

So let’s get into it, shall we? I’ve broken my review down by my patented rating system. And if you are so inclined to book a stay here, doing so on my blog may earn me a small commission.

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen: The Vibe of UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I love a resort where you can choose your own adventure. Especially in a destination like Riviera Maya, which offers the best resorts in Playa del Carmen for couples, the best luxury resorts in Playa del Carmen, and the best party resorts in Playa del Carmen. But UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya puts them all together in one location, and you can tailor your experience based on whatever you’re feeling that particular day.

The resort has two pools: one for parties, and one for relaxation. A quiet beach area offers another place to escape. Plus, guests can always kick back with a bottle of bubbly from their private, ocean-view terrace.

What I love about UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is that it is a very social resort. I like that it’s easy to make friends with other couples, whether it’s over a game of pool in the lobby bar, or over a strong cocktail at the sultry, after-hours Palmera Lounge.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico: The Amenities at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable/Above Average

Yet another impressive win. We've already talked about the pools at the resort, so let's talk about the beach and the beach club. At first I was really underwhelmed by the beach, if I'm being honest. It's not the bleached-white sand you may expect from destinations like Cancun and Tulum. However...

The golden sandy beach stretches forever, and you'll feel like you have the entire spot to yourself. It hugs a warm, gentle bay that is perfect for swimming, with turquoise colored water that is absolutely mesmerizing. By the end of my stay, I was swimming at the beach every day. The beach also happens to be steps from the pool area, so you'll always find it's easy to get a cocktail or something to eat.

The location of UNICO is also one of its best draws. It's halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which means if you want to leave the resort to explore nearby cities or attractions, it's easy to do so.

Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen for Adults: The Rooms at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Once you walk into your room at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, you may be forever changed. The design is modern and chic, but still incredibly cozy, with white linens, slate gray stone, and dark wood accents. Each room has its own terrace with a deep soaking tub (big enough for two!). Rooms on the ground level all have direct entrance to a swim-out pool.

Pro tip: The best in-room amenity here is the bathrobe. These deliciously comfortable robes are more like extended hoodie sweatshirts. Slip into one of these and pop a bottle of bubbles and I dare you to try to leave you room. The beds here are also very comfortable, and you’ll find you won’t lack outlets.

Best All-Inclusive Beachfront Resorts in Playa del Carmen: The Dining at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Overall Score: Above Average

It’s so difficult for an all-inclusive resort to have mind-blowing food. But at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, it’s pretty much as close as you can get. Fewer all-inclusive resorts at this price point have impressed me with food as much as UNICO. 

The specialty restaurants are the way to go here. The Japanese, Italian, and Mexican restaurants are fantastic, so make sure to book your reservations in advance to ensure you get to try them all. All restaurants require reservations for dinner because of COVID. 

I do not suggest having dinner at the 20.87 signature restaurant. Dinner is not this restaurant’s forte. Where it does shine, however, is breakfast and brunch. The huevos rancheros, in particular, are fantastic.

You may want to try one of the add-on experiences, too. I did a wine & charcuterie tasting, which was really delightful, and another great way to meet other couples.

All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts: The Wellness at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I love a resort that has a quality fitness center. So many resorts think of a fitness center as an after-thought, and then turn what is essentially a walk-in closet into a “weight room,” leaving much to be desired.

Not at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. The fitness center here is small by gym-standards, but has every piece of equipment necessary for an extreme workout. Make a reservation for gym time, as well. You’ll find the clientele at the resort is very interested in fitness, and the gym slots fill up quickly.

If you’re not insane like me and don’t want to bother at the gym while on vacation, you can always opt for the decadent spa. 

Book UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Are you convinced yet? You can book UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya here. Note that I do make a small commission if you book through my blog.