DESTINATIONS CARIBBEAN | MEXICO
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Unico 20°87°; chicken teriyaki dish at Mura House; wine and painting session; Alcoba Swim-up Pool room PICTURES: DMP Productions; Derechos Reservados
UNICO 20°87° THE CHILLOUT SPACE From the moment I enter Unico 20°87°, I know I’m home. My imaginary home. As in, somewhere filled with so many beautiful objects and spaces that I never want to leave. If Hard Rock is a feast for the ears, Unico is very much a feast for the eyes, a resort clearly connected to the region’s culture and aesthetics. Check-in is a blur as I take in a sophisticated lobby filled with dark wood, colourful ceramics and Mayan art. The Bar Balam is equally lush, as are the gifts, clothing and homeware in the shopping area. Beyond them, the Unico’s restaurants and Palmera Lounge, where shows and clubnights take place, are just as high-end and chic. Awed, I head for my room with sky-high expectations.
NATURAL BEAUTY
I’m not disappointed. An elegantly neutral ocean-view room of 624 square feet is perfectly in keeping with the resort’s whole Mexico-inspired decor, and a spacious exterior area accommodates a hydro spa tub and large lounger. Here, I enjoy a sunset beer from the minibar, I’m surprised by the swish of a bat nearby.
BIJOU AND CHIC The resort isn’t big, but it packs a lot in. Three pools – the sedate-ish La Unica, more upbeat 20.87 and quieter Escondida – are served by various swim-up bars and a bar/kitchen with an extensive menu. Bridges lead to a
42 10 NOVEMBER 2022
peaceful beach. And, of course, the Esencia Wellness Spa is everything I’ve quickly come to expect: a classically luxurious full-service spa with modern touches.
JUST DO IT
An action-packed agenda of imaginative activities is centred around the 20.87 pool and bar – from aqua spin to painting classes – and includes a recently added selection of gastronomy-themed activities. I try a mixology class and chocolate-making, but best of all is creating authentic Mexican dishes on the terrace of the gorgeous Cueva Siete Mexican restaurant.
EATING AND DRINKING Contrasting the grown-up feel of Cueva Siete, beach restaurant 20.87 is bright and breezy, and I fall in love with the zen vibes of Asian restaurant Mura House and the gorgeous waterside terrace of Mediterranean eatery Mi Carisa. But neither can outdo the ornate tilework of the Cafe Inez, which looks for all the world like it’s been relocated from 19th-century Mexico City.
BOOK IT
Seven nights at Unico 20°87° costs from £2,599 per person sharing an Alcoba Tropical View King Room on an all-inclusive basis, including British Airways flights from Gatwick, departing June 4, 2023.
caribtours.co.uk unicohotelrivieramaya.com
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