Recommend June 2017 - 32

The resort can create unique wedding set-ups.

onsitereview

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UNICO 20˚87˚
Hotel Riviera Maya

We're targeting the
aspirational traveler who
wants to experience the
unexpected and form a
genuine connection to the
region. This can be an
older traveler, or a
Millennial who'd rather
spend their disposable
income on experiences.
- Frank Maduro,
Vice President of Marketing,
AIC Hotel Group

Michelle Marie Arean

Minutes within arriving at UNICO 20˚87˚
Hotel Riviera Maya, I sent a text to family
and friends saying, "I might not return home;
I found heaven." I'm sure your clients won't
disagree. The accommodations at this new
all-inclusive Mexico property exude modern
Mexican flair and a relaxed ambiance-mine
came with a swim-up pool with chaises set
in the water and hammocks hanging in the
patio. Can you say pure bliss? The property
has swim-up pools on every first-floor
guestroom-76 total. Mine, set within a few
feet from the grand 20˚87˚ Pool and Swim
Up Bar and La Unica Pool, offered views of
passersby, pool action, and well-manicured
lush gardens. For those who prefer a soak
in the tub instead, every room-372 to be
exact (not including the two in Villa 20˚87˚,
a 2-bedroom villa)-offers a hydro spa tub
on the balcony, also ideal for taking in the
surrounding scenery.
Rooms come stocked with wines, mescal,
tequila, soft drinks, and complimentary sun
hats that guests can have decorated during
one of the many pop-up activities around the
resort. While lounging about in the room,
guests can use the services of their anfitrion,

For an Eye on the World slideshow
and intel from AIC Hotel Group's v.p.
of marketing, visit recommend.com.
32 june 2017

or "host," who, among other things, can set
up the spa tub.
Although it will be hard for honeymooners
to leave their room, there's plenty to do
around this unique adults-only resort. Frank
Maduro, v.p. of marketing for AIC Hotel
Group, agrees when I say UNICO is a
different type of all-inclusive. He describes
it as, "an adults-only, all-inclusive hotel that
embodies relaxed luxury and immerses the
guest in the local culture through great food
and mixology, the design, including art and
local artisan program, pop-up programming,
the wellness experience and exclusively
curated tours." He's on point. At every corner
something's going on, but it isn't rowdy or
disruptive. One afternoon there could be
an artisan by the pool weaving handbags,
belts, and table runners, and another
afternoon there'll be artisans drawing on
the hotel walls, showcasing their artwork
on mescal bottles, or decorating notebooks
with traditional Mexican artwork. At night,
the pop-up experiences switch to a more
entertaining aspect offering everything from
a Spanish pop band performing by the pool,
or perhaps a sultry jazz singer serenading
guests at Palmera Lounge before the DJ and
local band take over. Maduro adds, "Each
day offers a different experience. You'll never
know what to expect."
For guests who want to venture off
property, the resort's "uniqueness" also

extends to its Signature Excursions, each
designed with added details and amenities
to supplement the experience. For my
adventure, we headed off for a half-day in
Tankah with a small brown bag of goodies
in hand that included organic sunscreen,
body mist, face wipes, and bug spray from the
hotel's onsite spa. Our destination: a Maya
village where we jumped in, ziplined across,
and canoed through cenotes, and relaxed
on hammocks. The day concluded with a
traditional Maya meal served by the locals.
After partaking in the local culture,
guests can relax at the onsite Esencia Spa,
which offers one daily complimentary
service, as well as amenities to use in-room
upon their arrival. Suggest your clients
sign up for the 60-minute Esencia Signature
treatment where two (yes TWO) therapists
work simultaneously to target tension in
the body. I have to say that this massage
was completely euphoric; your clients will
definitely walk out in a state of pure bliss.
"This is not your typical all-inclusive
property, it's anything but cookie-cutter,
so keep that in mind when positioning
and selling the hotel to your guests,"
advises Maduro. Rates start at $600 per
night dbl. ■
Contact Information
UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya: unicohotelrivieramaya.com
recommend.com
http://www.recommend.com http://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com http://www.recommend.com
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