Redefining the “All Inclusive” Resort

It seems like every fall, I start to receive a flood of requests from clients. They are asking questions like “What’s new this year?” even better, “Where should I go this year?” The world of travel is always evolving. This makes it a rather exciting place to work! One of the big changes I’ve seen has come from the AIC Hotel Group. You may recognize their other brands such as Hard Rock all inclusive in Mexico & Dominican Republic, Eden Rock Miami (the only true all inclusive in the US) and newly added Nobu Chicago. One of their newest projects has me so excited for the future of all inclusive. UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, an adults only resort opened in 2017, is raising the bar. Here’s how they did it. A team of visionaries came together to brainstorm what exactly needed to change in the all inclusive world. They focused on improving these 3 areas.

FOOD/BEVERAGE Sometimes when you go to an all inclusive the food is mediocre at best. You find lots of buffets but not much food that is “made to order”. The dining options at UNICO 20°87° are like something you might see in a foodie magazine or a 5-star restaurant in Miami. They have elevated the game by offering primarily a la carte restaurants for dinner. These chefs are using local ingredients whenever possible. You can check out the modern Mexican cuisine at Cueva Siete, where they have implemented a rotating chef program to infuse new offerings from your last visit.

Who doesn’t love to start their day off with brunch?! The casual beachfront “20 87” restaurant has a bloody mary bar and made to order chilaquiles. You can enjoy breakfast a la carte in Mi Carisa.

In-Room Dining offers eats around the clock so whether you prefer breakfast in bed or a late-night dessert like Mexican churros, they can make it happen. Pool Dining allows you to order eats via the UNICO 20°87° Riviera Maya phone app to your pool side chair without even getting up! Bar Balam offers boldness in their mixology offerings. Focusing in on health, not a problem! UNICO 20°87° offers milk substitutions, gluten free and dairy free options that allow you to stick to your health goals even while on vacation.

SPA & EXCURSIONS GALORE Can I get an AMEN?! You want to visit the spa every day? This is the place! The spa is stunning and includes water treatment with every service. The spa offers a variety of treatments ranging from manicures and pedicures to volcanic rock massage. This is a nice added value for an all-inclusive. Looking for a unique experience off property? Check out their signature tours.

Tours such as Chichen Itza & cenotes, dinner boat cruise and Mayan jungle tours and much more. Customize your experiences both on and off property. Become immersed in the local Mayan culture. For more information check out the UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya app.

CUSTOMIZED LOCAL EXPERIENCES Imagine the local touches of Mexico meets high end, luxury resort accommodations. The team decided to bring in local influences like handmade soaps/lotions from Mexico, handmade straw hats in your room that are yours to keep, mezcal tastings and more! They even have an artist on site to customize your sun hat if you wish. I always tell people the resort itself feels like you are living in a pottery barn. One of my favorite “touches” has to be the sweatshirt robes in your room. You can buy these at the end of your stay and they are so popular they are typically back-ordered! Your local “host” can help you to customize the rest of your stay like scheduling dinner reservations, setting up excursions or arranging something special to surprise your loved one.

As if this team hasn’t thought of it all, they even tackled entertainment. You won’t be seeing any Michael Jackson impersonators. UNICO 20°87° specializes in “pop up entertainment”. That means you can expect the unexpected during your stay. They base entertainment off the energy of the guests staying on property. You might see a pop-up art class or become entranced a mentalist in Bar Balam. You can choose from daily activities such as salsa dancing classes, cooking classes, floating yoga, bingo and Mixology 101.  

Like what you see? I would be more than happy to send you to this property to experience it for yourself. This property is perfect for all adults from honeymooners to social groups, girlfriend getaways and wellness retreats. It’s a foodie-traveler’s dream. Request a quote today!!

A huge thank you to AIC Hotel Group for contributing photos to this blog article-especially The Jet Set Redhead