Mexico has miles and miles of beach, on both the East and West coasts. Earlier this summer we were fortunate enough to visit the Riviera Maya, which is located on the Eastern side of the country. Read on to learn all about our fabulous Mexican escape to the Unico Riviera Maya!
Getting to the Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is a quick trip from Boston. With direct routes available on certain days of the week, be sure to plan your trip around them as it makes getting there almost as easy as going to Florida! We flew from Boston to Cancun and then the hotel was able to pick us up and drive us down the coast to the resort, which was about an hour south of CUN.
Where to Stay
Since Mexico is a very popular destination for Americans, there are hundreds of resorts lining the oceanfront. However, we chose the Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya, a chic all-inclusive that’s only two years old. Unico is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and offers a new type of all-inclusive experience.
By supplying each guest with a “local host” upon arrival, the resort wants to break down the typical “all-inclusive” cookie cutter reputation by allowing guests to truly customize their vacation.
What to Do
When heading to Mexico, of course you can expect lots of sun and sand, but at Unico there are also some amazing spa treatments and other activities to participate in.
We spent lots of time at the pool, beach and exploring the resort.
What to Eat in the Riviera Maya
During the day all guests are offered a breakfast and lunch buffet in the 20.87 restaurant to the right of the main pool and there are several snack bars all around the pool area serving tacos and pizzas as well.
However, at night we got to choose from a few different options and the week we were there, there was even a very special dining event going on. This summer the hotel hosted top rated chefs from all over the world to come and create some amazing dining experiences for the guests. We tried María José San Román’s menu and she brought some of her Spanish restaurant to Playa del Carmen. Served in the Cueva Siete restaurant, we enjoyed a multi course set menu.
The other restaurant options on property, all of which are included in the rate are: Mura House, which serves hibachi grilled dishes, sushi and other Asian cuisine, Mi Carisa which serves Italian fare and 20.87 which is mainly a steakhouse in the evenings.
Pro Tips
Like any other popular destination in the high season, the early bird always gets the worm. We woke up early to enjoy the pool and beach to ourselves, snap a few pictures and get the best beach chairs for the day. And we made sure to stay active as to not overindulge in all the all-inclusive goodies at each restaurant.
For more Caribbean holiday ideas read about Aruba and Curacao!