Insider Tips

Unico Riviera Maya

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Customize your Stay:

One of the very first things that you can do is customize your stay to your preferences.

Head to: https://www.unicohotelcollection.com/riviera-maya/personalize-your-stay.htm

The website will ask for your booking number to help create your experience. Please use the booking number provided in your vacation documents.

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Make

Dining Reservations

prior to arrival:

Use this link to email about dining reservations and make sure to mention your Unico confirmation number.

prearrivalhost@unicohotelrm.com

Feel free to forward us any confirmations so we can place them in your app under the corresponding date and time!

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Make any

Spa, Golf, or Activity Reservations

prior to arrival:

If you are planning on the spa, to play golf, or do tours, you can book them in advance as well.

Please use this link to email vacationmakers about the latest info!vacationmakers@unicohotelrm.com

Make sure to mention your Unico confirmation number.

Spa Menu:

https://www.unicohotelcollection.com/riviera-maya/spa.htm

You can also visit Project Expedition for activity ideas and pricing as well!
https://pe.tours/MTA2NzYw/

Tip: Bring Cash for Spa & Gratuities. The spa will not accept a credit card for the tip.

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Finally - Download the
PAM Hotels app:

The PAM Hotels app can be downloaded from your app store. It will be a connection to the hotel, to your host, restaurant reservations, daily activities and some key features to make the most of your vacation:

Google Play (Android)

App Store (iPhone)

pre check-in: requires passport info
restaurant reservations: you can book up to 30 days in advance. We recommend doing this prior to arrival.
booking or changing spa
ordering room service
schedule hydro spa tub preparation in your room
housekeeping or in room needs

If the app does not work or you need further assistance on activities, dining, or spa please email the hotel using the emails mentioned previously.

So you are off to a good start and you haven't stepped foot at the hotel yet, certainly take advantage of all of the inclusions but don't forget to also enjoy and take in the beauty of the hotel and beach while on vacation.

The Arrival Experience:

As you arrive at UNICO 20˚87˚, you’re immediately welcomed into a relaxed, modern take on Mexico, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Riviera Maya. It sets the tone right away. This isn’t a rushed, chaotic check-in. It’s calm, intentional, and designed to help you settle in.

Instead of standing in line, you’ll be invited to sit, take a breath, and soak it all in. While you relax, a refreshing cucumber and ginger drink is brought to you. It’s non-alcoholic, but let’s be honest, it would pair very nicely with a splash of gin later.

The check-in team will collect your passport and customs form, take care of the details, and keep things moving smoothly without pulling you out of vacation mode.

Once everything is ready, and if your room is available, your host or concierge will personally escort you to your room. No wandering around trying to find your way. Just a seamless transition from arrival to “we’re officially on vacation.”

The Anfitrión (Your Personal Host):

At UNICO, every guest enjoys access to a personal host, no matter which room category you choose. Think of them as your new vacation bestie, there when you need them, but never in the way.

They’re your go-to for just about everything. From handling in-room requests to securing restaurant reservations or helping with special touches, they’re there to make your stay feel effortless. And the best part? They work quietly behind the scenes, anticipating what you need before you even think to ask.

You may not always see them right away since they’re constantly on the move, but they’re always within reach. You can easily connect through the resort app or stop by the front desk where the concierge team can assist you just as quickly.

Pro Tip:
If you haven’t already booked your dinner reservations in the app, connect with your host as soon as you arrive. This gives you the best shot at experiencing every restaurant during your stay without missing out.

Ask your host to:

Set up a romantic bath in your jacuzzi
Arrange a private mixology experience in your room

Here’s what to expect: a seamless, taken-care-of experience where you don’t have to overthink a single detail. And honestly, that’s the whole point of being there.

The Food Journey

Food is a big part of the experience here, and it shows. Everything leans fresh, locally inspired, and thoughtfully prepared. Whether you have a simple palate or you’re the type who orders three things just to try them all, there’s plenty of variety without feeling repetitive.

Breakfast (4 options):

24-hour room service covers all the classics, along with a few elevated takes on traditional Mexican dishes. Fresh juices and fruit are always available.
2087 Restaurant offers a daily rotating buffet, but the real highlight is the made-to-order stations. Think omelets, eggs, tacos, tostadas, and crepes, all prepared fresh.
Cueva Siete is open select mornings for an à la carte breakfast, featuring modern Mexican dishes with a creative twist.
Café Inez is perfect for something lighter or on-the-go, with fresh pastries, salads, paninis, juices, coffee, espresso drinks, and even frozen options.

Lunch (3 options):

Room service is available with a full all-day dining menu.
2087 Restaurant continues with its rotating buffet, offering everything from fresh fruits and veggies to ceviche, breads, meats, and cheeses. The made-to-order stations step it up with fresh fish, steaks, chicken, and pasta. It’s worth the short wait for something cooked just for you.
Poolside dining is surprisingly strong. You can order directly from your lounger, with options ranging from burgers and wings to brick oven pizza, fresh ceviche, and full entrées. And yes, the tacos are a must. Ask for the salsa de árbol.

Dinner (6 options):

Cueva Siete for modern Mexican
Mi Carisa for Italian and Mediterranean. Pro tip, order more than one dish
Mura House for Asian cuisine, including sushi, teppanyaki, and traditional dining
2087 for steakhouse and international flavors, plus a create-your-own entrée option
Avec for French bistro-style dining
Room service when you just want to stay in and relax

Bottom line, you are not going hungry here, and you are definitely not getting bored with the options.

What to Order at UNICO: Your Can’t-Miss Favorites

Let me save you some trial and error, because while everything looks good… some dishes are really worth planning your evening around.

Here’s what to expect, and what not to miss:

Mi Carisa (Italian)

If you’re craving comfort with a refined twist, this is your spot.

Mushroom cappuccino soup (trust me on this one)
Ravioli
Blue cheese beet risotto
Mushroom-crusted filet – easily one of the best steaks you’ll find at any all-inclusive

Mura House (Japanese)

This one surprises a lot of people in the best way.

Sushi is consistently top-tier
Beef or shrimp red curry
Yakitori, all flavors are worth trying
Salmon – flaky, perfectly cooked, with a subtle teriyaki that doesn’t overpower

Insider tip: Ask your host about the semi-private dining room. It seats about 14 guests and offers a curated tasting experience that’s well worth it.

Cueva Siete (Mexican)

This is where you lean into local flavor.

Table-side guacamole
Suckling pig tacos
Mayan coffee for dessert
Hibiscus margaritas that are dangerously easy to keep ordering

Avec (French)

A little more elevated, a little more “date night.”

Beef Wellington
Scallop appetizer
Dark chocolate ganache to finish

2087 (Steakhouse)

Keep it simple here.

Ribeye. Done.

Poolside Eats (Don’t Skip These)

They may call them snack bars, but don’t underestimate them.

Each pool has a different menu
The taco stand near the swim-up bar is a standout
Wood-fired pizza is consistently a crowd favorite

Lunch at 2087

Perfect for a relaxed midday reset.

Half buffet, half made-to-order
Fresh, lighter options if you need a break from heavier dinners
The bar just outside shifts into a gin-focused menu later in the day

Room Service (The Hidden Gem)

This is where people are pleasantly surprised.

The filet rivals what you’ll get in the restaurants
Use the app to pre-order breakfast for an easy morning
Or better yet, pre-order late-night food before you leave the bar

Here’s the reality: You don’t have to try everything, but having a plan means you won’t miss the standouts. And this is exactly where most couples say, “We didn’t even know what we should’ve ordered.”

That’s why I’m here. Your new travel bestie, making sure you get it right the first time.

The MIXOLOGY:

Bar Balam offers an escape into fresh flavors and ingredients, the mixologists careful craft cocktails based on covering all the senses. Premium spirits can be found all over the hotel along with the two swim up pool bars, a selection of Mexican beers, Bud Light, and craft beers make great additions to an array of liquors. The bartenders and mixologists love surprising guests with personal creations and also make the classics we are so used to. I challenge you to step away from your comfort zone and experience new flavors from some of the most talented staff out there.

If you enjoy a good cocktail moment, this is your place.

Xkeban spice-infused vodka cocktail is a must-try
The mixologists here are incredibly talented, so don’t hesitate to ask them to create something custom

Must-Drink List

Frida (Cueva Siete)
The Jade
Kantenah margarita
Balam margarita
Passionfruit habanero margarita
Hibiscus margarita
Carajillo
Jugo verde (breakfast staple)

The ACTIVITIES:

Day time and night time activities vary daily and encompass a well rounded vacation experience focused on relaxation and wellness ft beach yoga and great fitness classes, group fun featuring mixology classes, water activities like volleyball and basketball. And don't forget upbeat and fun music based activities with a resident DJ who plays all genres of music and gets the pool activities going.

Night time will feature everything from local artists, to live bands, everything from Salsa to Rock, Casino nights for prizes, Mexican bingo for prizes, Blue Night on the outdoor terrace, late night dancing at Palmera Lounge, and every friday and saturday night UNICO guests can access Hard Rock's Heaven Night Club at 10pm from UNICO for a fee (Booked with Vacation Makers).

Must-Do Experiences

Get your straw hat painted (go early, they cap how many they do each day)
Try one of the Artesano experiences
Take sunset photos on the bridges leading to the beach
Head to the silent disco (way more fun than it sounds)
Book a chocolate tasting (extra cost)
Join a mixology class
Relax at La Escondida pool (quiet, hidden gem)
Treat yourself to a 4-handed massage at the spa (worth it)

The ROOMS

All rooms feature luxury amenities a traveler will expect with complimentary wifi, 24 hour room service, in room stocked fridge, snack basket, plush bathrobes (maybe the most comfy ever), a high quality steamer, iron and straighteners (available upon request), daily turn down service (can preset times on app or with host), and spacious rooms with 90% ocean views, first floor swim up suites that have a shared plunge pool with pool/garden views or secluded garden views in outer buildings. The Estancia Suite highlighted in this picture array showcases an oceanfront room and over 1200 sq foot of modern luxury to escape to with a great double balcony with plenty of space to kick back and take in paradise.

Spa Amenity Card:

When you get to your room there is a bowl in the bathroom with a card. Take it to the spa and you can have your own complimentary signature soap, customized scented lotion, bath salts, after-sun balm. TIP: We love the lavender-rose combination!

The Straw Hats:

The two straw hats in your room are yours to keep. They will have pop up artists near the pool usually once or twice a week who will customize your hat for you.

Check the Activities Schedule:

Check the schedule on your app to look for special pop-up events and local artists at work.

Snacks:

Your snack basket will be re-filled daily with a wide variety of yummy snacks. TIP: We also recommend ordering the churros from room service for dessert one night and snacking on them while taking a dip in your soaking tub or swim up.

The Beach

The beach here is long and narrow, perfect for morning walks or a quick jog, with mostly smooth shoreline and minimal rocks in most areas. The water is typically calm, and the overall feel is very natural and untouched, not overly manicured, which is part of its charm.

There are plenty of loungers with umbrellas, plus full food and beverage service right to your chair.

The resort does a great job cleaning the beach daily while still preserving the natural beauty of the mangroves, so it never feels overly “manufactured.”

A couple insider tips:

If you walk to the right, you’ll find a casual beach tent offering very affordable massages
If you walk a bit to the left, that’s your best entry point into the water with fewer rocks
That same left-side stretch is also where they typically set up beach weddings, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there

It’s one of those beaches that’s more about the experience and atmosphere than just the sand alone, and it really grows on you the longer you’re there.