Inside My FAM Trip to Unico 20°87°: Luxury, Culture, and Riviera Maya Magic

When you have the opportunity to stay at Unico 20°87°, you don’t say no! I used my Exclusive Non-Stop Vacation Flight seat incentive through Apple Vacations to take Frontier’s nonstop service from Chicago to Cancun in July to join a group of travel professionals for a hosted FAM (familiarization trip) at Unico 20°87°.

Unico 20°87° is AIC Hotel Group’s luxury boutique, adults-only all-inclusive brand. Currently, they are in a soft opening phase for their new resort in Puerto Vallarta and have another property in development in Montego Bay, Jamaica – exciting growth for this elevated concept.

Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arrival in Cancun, I had a private transfer arranged that brought me to the resort in about an hour. From the moment you arrive at Unico, you can feel the difference—this is a true boutique luxury experience. Guests are welcomed with a drink and warm hospitality from the front desk team, and every guest is paired with a personal local host—essentially your own concierge available throughout your stay. They can assist with everything from spa bookings and dinner reservations to local recommendations.

My Alcoba Ocean View King Room

My room was available immediately upon check-in, which was much appreciated after the travel day. I was able to head up, get settled, and grab lunch before exploring the property.

I was lucky to check in right away and headed to my room—an Alcoba Ocean View King. Most rooms at Unico share the same layout, with the main difference being the view. My room featured a balcony soaking tub, plush bedding, a fully stocked mini-fridge with snacks, and beautifully curated local and Mayan-inspired décor. One of my favorite touches? Each room includes two straw hats for guests to take home—and even better, you can have them custom painted by local artisans right on property!

First Meal and Welcome Dinner

For lunch, I ate at 20°87° Restaurant, their casual beachfront spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After lunch, I spent some free time wandering the property to get a feel for the layout and amenities. In the evening, I met up with the other travel advisors in the lobby for a welcome drink before we headed to Cueva Siete for dinner. This restaurant offers an elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine and is one of the signature dining experiences on property.

Day Two: Hard Rock Cancun and Ava Resort Cancun

The next morning, we were up early for two site inspections: Hard Rock Cancun and Ava Resort Cancun. The highlight for me was revisiting Hard Rock Cancun, since I’ve already toured Ava twice before. Walking into Hard Rock Cancun instantly brought me back to my visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—music memorabilia lines nearly every wall, creating an energetic, iconic vibe.

Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Hard Rock is a high-rise resort with close access to nightlife, shopping, and downtown attractions. The beachfront looked surprisingly good, especially considering how many resorts in the region have been dealing with heavy seaweed and sargassum. In addition to the beach, the property features multiple pools and a wide variety of restaurants. We toured a couple of rooms, including their lead-in category and the upscale Rock Royalty Suite, perfect for clients seeking more elevated, VIP accommodations. I would say that this resort would be great for couples seeking a good location in Cancun or friends’ trips who are looking to have a good time!

Italian Dinner at Mi Carisa

After a full day of walking and touring—typical for a FAM—we returned to Unico to freshen up for dinner. That evening, we dined at Mi Carisa, Unico’s elegant Italian/Mediterranean à la carte restaurant. For our group dinner, we ordered one of every appetizer and dessert to share, which was a fun way to sample the full range of the menu. Each of us then selected our own entrée for the main course.

Day Three: Hard Rock Riviera Maya

The next morning, we toured only Hard Rock Riviera Maya, as it’s a much larger property with plenty to explore. The resort is packed with features that cater to families, including a waterpark and Vibe City—a dynamic space that offers laser tag, bowling, a rock-climbing wall, a kids’ club, a video game lounge, and more. One of the resort’s most unique highlights is its manmade beach cove, which helps protect the shoreline from seaweed and ensures calm, swimmable waters year-round.

Since the resort is so large, it features two separate lobbies—each offering the same amenities, including a merchandise store, coffee shop, bar, and dining options. We walked the full property, touring all of the pools, beach areas, and again viewed the lead-in room category. Hard Rock Riviera Maya also has an adults-only section called Heaven, which is home to the resort’s main nightclub. This venue is accessible to all adult guests staying on property, regardless of which section they are booked in.

Mixology Class with Luis

We had lunch at the resort before heading back to Unico for our final night. One of the highlights of the entire FAM was the mixology class organized for us with Unico’s head mixologist, Luis, who has been with the resort since it opened eight years ago. He shared the history of the margarita, demonstrated how to make his signature version, and walked us through the proper way to taste tequila. It was such a fun and engaging experience—and the best part is that clients can book this included activity during their stay!

Final Night at Mura House

I was able to squeeze in a bit of pool time before getting ready for our final group dinner at Mura House, the resort’s highly praised Asian à la carte restaurant. It features a hibachi table and an extensive selection of sushi, making it a standout dining option at Unico.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

I would highly recommend Unico 20°87° for clients looking for a stylish, adults-only all-inclusive that blends luxury with authentic local culture. The service is exceptional, the dining options are elevated and diverse, and the resort’s included experiences—like mixology classes and spa treatments—set it apart from many others in the region. Its focus on personalized touches, stunning design, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for couples, groups of friends, or anyone looking to indulge in a high-quality Riviera Maya getaway.