The Airelle View

More color. More confidence. More joy. That’s the energy I brought home from our trip to the Riviera Maya, where we spent several days at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya — serving key lime vibes in paradise and letting my husband handle the important business of drink refills poolside. If you’re looking for your next couples’ escape, this one goes on the list.

About the resort

UNICO 20°87° is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea, sitting roughly halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s built around the idea of connecting you to the local destination rather than keeping you locked inside a bubble, and it shows — from the design to the food to the excursions they’ll help you book.

The property has seven outdoor pools, including three cenote-inspired pools that nod to the natural sinkholes the Yucatán is famous for. Beyond the pools, there’s a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, Secrets Spa for when you want full relaxation mode, a theater with nightly entertainment, and a sports bar with a golf simulator for the days you want shade instead of sun.

Where to eat

The resort has five distinct restaurants, and the standout is Cueva Siete, helmed by celebrity chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo. Even if you’re the type to wander off-property for meals, budget at least one night at Cueva Siete — it’s worth staying in for.

Beyond the resort

Part of what makes this stretch of coastline so special is how much is within reach. Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras are both close by and worth a slower day if you want a quieter alternative to Playa del Carmen. If diving or snorkeling is on your list, Cozumel’s crystal-clear water is a short trip away. The resort can also arrange excursions to Xcaret, where you can spend a full day in the water, in nature, and immersed in Mexican culture in one stop.

On property, kayaking and snorkeling are included, and scuba diving, sailing, and other excursions are available for an additional fee if you want to build in some adventure between pool days.

Good to know before you book

• This is an adults-only property, so it’s built for couples’ trips, girls’ trips, or a no-kids reset — not a family vacation.
• Everything is all-inclusive, which made it easy to not think about a single bill the entire trip.
• It sits between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so it’s a good home base if you want to explore both without committing fully to either.
• Book your favorite restaurant reservations early in your stay — the good time slots fill up fast.

This trip reminded me why I love a slower vacation — more pool time, more good food, fewer plans. Have you been to the Riviera Maya? I’d love to hear where you stayed.