Searching for a sophisticated, adults-only destination wedding experience that seamlessly blends modern luxury with authentic local culture in the Riviera Maya? Discover UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, a unique all-inclusive resort designed to immerse guests in the contemporary spirit of the region.
Located on a beautiful stretch of beach between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, UNICO 20°87° stands out with its emphasis on curated experiences, local artistry, and personalized service via dedicated “Anfitrións” (local hosts). Known for its stylish design incorporating natural materials, three distinct pool environments, exceptional mixology programs, gourmet dining focused on regional flavors, and a unique approach to inclusions (covering select spa treatments, tours, golf, and beauty services for just a 25% service fee), it offers a refined and culturally rich backdrop for weddings.
Planning your wedding at UNICO 20°87° involves working with their specialized wedding team to create a bespoke event that reflects the hotel’s modern, locally-inspired aesthetic. Venues range from pristine beach setups and elegant terraces (like the one overlooking the La Unica pool or potentially at signature restaurants like Cueva Siete) to sophisticated indoor spaces. Costs reflect its luxury positioning and unique inclusion model, likely ranging from $20,000 to $65,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, depending heavily on package choices, venue selection, customization, and the extent to which guests utilize the included experiences (impacting overall perceived value). A wedding at UNICO 20°87° promises a chic, immersive, and unforgettable celebration.
Capture the elegance of your Cancun wedding in stunning photos. Check out the finest Cancun wedding photos to help inspire your celebration.
Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at UNICO 20°87° Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Packages & Inclusions
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
Parking and Guest Logistics
Total Cost Breakdown
Splurge vs. Save
Wedding Packages & Inclusions Details
Activities for Other Days (Leveraging Inclusions)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for couples seeking a stylish, modern, adults-only wedding with a strong emphasis on local culture, authentic experiences, and high-quality inclusions. If you appreciate contemporary design infused with natural elements, value personalized service (like the Anfitrión host), enjoy gourmet food and craft cocktails, and want your guests to experience more than just a standard all-inclusive (through the included spa/tours/golf for a service fee), UNICO 20°87° is an exceptional choice. Its Riviera Maya location offers a sophisticated vibe distinct from the Cancun Hotel Zone. It’s less suitable for couples seeking a traditional resort feel, a very budget-driven option, or needing to accommodate children.
The resort’s unique selling points are its modern adults-only luxury, focus on local culture and art, curated included experiences (spa, tours, golf for 25% fee), personalized Anfitrión service, high-caliber mixology and dining, and stylish design aesthetic. Ideal for a chic, immersive, and experiential wedding celebration.
How Does a Wedding at UNICO 20°87° Work?
Weddings at UNICO 20°87° are handled by their dedicated wedding specialists who understand the hotel’s unique concept. The process involves selecting from thoughtfully designed wedding collections or potentially crafting a more bespoke event. A key aspect is understanding the hotel’s unique all-inclusive model, where many normally extra services (select spa treatments, beauty salon services, golf rounds, curated tours) are included for only a 25% service charge. Wedding packages may incorporate credits or access to these inclusions. Couples work with their specialist to choose venues that reflect the hotel’s aesthetic (beach, stylish terraces, modern ballroom), customize menus featuring local ingredients, select décor that complements the contemporary design, arrange entertainment, and manage guest accommodations (all rooms feature Anfitrión service). The planning focuses on integrating the hotel’s cultural richness and unique inclusions into the celebration.
Best Months to Get Married
Located in the Riviera Maya, UNICO 20°87° enjoys favorable weather for much of the year. The prime months for a wedding, offering the best combination of sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and lower humidity/rain probability, are generally from late November through April. This period allows couples and guests to fully enjoy the resort’s beautiful beach, three distinct pools, outdoor lounges, and stylish terrace venues.
The Basics of Wedding Packages & Inclusions
UNICO 20°87° likely offers wedding packages or “collections” that reflect its modern, locally-inspired luxury. Expect packages to potentially include:
Ceremony: Choice of stunning location (beach, terrace), setup with contemporary seating and décor options, symbolic officiant (legal services extra).
Cocktail Hour: Possibly included in higher tiers, featuring craft cocktails and elevated appetizers inspired by regional cuisine.
Reception: Options might range from semi-private experiences at signature restaurants (like Cueva Siete) to fully private events on terraces or in the ballroom, featuring gourmet menus and premium bar service.
Coordinator: Dedicated UNICO 20°87° wedding specialist.
Unique Inclusions Link: Packages might integrate or offer credits towards the hotel’s signature inclusions (spa, beauty salon, tours, golf) allowing the couple or guests to utilize these for wedding-related pampering or activities (paying only the 25% service fee).
Perks: May include suite upgrades, romantic amenities, late check-out, potential Anfitrión assistance with specific requests.
Packages are designed to align with the hotel’s unique blend of luxury and curated local experiences.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
For weddings at the adults-only, uniquely inclusive UNICO 20°87°:
The couple typically pays for the chosen wedding package/collection and any customizations or upgrades beyond its scope.
Guests (adults only) pay for their travel (flights, transfers) and their all-inclusive stay. The base all-inclusive rate covers food, beverages, and standard amenities.
Included Experiences (Spa, Tours, Golf, etc.): While the *access* to these select services is included in the room rate, guests (or the couple, if gifting) pay a 25% service fee on the value of the service utilized. This is a crucial distinction from standard all-inclusives.
Optional extras beyond the included selection or premium upgrades are paid for individually.
Standard wedding gift etiquette applies.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
UNICO 20°87° offers chic, contemporary venues suitable for sophisticated weddings:
Beach: A beautiful stretch of white sand provides a natural setting for ceremonies of various sizes.
Pool Terraces: Stylish deck areas surrounding the three distinct pools (La Unica pool often being a focal point) can host ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions with a modern vibe (capacity varies).
Restaurant Terraces/Spaces: Terraces or semi-private areas at signature restaurants like Cueva Siete or Mi Carisa might be available for intimate dinners or cocktail events, offering unique ambiance.
Costera Terrace/Event Lawn: Dedicated outdoor event spaces designed for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions.
Ballroom: A flexible, modern indoor ballroom suitable for larger receptions, dinners, and dancing, especially as a weather backup.
Accommodations: The resort features beautifully designed rooms and suites, all offering balconies or terraces (many with outdoor hydro spa tubs), custom bath amenities, local artwork, and personalized Anfitrión service. Options include ocean view, partial ocean view, and tropical view rooms, including swim-up suites and larger Estancia Suites.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
The resort’s layout, while expansive, is designed with a modern flow:
Ceremony: Often held on the beach or on one of the stylish pool terraces or dedicated event lawns.
Cocktail Hour: Can transition smoothly to an adjacent terrace, a poolside lounge area, or a bar like Palmera Lounge, offering craft cocktails and ambiance.
Reception: Depending on size and preference, receptions can take place outdoors on a main terrace or event lawn, or move indoors to the contemporary ballroom.
The Anfitrión service and dedicated event staff ensure seamless transitions and guest guidance throughout the property.
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
At UNICO 20°87°, venue usage is typically part of the wedding package or collection cost. Separate “rental fees” for standard locations are less common. The package price generally covers:
Use of the specified venue(s) for the agreed-upon duration.
Standard Setup: Includes contemporary chairs, linens, and the décor elements defined by the selected package/collection.
Included Food & Beverage: Covers the gourmet items outlined in the package (premium toast, wedding cake, specific menu, premium bar).
Staffing: Services of the wedding specialist, Anfitrión support where applicable, and service staff.
Potential Link to Inclusions: Package might include credits or vouchers allowing the couple to use included spa/salon services (paying the 25% service fee) for pre-wedding preparation.
Extra costs typically arise from significant décor upgrades, highly customized menus, ultra-premium spirits or wine selections, external vendors (check policies), extended hours, or elaborate A/V needs.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
UNICO 20°87° utilizes its stylish indoor spaces for weather contingencies:
Ballroom: The modern ballroom serves as the primary, elegant backup location for both ceremonies and receptions.
Covered Terraces/Other Spaces: Depending on availability and event size, larger covered terraces or designated indoor lounge areas might be used as alternatives, particularly for cocktail hours.
Your wedding specialist will confirm the designated backup space, ensuring it aligns with the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic and your event needs.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Booking a wedding at UNICO 20°87° typically involves:
Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is generally required to secure the wedding date, time, and selected package/venues.
Payment Schedule: The contract will detail subsequent payment installments, often due at specific intervals (e.g., 120, 60 days) prior to the event.
Service Fee Clarification: Ensure you understand how the 25% service fee for included experiences (spa, tours, etc.) is handled if used for wedding-related activities.
Final Payment: The remaining balance, adjusted for final guest counts and confirmed services/upgrades, is typically due 30-45 days before the wedding.
Cancellation Policy: Review the contract’s cancellation clause carefully. It will specify non-refundable amounts and penalties based on the cancellation timing.
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services
UNICO 20°87° provides dedicated wedding specialists focused on their unique brand:
Brand Immersion Experts: They guide couples through wedding options that align with UNICO’s modern, locally-inspired aesthetic and unique inclusion model.
Venue Curation: They assist in selecting venues (beach, terraces, ballroom) that best suit the couple’s style and guest count, leveraging the hotel’s contemporary design.
Experience Integration: They can help couples incorporate the included experiences (spa, salon, tours) into the wedding week for themselves or guests (remembering the 25% service fee applies).
Culinary Liaison: Facilitate menu planning with the hotel’s gourmet culinary teams, emphasizing local flavors and presentation.
Vendor Coordination: Manage internal services and provide guidance on external vendors, ensuring they meet UNICO’s standards. Confirm resort policies on external vendor access and fees.
Day-Of Orchestration: Oversee setup, timeline management, vendor coordination, and ensure a seamless, stylish event execution.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
With its focus on high-quality, modern gastronomy, UNICO 20°87° is well-prepared to handle diverse dietary needs:
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, common allergies, and other specific dietary requirements can typically be accommodated with advance notice and culinary attention to detail, especially for private event menus.
Communicate all dietary restrictions clearly and early to your wedding specialist during menu finalization.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
UNICO 20°87° accommodates entertainment that complements its chic, contemporary, adults-only vibe:
Stylish Choices: Sophisticated DJs (often featured at their pool parties), contemporary live musicians (soloists, modern trios), or potentially bands with a cool, modern sound fit well.
Noise Curfew: Outdoor amplified music on terraces or the beach will be subject to resort and Riviera Maya area regulations, likely ending around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Indoor ballroom events offer later hours.
Resort Vibe: Entertainment should align with the hotel’s upscale, modern, and culturally-aware atmosphere (think less “spring break” and more “chic lounge”).
Vendor Policy: It’s essential to confirm UNICO 20°87°’s specific policies regarding external entertainment vendors, including potential approval processes and fees.
Parking and Guest Logistics
Logistics reflect the resort’s Riviera Maya location:
Airport Transfers: Located roughly midway between Cancun Airport (CUN) and Tulum (approx. 60-75 minutes from CUN). Pre-arranged private or shared transportation is necessary.
Parking: Secure on-site parking, likely including valet services, is available for guests arriving by car.
Accessibility: Situated directly off the main highway, the resort is self-contained. Exploring nearby areas like Akumal (turtles), Tulum (ruins, beach clubs), or Playa del Carmen (shopping, nightlife) requires taxis or planned transportation. Internal resort navigation is straightforward.
Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at UNICO 20°87°
For an estimated wedding of 50 guests (adults only):
Wedding Package/Collection & Basics: $18,000 – $40,000+ USD (Reflects luxury positioning, gourmet F&B, and potential inclusion tie-ins).
Upgrades & Customization: $5,000 – $20,000+ USD (Common for elaborate décor, premium venue setups, highly customized menus, top-tier bar selections, unique entertainment).
Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $10,000+ USD (Verify resort’s policy and fees for external vendors, which can be significant at unique properties like this).
Included Experiences Service Fee: Factor in the 25% service fee for any included spa, salon, tours, or golf used by the couple or guests related to the wedding.
Taxes & Service Charges: Expect standard ~16% VAT + ~15-20% service charge on applicable paid wedding services.
Total estimated cost often ranges from $25,000 – $70,000+ USD, aligning with high-end luxury resorts, with the unique inclusion model offering potential value if utilized heavily by guests.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a foundational package/collection, utilize the standard elegant venues (beach, main terrace), leverage the high quality of included F&B, encourage guests to use the included experiences (paying their own service fee) rather than hosting many extra paid events, select weekday dates.
Splurge: Opt for the top-tier collection or bespoke planning, secure premium venues, book Estancia Suites, invest heavily in custom décor reflecting local artistry, create a fully customized tasting menu with expert mixology pairings, host multiple curated events (e.g., private pool party, rehearsal dinner at Cueva Siete), potentially cover the service fee for certain included experiences for key guests.
Wedding Packages & Inclusions Details
UNICO 20°87° wedding packages/collections typically bundle:
Ceremony: Stylish location (beach, terrace), contemporary setup (chairs, décor per package), symbolic officiant.
Florals: Often includes modern floral arrangements for the couple and potentially ceremony décor.
Toast & Cake: Premium sparkling wine/champagne, custom-designed wedding cake reflecting hotel’s style.
Reception Elements: Usually includes cocktail hour with craft cocktails/gourmet bites, and hours towards a private reception with sophisticated menu options and premium bar.
Coordinator Services: Dedicated specialist.
Unique Inclusion Link: Possibility to use included spa/salon services (paying 25% fee) for wedding prep. Package might offer credits applicable towards this service fee or other enhancements.
Luxury Perks: May include suite upgrades, Anfitrión assistance, romantic dinners, late check-out, potential anniversary stay offers.
Pro tip: Understand precisely how the 25% service fee applies to any included experiences you plan to use for wedding-related activities (e.g., pre-wedding spa day). Get explicit confirmation on external vendor policies and fees.
Activities for Other Days (Leveraging Inclusions)
Adult guests at UNICO 20°87° have access to a unique range of activities, many included for just a 25% service fee:
Pool Experiences: Relaxing or socializing at the three distinct pools, each offering a different vibe (e.g., La Unica lively pool, 20°87° pool).
Beach Relaxation: Enjoying the beautiful Riviera Maya beachfront with loungers and service.
Included Spa Treatments: Indulging in select massages and body treatments at the Esencia Wellness spa (paying only the 25% service fee).
Included Beauty Services: Utilizing select services at the Esencia Beauty Bar (manicures, pedicures, haircuts – paying only the 25% service fee). Perfect for pre-wedding pampering!
Included Tours & Adventures: Participating in curated local excursions like visiting cenotes, Mayan villages, or archaeological sites (paying only the 25% service fee).
Included Golf: Playing rounds at nearby partner golf courses (paying only the 25% service fee plus potential cart/transfer fees).
Gourmet Dining & Mixology: Exploring the five unique restaurants and enjoying handcrafted cocktails at various bars and lounges, often featuring pop-up activations.
Fitness & Wellness: Engaging in classes at the state-of-the-art fitness center, including unique offerings, or personal training sessions.
Local Culture Immersion: Appreciating the rotating local art displays, artisan craft shops within the hotel, and potentially live music or events reflecting regional talent.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Educate Guests on Inclusions: Clearly explain the unique inclusion model (select spa, tours, golf, beauty services included for a 25% service fee) to your guests so they can take full advantage and understand the value. Provide details on how to book these experiences.
Embrace the Local Vibe: Lean into UNICO’s focus on local culture. Consider incorporating regional flowers, music, menu items, or even artisan favors into your wedding details for a cohesive and authentic experience.
Utilize Your Anfitrión: Encourage guests (and yourselves) to use the personalized Anfitrión service for assistance with reservations (including included experiences), local recommendations, and any special requests throughout their stay.
Two Bride Reviews
“UNICO 20°87° was the most incredible place for our wedding! So stylish, modern, and the focus on local culture felt so authentic. Our guests absolutely loved the included spa treatments and tours – paying just the service fee was amazing value. The food was Michelin-level, the cocktails were art, and our Anfitrión made everything effortless. A truly unique and luxurious experience.” – Olivia C. (Example Review)
“We wanted a chic, non-traditional, adults-only wedding, and UNICO delivered perfectly. The design is stunning, the pools are gorgeous, and the service is impeccable. Planning was smooth, and our wedding on the La Unica terrace felt incredibly cool and sophisticated. Having things like salon services included (for the fee) for my bridal party was a huge bonus. Highly recommend for a modern, experiential wedding.” – Ben R. (Example Review)
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya offers a distinctively modern and culturally rich canvas for wedding photography. The resort’s contemporary design, blending natural wood and stone textures with clean lines and local art, provides sophisticated and unique backdrops different from typical tropical resorts. The three stylish pools, each with its own character, offer diverse settings for capturing both relaxed moments and chic, energetic vibes. The emphasis on high-quality food and mixology translates into beautifully presented details perfect for close-up shots. Capturing the essence of UNICO means focusing on the stylish ambiance, the integration of local artistry, the interactions with the Anfitrións, and the sophisticated enjoyment of the guests. While the beach is lovely, the resort’s architectural elements, curated spaces (like Cueva Siete’s entrance), and pool environments are often the stronger visual signatures. It’s ideal for couples seeking contemporary, artistic, and lifestyle-focused wedding photos that feel both luxurious and authentically Riviera Maya.
