The newly opened Unico 20°105° in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is not your average all-inclusive. In fact, this boutique, adults-only property is anything but what clients have become conditioned to over the years — and there’s a very good reason for that.
“The Unico brand was built by travel advisors,” said Ash Tembe, vice president of global field sales at AIC Hotel Group, the sales and marketing company behind Unico Hotel Collection. “We created focus groups of travel advisors and tour operators who shared their knowledge and described the elements they felt were missing in the all-inclusive market. They told us that we don’t need an Americanized all-inclusive, and we want to make sure that the product allows guests to immerse themselves in the destination.”
I enjoyed that the hotel staff usually started conversations in Spanish instead of English, which is typically not commonplace at other Mexico all-inclusives frequented by American clientele. Menus were written in Spanish first, with an English translation underneath and, since Mexican culture is a brand pillar, our group also learned about the Indigenous Wixarika culture through immersive workshops, artwork in our rooms and throughout the resort, and through subtle customs and references embedded in our stay.
Clients can relax and rejuvenate at the property’s Esencia Wellness venue.
Credit: 2026 Unico Hotel CollectionFor example, spa treatments at Esencia Wellness begin with a Muvieri Welcome Ritual. The therapists use a muvieri (a sacred prayer stick) and essential oils to bless guests with a few kind words — it's a way to both honor the Wixarika culture and balance your energy. Earth, water and fire are themes echoed in the spa’s spectacular relaxation room. Its design is meant to symbolize the circle of life, centered around a volcano-shaped water feature. For the full experience, book the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit (an additional fee for some treatments) to unwind with a steam, a sauna, a cold plunge and a playful pool with five stations that help prep your body for massage.
Guestrooms Are Well-Appointed
With the hotel’s prime beachside location, all guestrooms are ocean-view or ocean-facing (and ground-level accommodations feature a semi-private plunge pool). Since Unico is an all-inclusive that somehow doesn’t really feel like one, there was no guilt in helping myself to the well-curated minibar after a day in the sun. It was thoughtfully stocked with sodas, beer, Gatorade (hello hangover), chips, granola bars, Snickers and mixed nuts. A Nespresso machine was a godsend in the morning as I watched the sunrise from a daybed on my private balcony.
An Alcoba Ocean View room
Credit: 2026 Unico Hotel Collection
From December to March, when humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay, it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of these massive creatures from the balcony’s daybed, or better yet, from the comfort of an outdoor jet tub. Afterward, guests can cozy up in one of the room’s super-soft robes, which they might even want to purchase and bring home as a reminder of the good life. A free, unexpected amenity: a wide-brim hat, a fedora and a purse woven out of straw and hung on the wall. These are more than decor; guests are invited to wear them, take them to the pool for custom painting by a local artist and keep them as a memento.
Agua Madre by Chef Nicolas Cano is the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Credit: 2026 Unico Hotel CollectionDining Done Right
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Agua Madre by Chef Nicolas Cano, is the crown jewel of Unico’s food and beverage concepts, with tasty homemade salsas that don’t hold back the heat and a selection of tequilas that hit just as hard. I loved Agua Madre’s intentionality and sophisticated charm, from the upscale glassware and flatware to the table-side guacamole. There was no shortage of goodies to choose from at both lunch and dinner, including Nayarit black fish ceviche, flank steak tacos, smoked marlin pescadillas (crispy fish tacos) and tuna tostadas drizzled with ponzu sauce.
With its high ceilings and sleek design, Kobo Japanese restaurant is not to be missed. There is truly something for everyone here, from a teppanyaki experience and a ramen bar to a sushi counter. I loved the inventive cocktails, one of which changed colors at the table, as well as the selection of over-the-top desserts.
Open all day long, Cafe Inez was a favorite for refreshments on the go and a good spot to break out the laptop or flip through a newspaper. Expect an assortment of fresh juices, high-quality coffee drinks, pastries and quick bites such as salads, paninis and even avocado toast.
Variety is key at Unico. To that end, I also hit up Italian restaurant Lia for Neapolitan pizza and sangria one night and visited again for its a la carte breakfast featuring omelets, waffles and regional favorites such as huevos motulenos (fried eggs over black beans and fried tortillas).
Perched on the 11th floor, away from the ground-floor pools and beach, Alto could be easily overlooked by some guests, which would be an absolute shame. Be sure to direct your clients to this rooftop pool, bar and restaurant for some chill time or to watch the sunset in solitude. Unlike the bustling main pool, there is no entertainment here other than your paperback or the back of your eyelids — and sometimes, that’s all you really need.
