The Complete Guide to Unico Weddings

We are excited to share our complete guide to Unico Weddings! This includes all the wedding venue options, package information, a hotel overview, and our tips for wedding planning at Unico 20˚87˚. Let’s jump right in.

Map and area description
Our experience with Unico
Resort Overview
Unico and COVID protocols
Pros and cons
Rooms and Sections
The Beach
Food & Drink
Activities, Sports and Nightlife
Exchange Privileges
What makes the Unico resort different?
Unico Weddings
Sample Package
Promotions Same-Sex Weddings at Unico
Unico Wedding Venues

unico weddings resort beach sign

Map and area description

The Unico 20 87 is located in the Riviera Maya area, only 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Cancun airport and merely 10 minutes from the famous turtle sanctuary Akumal Bay.

Located in a bay area, it only shares that bay with 2 other hotels, making the beach quiet and private.

Our experience with Unico 20 87

Well, we are right around the corner! Our offices are 25 minutes from the hotel and we know it inside out. If you need help with information, room rates, or checking wedding date availability, get in touch!

Resort Overview

Rooms: 448
Adult Only: Yes,18+
Pet-Friendly: No.
Room Service: 24-hour room service
Wi-Fi: Free
Restaurants: 5 restaurants
Bars: 5 bars
Cafe: Yes.
Nightclub: There is a Cuban- themed lounge with live music and dancing, but not a nightclub with a DJ per se.
Spa: YES. 26 cabins, hydrotherapy area, outdoor relaxation area.
Beauty Salon: Yes, it offers salon treatments.
Fitness Center: Yes, it opens daily.
Pools: 3 swimming pools.
Water Sports: There are sports in the main activity pool available including spinning. At the beach, you can choose kayaks or SUP.
Exchange Privileges: No.

unico hotel building exterior and grounds

Unico and new COVID Protocols

  • Temperature is taken on arrival
  • All staff have daily health checks and masks are obligatory
  • Hand sanitizer readily available throughout the resort
  • Common areas regularly sanitized
  • Aromatherapy is still available in the rooms, but candles will not be presented at the time of check-in.
  • Bar service comes to you, please don’t line up at the bar
  • Elevators have a maximum amount of guests
  • There are indications on the floor to socially distance
  • Gym works by appointment, reduced capacity
  • Spa and beauty salon work by appointment and reduced capacity
  • No buffet service is available, a la carte only
  • No Swim-up bars in use
  • The lounge is closed through until the fall, the lobby bar is open in the evening for drinks and entertainment.
safe distance sign for elevator

Pros and cons of Unico 20 87

Pros

  • All rooms are facing the interior part of the U shape, so most have ocean views
  • No dress code for a la carte restaurants. Love heading to the all-inclusive but hate the long pants, closed shoes rule? At Unico, you need to be dressed, but there is no formal dress code. Flip-flops and t-shirts are fine!
  • They have 3 pools. One with a lot of activities (spinning, aerobics etc.) another with quieter activities (SUP Yoga) and a quiet pool.
unico hotel quiet pool area

Cons

  • Timeshare is a big thing for this hotel chain. Be wary of anyone inviting you to breakfast or a free tour.
  • Very few rooms have double beds. So group getaways with a lot of friends and not so many couples can leave you drawing straws for bed versus rollaway.

Rooms and Sections

The hotel was constructed in a horseshoe shape, with all rooms facing the ocean. Depending on the location, vegetation, and floor you are on, the views may vary, although 80% of the rooms do have ocean views.

unico hotel view of swim out room exterior with loungers and a hammock chair

You can choose Alcoba Suites at 624 square feet or the larger one-bedroom Estancia suites at 1270 square feet. Amenities inside the rooms will all be the same, as will the room interior, what will change is the view and location based on the category booked.

The Beach

The beach is located in a bay that is shared with only a few other hotels. To the north, you have El Dorado Seaside, and to the south the Grand Palladium complex. There is quite a bit of land between the properties, so when you are at the beach, it does feel private.

The sand is soft and white, and the beach is quite long and large.

There are a few rocks in the water in certain areas, however, there are more than enough areas to walk in and swim.

unico hotel beach area with white loungers, umbrellas and a calm ocean

Food & Drinks

There are 5 restaurants and 5 bars. The pool and beach both have waiter service. The a la carte restaurants don’t require reservations, but you can make them if you wish.

Food is gourmet level and drinks are premium, with the bars having a focus on mixology.

All restaurants have vegan and gluten-free options. Any food allergies or dietary restrictions will be respected and accommodated.

Room service is also available 24 hours a day. Your in-room mini bar can be personalized as can your options for mixed drinks.

main lobby bar with black and wood accents

Activities, Sports, and Entertainment

There are daily activities and sports available. Nightly entertainment includes live music and a lounge with a Cuban Band.

fitness center interior with treadmills and vaulted ceiling

Exchange Privileges

No. This hotel does not have an exchange program with any other hotels.

What makes Unico different from other resorts?

The resort credit

When you book at Unico, every stay includes what they call ‘limitless resort credit” that you can use towards certain tours, golf, spa services, and more. You do have to pay a 25% service fee on the value of the services you use, but it is a fabulous perk to have.

hard rock golf course in playacar

No Dress code

Many all-inclusive resorts require men to wear long pants at dinner, collared shirts, or closed shoes and ask that the ladies have clean sandals. At Unico, wear what you want. Shorts are cool, and flip-flops are fine, it is a much more relaxed vibe. That said, you do need a shirt and shoes, and don’t show up in your swimsuit but otherwise, enjoy your dinner in whatever you are comfortable dining in.

safe distance flip flop floor decal

Smoker friendly

Many hotels now have designated smoking areas on the property that require you to leave your room or even the common areas. Unico does have outdoor terrace areas for all restaurants where smoking is permitted, and you can also smoke on the balcony of your room, should you want to do so.

cafe area with artistic ceramic, dessert counter and coffee machines

Unico Weddings

Weddings packages at UNICO are a little different than what you will find at other hotels. They give you events based on the total number of nights booked by you and your guests.

Want to check wedding date availability? Do that here

Free Wedding Ceremony

Yes, you read correctly. Unico offers a FREE wedding. You can also use this as a vow renewal ceremony.

unico weddings include a white wedding cake, white bridal bouquet and white boutonniere
Included items for free Unico Weddings

The ceremony applies to symbolic ceremonies (legal has an extra cost) and is not attached to any number of rooms booked or any other strings.

The inclusions are:

  • 32 chocolate avant-garde chairs
  • One rose bouquet and one matching boutonniere OR two bouquets OR two boutonnières*
  • Non-denominational minister to perform symbolic or vow renewal ceremony**
  • Audio system for ceremony
  • 1 tier wedding cake for 32 guests
  • Sparkling wine toast for 32 guests after ceremony
  • Event Consultant and Onsite Wedding Coordinator
  • Honeymoon wishes wedding website and registry
  • UNICO 20°87° Honeymoon Experience

** Can be changed to two bouquets or two boutonnieres in the case of same-sex weddings.

Unico Weddings on the beach - free ceremony set up with brown avant garde chairs and arch.
Included chairs and set up for the free ceremony

Wedding Packages and Events

If you want a more elaborate package with more extensive decor options and private events in addition to the free wedding ceremony, you may want to opt for this package.

This is the most personalized and elaborate wedding package Unico offers, there are other options available.

The 20˚87˚ Experience Wedding Package

Price: $8,500 USD for 32 guests

Ceremony Inclusions:
Ceremony location
Ceremony decor option 1, 2, 3, or 4
Ceremony seating for 32 guests
One bouquet and one matching boutonniere OR two bouquets OR two boutonnieres*
Non-denominational minister to perform symbolic or vow renewal ceremony**
Audio system for ceremony
Choice of violin, guitar or saxophone soloist for ceremony
Phone valet to allow ceremony to be more intimate with unplugged wedding signage

unico weddings decor options for custom weddings include floras, greenery and drapes

Dinner inclusions:
2 tier wedding cake for 32 guests
Sparkling wine toast for 32 guests after ceremony
Printed menus and place cards for wedding reception for 32 guests

Other inclusions:
Personal Valet Concierge for both parties throughout the getting ready process
“Getting ready” room for either party to use for the entire day leading up to the ceremony
Esencia Hair & Makeup Wedding Package for 1 person in the “Getting ready” room
Welcome bag delivery free of charge
Event Consultant and Onsite Wedding Coordinator
Honeymoon wishes wedding website and registry
UNICO 20°87° Honeymoon Experience
Private dining experience for the wedding couple
Upgrade for the wedding couple to a suite

Depending on the number of room nights that you and the group book, you are entitled to free events which include cocktail hours, reception hours, and more!

Unico Wedding Promotions

Private Functions with Group Contract

  • 5 – 9 rooms or 15 – 29 room nights = One (1) cocktail reception for one (1) hour.
  • 10 –19 rooms or 30 – 59 room nights = One (1) private function for two (2) hours.
  • 20 – 29 rooms or 60 – 89 room nights = One (1) cocktail reception for one (1) hour and One (1) private function for three (3) hours.
  • 30 – 49 rooms or 90 – 149 room nights = Two (2) private functions for three (3) hours, must be held on different days.
  • 50 – 89 rooms or 150 – 269 room nights = Two (2) private functions for four (4) hours, must be held on different days.
  • 90+ rooms or 270+ room nights = Two (2) private functions for five (5) hours, must be held on different days.

There are some terms and conditions, but if you have questions, please contact us and we can walk you through it!

Same Sex Weddings

Yes, of course. The packages will be tweaked to include two bouquets or two boutonnieres and room amenities can also be accommodated.

Venues for Weddings at Unico

Wedding Gazebo

This ocean-view wedding gazebo is available for both free and custom wedding packages.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 90 seated guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony

Tips for the Wedding Gazebo Venue

  • The surface is hardwood, so heels are fine!
  • Walkway up to the venue is also a hard surface
  • You can seat 90 guests, but if you have a larger group, they do allow for standing room in the back

Beach Wedding Venue

The beach area has soft white sands, and the ocean acts as a stunning backdrop with hues of turquoise.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 150 // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

Tips for the Beach Wedding Venue

  • The curfew will depend on the season, so summer season cut-off is 9pm, however in the winter months, you can extend through until 10:30pm
  • The beach setup direction will depend on the size of the group
  • If you want an evening event, plan on renting extra lighting

La Costera Terrace

This wedding terrace is in the main courtyard area.

unico weddings terrace area

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 120 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Cocktail hour and Reception

Tips for the La Costera Terrace Venue

  • Consider renting extra lighting for this venue
  • Hard surface, so heels work!
  • Curfew 10:30pm

Nayade Terrace

An even larger terrace is available if you have a wedding group of over 120!

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 240 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Cocktail hour and Reception

Tips for the Nayade Terrace Venue

  • Consider renting extra lighting for this venue
  • Hard surface, so heels work!
  • Curfew 10:30pm

El Patio Terrace

Looking to party a little later than 10:30pm? This terrace has a 2am curfew!

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 190 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Cocktail hour and Reception

Tips for El Patio Terrace Venue

  • Consider renting extra lighting for this venue
  • Hard surface, so heels work!
  • Curfew 2am!

Foyer

This is one of the backup locations for Unico Weddings.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 40 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, Cocktail hour, and Reception, used as a backup location.

Tips for the Foyer Wedding Venue

  • Air-conditioned!
  • Curfew 2 am

Ballroom

The ballroom can be chosen as the wedding venue right away but is also one of the backup options for Unico Weddings.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: up to 300 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Cocktail hour and Reception

Tips for the Ballroom Wedding Venue

  • Air-conditioned!
  • Curfew 2 am

Conclusion

If you are looking to tick boxes for upscale, adults-only, and luxury destination wedding, then Unico Weddings are right for you.

Have questions, doubts, or want to pick our brains? We are happy to help.

Not only can we negotiate great group rates and get you perks, but we know our stuff!

1-888-472-7077

[email protected]

2 responses to “The Complete Guide to Unico Weddings”

  1. Hello,
    My name is Noor Ahmed, im emailing on behalf of my sister Kinza who is the bride. Im hoping to get in touch to start the process of my sisters ceremony. This is just the ceremony event that we were hoping to have a destination wedding for. I know covid has made things uncertain but hopefully we talk further about a covid plan and one without covid.

    We are requesting more info on the following:
    1. can we get packages that include the guest stay at the hotel
    2. Can we get packages that include the flights aswell? Maybe a whole rounded price of everything
    3. We request halal food, preferably some Pakistani dishes aswell. How will that work?
    4. Can we look at an all inclusive resort so that our guests meals are all taken care of.
    5. We do not require alcohol for our guest since we do not drink.

    Let me know,
    Thankyou,
    Noor Ahmed
    2266008669

We are a team of dedicated, passionate travel experts that understand just how important your destination wedding is. Our job is to make your destination wedding planning EASY. Just get in touch!

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