5 Things to Know About Unico’s New Riviera Nayarit Property
by Dori Saltzman
Unico Riviera Nayarit as seen from the beach. Photo: Dori Saltzman
A relatively new entrant on the all-inclusive resort scene in the Riviera Nayarit, Unico 20˚ N 105˚ W Riviera Nayarit (or Unico Riviera Nayarit for short) is a welcome addition thanks to its all-adult offering, luxury service and amenities, and relaxed, but whimsical vibe.
For travel advisors looking to add to their all-inclusive portfolio on the Pacific west coast of Mexico, here are five things to know about Unico Riviera Nayarit.
1. It’s Intimate
With just 144 rooms, Unico Riviera Nayarit is a bit larger than your typical boutique hotel, but it has a distinctly intimate feel. Set within a compact footprint, the eight-floor resort nevertheless packs a lot into a small space. One building houses all of the accommodations, but there are three full-service dining rooms, a coffee shop (with delicious baked goods), two bars serving either bar snacks or a lunch menu, two pools – one ground level and one infinity-style on the roof (there’s a third for vacation club members) – and one spacious, but homey hotel bar/lounge.
From the lobby, you never have to walk more than five minutes to get where you’re going. And forget about getting lost. It’s nearly impossible.
2. It Rarely Feels Crowded
Despite it’s compact size, the resort doesn’t feel crowded. TMR spent three days at the property in early December when occupancy was at nearly 100%. It never felt that way, except maybe a tiny bit in the evenings when the live music is playing in the lounge.
Even on the popular casino night, when staff pull out for-fun casino games (roulette, poker, etc.), we were easily able to find a spot at a “table” to play with fun money.
During the day, we could always find a lounger by the pool. And there was even availability for my guest and I to rent a day bed last minute. The restaurants had plenty of space and we were able to show up to KOBO, the much-in-demand Japanese dining option, and get a table on the spot without a reservation.
3. King/King Double Rooms
One of the most unique offerings at Unico Riviera Nayarit are the 16 double rooms. Unlike most other doubles in the hospitality industry which feature two double beds, Unico’s double rooms have two king-sized beds. Even better, the rooms are spacious enough (484 square feet), that even with two king beds, there’s plenty of room so you never feel cramped.
It’s great for group bookings, especially if you’ve got two couples willing to share a room or four friends willing to share beds.
4. Adult Whimsy
While Unico Riviera Nayarit maintains a mostly calming and relaxed atmosphere, there are moments of whimsy that can’t be overlooked – and make a stay there more memorable.
Daily lunchtime fiestas see a poolside margarita cart wheeled out, along with a food stall offering up Mexican-themed lunches such as ceviche, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more. And what’s a poolside fiesta without some unicorn floaties in the pool?!
One afternoon saw a floating casino give resorts guests the opportunity to play poker without having to leave the pool, while another day featured an in-the-pool acrobatic-style performance pop up out of nowhere.
5. High End Pricing
Unico Riviera Nayarit is not the most expensive adults-only, all-inclusive property in the Riviera Nayarit (that distinction goes to Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort), but it is at the high end of the spectrum.
Prices for an entry level ocean view room on the lower level of the resort start at about $680 per person, per night. Prices go up, the higher up the floor the rooms are on, though the vast majority of rooms are the same size (484 square feet). One of the few swim-up rooms isn’t too much more, starting at $733. Suites start at $1,380 for a one-bedroom ocean view suite (839 square feet) on a lower level. A one-bedroom suite swim-up (there’s only one) starts at $1,520.
There’s also a two-bedroom unit (1,862 square feet) on the very top floor, but it’s only bookable by special request and there is no brochure pricing.
When looking at other options in the region, it’s comparable, though slightly less, than the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (which is not adults only and a much larger property), where starting prices are typically over $900 per person, per night.
