Say ‘I do’ to Cancun with two Riviera Maya resorts ready to host your blissful wedding and honeymoon celebrations along the glittering Caribbean Sea.
Words by Callum Topazio.
UNICO 20°87°
The first destination of our Mexican hotel hopping adventure took us to the welcome embrace of UNICO 20°87°, an all-inclusive beachfront sanctuary upon the serene shores of the Riviera Maya coastline. On my return to the resort, this time with my beloved partner as my plus one, we were thrilled to be soaking up the adults-only design for a few days of restoration and connection in the most beautiful of settings.
As reflected by the use of the local coordinates in the name, UNICO 20°87° is deeply rooted in the culture and natural surroundings of the destination to bring modern Mexican luxury to life. From authentic décor handcrafted by local artisans to regional traditions inspiring wellness and culinary rituals, the resort is a true celebration of the spirit of Riviera Maya. This ethos effortlessly diffuses into the design, with organic materials and local artwork filling the 448 rooms and suites that span the resort, offering sweeping views from the vibrant tropical flora all the way to the tantalising waves of the Caribbean. Thoughtful details such as outdoor whirlpool tubs, lounge areas on your private terrace and plush king-size beds all speak to the romance of the accommodation as a venue totally designed for lovebirds. Give in to the temptation to stay in with cosy bathrobes, locally-produced toiletries and an aromatherapy menu that lets you personalise the scent of your room each night, turning your room into a peaceful cocoon of sensory calm after a sun-soaked day.
The bespoke touches continue with the local host service, your very own point of contact introduced to you upon check-in and connected via WhatsApp to assist with any requests or queries throughout your stay. From securing your restaurant reservations and spa bookings to organising excursions and planning special events, our fantastic host, Zuleima, was a professional and friendly face around the resort that made us feel so well looked after. A true five-star touch to our stay!
The culinary options at UNICO 20°87° take guests on a journey through a world of flavours. Your main stop will be the 20°87° Restaurant, open for every meal from breakfast buffet to evening grill in laid-back beachside dining. Additional pick-me-ups during the day can be found at Cafe Inez, where morning coffees, fresh pastries and light bites are on offer. For traditional flavours rooted in Mexican tastes, Cueva Siete, named after the mythical seven caves of Mayan origin, offers favourites such as moreish tacos and fresh salsas to evening diners wanting to experience Yucatecan culture. A unique date night at Mura House unites teppanyaki, yakitori and sushi with an eclectic mix of Asian flavours, whilst the romantic Mi Carisa is a love letter to the Mediterranean shores of Italy in an intimate setting. However, the jewel in the crown has to be the newly-opened Avec restaurant, a French bistro showcasing exquisite technique and elegant flavours in classics such as Wellington Filet and Pear Mille Feuille, a lesson in why French cooking is one of the finest in the world.
Days at the resort unfold like a honeymoon dream with the perfect balance of stimulation and relaxation. Each of the three sprawling pools offer something for each guest, from the swim-up bar and DJ sets of the 20°87° Pool to the serene La Escondida Pool tucked away for intimate escapes, you can enjoy poolside food and refreshing drinks brought right to your lounger from the La UNICA Snack Bar or order wood-fired pizzas from the Costera station. Whether you fancy getting in touch with your spiritual side through Floating Yoga and the beachside Shaman ritual or take to the crystal waters with kayaking and snorkelling, the activities team can perfectly craft your dream day in paradise. Of course, the Esencia Wellness Spa is a must for honeymooners, check out the Agave Retreat and Mayan Romance couples treatments as well as a visit to the hydrotherapy facility to align body, mind and soul in your newlywed chapter.
From the sugary sands of the beach to their well-equipped event spaces, tying the knot at UNICO 20°87° brings your dreamiest destination wedding fantasies to life. Trust in their dedicated wedding coordinators and UNICO’s All In Weddings planning service to take the stress off your shoulders with expansive wedding packages that span everything from chairs and décor to cakes and florals. The beachside Wedding Gazebo is a real showstopper space, situated with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop and the breeze in your hair, it’s a real taste of the natural beauty of Riviera Maya. Grand occasions can book the sprawling Terraza Verde as a blank canvas space for up to 800 reception guests, whilst the elegant El Patio and poolside terraces lend themselves to romantic dinners and cocktail parties throughout your wedding weekend. Plus, add a splash of Mexican vibrancy to your occasion with four wedding collections to inspire your décor, would you choose the chic Whispers of Jade or perhaps the vivid Romance in Gold? At UNICO 20°87°, there’s a wedding to fit every taste.
After a few days of sun, sea and shared happiness, it was clear that UNICO 20°87° is a total love letter to the local region. Engaged couples and honeymooners alike can revel in the secluded romance of the venue, embracing connection and restoration in the most beautiful of surroundings. And although this may have been my second visit to the resort, I hope it will not be my last, a piece of my heart now lies at UNICO 20°87°.
Seven nights at the five-star UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya costs from just £2,194 per person. This price is based on two people sharing a Alcoba Tropical View Room on an All-Inclusive Basis and includes return economy flights from London Gatwick. Price based on select April 2027departures. To find out more about this holiday please go to www.ba.com/unico or call 0344 493 0124. For more hotel information visit www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com
AVA Resort Cancun
Our next stop was a short drive away to the impressive AVA Resort Cancun, a standout in the all-inclusive world and home to over 1600 rooms, suites and villas to choose from. This is a resort that does everything on a big scale, while still nailing the small details that make your stay feel extra special. So for lovers seeking a wellness retreat to reconnect, families craving quality time together or group celebrations to toast to the newlyweds, AVA Resort Cancun has everything you need in one extraordinary destination just ten minutes from Cancun International Airport.
I feel like the best way to understand AVA is to start with the 2.8-acre saltwater lagoon that shimmers at the heart of the resort. AVA Bay stretches from the north to south wing of the building, snaking through different sections designed for kids, adults and everything in between. Powered with Crystal Lagoons Technology, the crystal-clear water uses up to 50 times less energy and 100 times fewer chemicals than traditional pools for a natural lagoon that is gentle on the planet and skin. Whether you want to float at your own pace or get active with kayaking, paddle-boarding and the thrill of the Aquapark Circuit, making a splash into holiday mode at AVA Bay is a must. And like everything we experienced at AVA, there is still care and consideration put into the biggest facilities to ensure every little moment feels well-thought through.
The usual concern with a beachfront resort is what sort of view am I going to get from my room? But at AVA Resort Cancun, this is a thing of the past. Introducing their Oceanfront promise, an exclusive commitment that every guest enjoys an ocean view of the glittering Caribbean Sea. Every room, every suite, everywhere! The resort has been architecturally designed to mirror the waves of the ocean, curving to allow every guest a prime view that stretches all the way to the horizon. From the Oceanfront F&F Suites that offer space and versatility for families to The Penthouse Suite made for newlyweds with living area, private terrace and six-person spa tub, the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views are guaranteed no matter your decision.
Your time at AVA feels out-of-this-world, an all-inclusive extravaganza that spans everything from world-class dining to fun-filled activities. With more than 17 restaurants, cafés and bars, there is a world of choice that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Our standouts included Black Iron, where locally-sourced succulent steak and seafood is grilled to perfection over an open grill, and Copal for modern Mexican dining led by award-winning chef Regina Escalante with authentic touches like a mobile guacamole bar that prepares your dip right by your table. Plaza MX is a staple for all-day dining from breakfast buffets to pool day pitstops, while Konos Ice Creams serves soft scoops in endless flavours for a sugar boost. From Mediterranean tastes to Asian flavours, each restaurant carries its own themes and colours, meaning every night brings something a little bit different to your day with the added comfort of not having to leave the resort.
Whilst guests can enjoy access to the entire resort, each wing of AVA is tailored to the type of guest, so familymooners can locate themselves in the north wing for kid-friendly fun, while honeymooners can set up base in the south for more adult-focused amenities. Keep the children (and the young at heart) entertained with ten-pin bowling at The Alley, a game at the Star Troopers Laser Tag Arena, a test of wits at Escapology with five immersive rooms and sports simulators including golf and baseball. It’s a high-tech itinerary perfect for the modern family getaway, with the AVA Kids club tailoring activities for each age. And while the kids are kept busy, the grown-ups can slip away for a pamper at The Spa at Ava, a tranquil space designed to soothe the senses. Pick from rejuvenating treatments and body rituals to truly get away from the stresses of everyday life. I would recommend the Herbal Hydrotherapy journey, following the restorative tradition of Mexican medicinal herbs in which you make your own body scrub from natural plants and oils with the help of the warm wellness team. Then embark on the Hydrotherapy Circuit as you are guided around the sauna, steam room, sensory shower and immersive experience pools, using your scrub to brighten and balance skin for a truly interactive and unforgettable experience. Finish off your day in paradise with date night at the countless bars and craft cocktail lounges dotted around the resort, from the sleek tech-forward Digit and swanky speakeasy Cantina to the adults-only Dez Day Club and Nightclub for high-glam dancing and celebrity DJ appearances.
Weddings at AVA take your love to levels unknown, complemented by endless sea views and thoughtful details that make the little touches matter. All In Weddings is your guide to tying the knot at this five-star venue, with expert wedding planners to guide you with grace and tailored venues to suit your style. Whether you are the kind of couple who loves extravagant occasions that lend themselves to the 53,000 square feet of the AVA Salon Ballroom with flexible spaces and adjustable lighting, or perhaps the open-air Oceanfront Terrace would suit for romantic cocktail hours and dancing under the stars, there is a venue to suit your love language. Their range of packages brings no-stress planning to the forefront, from the monochromatic elegance of Midnight to the vibrant corals of Sunset, each style can be the perfect complement to those stunning ocean views. Plus, if you are a visual person, the All In Weddings office houses all the décor options and tablescape choices, so from chairs and napkins to plates and florals, you can see your theme bloom to life in front of your very eyes.
With over a thousand rooms, 17 dining options, a 2.8-acre pool and one unforgettable getaway, AVA Resort Cancun brings excellence on the largest of scales. But the team bring that extra special charm thanks to their boutique and personalised service that ensures guests don’t feel like just a number, a sort of care that makes everyone feel like a VIP – exactly how your honeymoon should.
Seven nights at the brand new five-star AVA Resort Cancun costs from just £2,005 per person on a premium all-inclusive basis in an Oceanfront King Room with Sea View and Balcony with two-person spa tub. Price is based on two adults sharing on an All-Inclusive Basis and includes direct return flights from London Gatwick to Cancun. Price based on select April 2027 departures. To find out more about this holiday please go to www.ba.com or call 0344 493 0124. For more hotel information visit www.avaresortcancun.com for more hotel information.
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