And then she FLEW

08/24/2025

UNICO RIVERA NAYARIT Review on soft opening

I generally avoid soft openings with resorts however this is Unico, so I know the standard is high. I was not disappointed, but very impressed and already have plans to return.

I arrived early and immediately met Angela, Miguel, and Gonzalo my local hosts . My room was ready, and they whisked my bags away while I headed to the Alto rooftop pool and bar where they had already reserved my pool chairs as well as a Bali bed. I was in Heaven immediately! Patty made the perfect hot and skinny paloma while I had delicious tuna flatbread. HINT…I like spicy but was shocked as HOW spicy the matcha was on the flatbread. The Bali bed at the rooftop was not something I thought I would enjoy. I was completely wrong. Looking out over the bay from the 11th floor roof while having a little privacy, shade and complete comfort with the chilled pool water feet away was priceless.

I had a 1BR Estancia Suite and was perfect for me. HINT…I did realize that the rooms all the way to the left (facing ocean), are very close to Hard Rock Resort so request rooms one in from the end if on the left. The relaxed, natural chill vibe of the resort itself continues throughout the rooms which are very well appointed. I fell in love with the layout and the bathroom with the gorgeous soaking tub and double rain shower. There is also a vanity table and dressing area. I did also see the Alto room which is beautiful as well simply on a smaller scale without the living area and tub. ALL rooms do have the soaking tub on balconies. In room amenities HINT…I know returning I will not need to pack as many necessities. Everything from razors, shaving cream, lotions, exfoliation mit and haircare products were on point, and I am picky.

The food. Aside from service that is what Unico is known for in Rivera Maya. My favorites? Breakfast at Lia. I missed the Acai Bowls, fresh bread, and marmalade before I even left! Lunch at Alto was a hit for me. Dinner favorite was also Lia with the yummiest Limoncello drink, lasagna, and the best tiramisu I have ever had. Dessert for me was over the top for me though at AquaMadre. I wish I could tell you what I had. I simply went several nights just for the desserts suggested by Enrique, who also gave me a few tequila lessons. Snacks of an afternoon for me were best from Inez. Fresh fruits and an iced cappuccino on the patio just outside. So peaceful and relaxing. HINT…sit outside during sunset hour at AquaMadre for breathtaking views of the sunset! Gonzalo and Miguel were beyond helpful making my reservations and moving me around inside and outside of the resort.

I’m not one to stay on property throughout the trip and Rivera Nayarit is no different. The area is vibrant and so enchanting! I didn’t get to see it all so can’t wait to return. I traveled solo and could not have felt safer off property. Rosa helped me with plans for Rhythm of the Nights and gave me some tips on heading into town for art galleries and restaurants. While I was on property the entertainment varied. The Alto Pool had entertainment of an afternoon ranging from a DJ, violinist, and a Latino singer. The main pool varied between a Latino group (phenomenal), and a water acrobatics show. The staff around the main pool, especially Carlos were super helpful and fun. Of an evening there was always something going on in the main bar and there are games both here and outside on the grass during the day.

The spa. THE BEST! I went twice and next time it will be more. I have hydrotherapy at every resort however Unico RN tops the list. I honestly didn’t want to leave. My attendants/ valets, Gustavo and Alberto, were outstanding going the extra mile with temple and foot massage while I relaxed in the heated tiled chaise loungers. If I had done this on my 1st day would have done it every day. Reyna was my spa therapist and gave me a wonderful massage. I left so completely relaxed.

What was not open yet? The salon, water activities on the beach (although I did walk down the beach for Jet Ski rentals which were completely worth it for $70), Bali beds on the beach, rooftop of AquaMadre also was not up and running yet but neither were missed by myself. They did offer cooking classes and painting while I was there. Oh, and your souvenirs are two hats and a bag which an on-site artist will paint for you.

The only cons I saw were the swim up rooms, in my opinion. I usually love a swim up however there are only 3 at the resort and they are awkwardly placed with no view at all. Once the vegetation grows it will be better and things will somewhat change but I do wish they had utilized this space as Unico RM does with shops, art galleries, etc. Here there is one shop. I put it to good use, but I wish there were more. There is shopping however within walkable distance in a very safe area.

08/17/2025

Back to back resorts. Hard Rock Rivera Nayarit/Puerto Vallarta 1st up.

This was my first trip to Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta, but it absolutely will not be my last. I knew this was an older and smaller resort; however, the area of Rivera Nayarit and the reputation of the staff drew me into booking this trip and neither disappointed!

I knew the rooms would be smaller than what I am used to at other HR resorts. I also knew that I wanted a Rock Royalty Suite since they have a larger balcony. The other rooms, unless going for a Rock Star Suite, have a Juliet balcony. I did tour the Rock Star Suite while on property and now know I will return to this suite with friends for sure! As it’s beautifully done and exceptionally appointed

I arrived late morning, but my room was ready, so I quickly unpacked and made my way to the pool where my butlers (who I adored!) had my chairs reserved. My first meal was lunch at Ciao. Delicious Shrimp ceviche. I did not have high expectations for the food, as I travel to HR properties for the people, areas, and service, but HRPV shocked me at every turn with food. From room service, which was delivered quickly and correctly, to reserved dinners at Frieda and Ciao it was not just good but outstanding. The service in the restaurants far surpassed other resorts. Fresh catch of sea bass means just that, FRESH catch.

A bonus to the delicious meals and service was the views. Frieda and Ciao are both open air and ocean front giving spectacular views of sunset if timed correctly. I was pleased to learn that even with the high humidity of the area, the restaurants were comfortable. There actually was not an area on property that I found which was lacking in comfort. The air conditioning kept me nice and happy and I’m a 70 degrees southern girl.

Waking up to the bay was breathtaking ….sitting on my balcony with coffee watching the boats come and go and the resort come to life was second only to breakfast. The resort has the best breakfast I have had in a long time with the perk of a full smoothie menu and health shots (I had multiple Turmeric shots daily). All were made spot on. The restaurant itself is a buffet but also offered some gems I wasn’t expecting like egg white omelets, bloody Mary bar and a mimosa bar as well. The host staff was very helpful as was Samuel. I learned Samuel was the manager when unfortunately, I had to walk around looking for somebody to place my smoothie and coffee order with after waiting for quite a while. This only occurred one day at breakfast, but it was still aggravating.

I met Samuel again by the pool (not main pool but in front of the beach entrance) when he noticed I had no drink later in the day. I am accustomed to pool staff making frequent stops for drinks and food requests but found that this was not the norm for me at HRPV. I was offered drinks one day after my butler Uriel ( who was fantastic!) pointed out to Juan, a pool server, that I wasn’t receiving service. Fast forward to my last day and I again had not had service. Samuel spoke to another server, Antonio, and I learned I should have done this on day one as pool service was on point the remainder of the day. Was this a huge deal, no. The resort is small, and I am fully capable of getting my own drinks. It was just something I was very aware of since it’s never been an issue for me at resorts previously.

While referencing food and beverage service. I cannot speak highly enough of Ciao and Freda. Regarding staff that stood out above and beyond; Maria, Elias, Christian, Oscar (who made special dessert tableside for me), Giovanni (best bartender on property!) made meals unforgettable.

As with any trip I had a few blips on my end such as my phone charger dying, I was so thankful for Alex and Franscico who helped me to find a location that sold my charger after they both tried feverishly to fix mine. I spent 5 days at HRPV and then the remainder of my trip at Unico which is right next door. The morning of my move to Unico my 3rd butler Uriel handled my checkout and move even checking on the room readiness next door. These three make a wonderful team and I already can’t wait to go back!

Other perks I fell in love with at HRPV include the water sports just steps away. Everything from kayaking, boogie boarding, and stand up paddleboarding to jet skiing and parasailing. Many included at no fee. I fell in love with the Rivera Nayarit area. The beach is stunning with darker sand that glistens gold. The beach is perfect for walking, and you can walk forever in either direction along the bay. ATM, Pharmacy, urgent care, and shopping plaza are all within walking distance and it’s very safe. I am a single woman who travels solo and not once felt uncomfortable on or off property.

Regarding the spa, I am used to Hard Rock Punta Cana which is my favorite spa for many reasons. The hydrotherapy here however was BETTER than HRPC. The attendant is what made it better along with their steam room and the ability to just relax in the hot tub with your party. I never do hydrotherapy more than once during a trip but did so during my stay at HRPV. Sadly, the massage service wasn’t as good. I am sure it was just the therapist I had this time and perhaps she had an off day, but the massage would go from too much pressure to featherlike and back to too much again.

This resort may be small in size and older in age, but it gives all other HR resorts a high bar to reach in many areas. The Rivera Nayarit area and service/people will continue to put Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta over the top. I am already planning my next trip.

08/06/2025

One trip...can change your life and how you see the world. I am grateful beyond measure for THAT trip and every single one since 🙏

08/02/2025

Puerto Vallarta...this is what my seat in Heaven looks like today. 🌴🇲🇽

07/28/2025

LEAVE THE BAGS AND GO PEOPLE!🤦🏻‍♀️

07/26/2025

Soft openings are typically not on my radar, but this is Unico, renowned for their exceptional standards. Disappointment is not a term associated with Unico. Interested? I can book your group with VIP perks including transportation and resort credits for spa and tours. Live images from onsite in mid August and review to follow.

Immerse yourself in luxury at Unico 20°105°, a five-star resort in Riviera Nayarit that offers breathtaking views and exceptional service.

07/02/2024

07/02/2024

If you travel frequently this is going to happen at some point and it's rough! If weather is the issue (or even if airline claims it's weather related), the airline does not provide meals, hotels, etc. in the case of canceled or delayed flights. Booking with a credit card that has GOOD travel protection and coverage is essential!

LaGuardia and Newark saw temporary ground stops.

07/01/2024

Flying out of PHL or CLT in July on flight under 900 miles? Bring a snack!

American Airlines is having problems feeding passengers, at least at two of its large hubs. While passengers aren’t necessarily being warned in advance to buy food and drinks inside the terminal before they board, they’re in for a surprise that their flight might not have anything for them once ...