Hard Rock Resorts vs. UNICO 20°N 87°W Resort

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Club Heaven at Hard Rock Riviera Maya Adults Side

Hard Rock All-Inclusive vs. UNICO 20°N 87°W: Which is Right for You?

Hard Rock All-Inclusive and UNICO 20°N 87°W are sister resorts, but they each offer something unique. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both, and while I love them for different reasons, I’m here to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next vacation.

Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts

Let’s start with Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts. I’ve personally toured or stayed at all of their properties, so I’m happy to share the details and help you choose the right one for your trip.

Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resort Locations:

• Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Hacienda (Family Side) & Heaven (Adults Side)


• Hard Rock Cancun


• Hard Rock Punta Cana


• Hard Rock Vallarta


• Hard Rock Los Cabos 

When most people think of Hard Rock, they picture a lively party atmosphere. But you'd be surprised at how family-friendly and serene these resorts can be too. Hard Rock has created an All-Inclusive brand that blends music, fun, and relaxation perfectly.

The resorts offer a wide variety of cuisine options, ranging from traditional Mexican and Italian to Asian-inspired, Brazilian, Caribbean, French, and more. Depending on the resort, you’ll find anywhere from 2 to 14 pools, 5 to 8 bars, and 5 to 11 restaurants. Together, we’ll pick the right destination and resort for you.

Each Hard Rock property has its own unique features, but one that stands out for families is Hard Rock Riviera Maya (Hacienda Side). This property is my top recommendation for families, no matter their ages. Instead of a long sweeping beach, it features smaller, safer beach coves, perfect for younger children to swim without worrying about strong ocean currents. Plus, it’s home to Camp Woodward, a 29,000 sq. ft. action sports haven for kids ages 4-17. With activities for all skill levels, there’s something for everyone!

Whether you're looking to Play Hard or Pause Hard, Hard Rock could be your perfect choice.

UNICO 20°N 87°W

Now, let’s talk about UNICO 20°N 87°W – this is one of my absolute favorite resorts! UNICO perfectly blends modern luxury with local culture, redefining the all-inclusive experience. The décor throughout the resort exudes an authentic hacienda vibe, while the rooms are luxurious, with beds that feel like clouds. The fine dining restaurants are top-notch, offering gourmet cuisine, and each restaurant features its own dedicated bar. Waiting for your dinner reservation has never been so relaxing – it’s the perfect time to try one of their signature cocktails.

UNICO Adult-Only Locations:

• UNICO 20ºN 87ºW Riviera Maya, Mexico


• UNICO 20ºN 105ºW Vallarta, Mexico


• UNICO 18ºN 77ºW Montego Bay, Jamaica

One of the things that makes UNICO stand out is the level of service. Concierge is included even in their entry-level room categories, and they have Local Hosts to make sure your vacation is tailored to your personal needs. Be sure to meet with your Local Host early on so they can help take your UNICO experience to the next level. From restaurant reservations to tours, golf, spa treatments, and even special events, they’re there to help you plan it all.

Some additional services include:

• Insider’s guide to the local scene (hidden gems and hard-to-get reservations)


• Late check-out requests


• Tour and activity reservations


• Spa tub preparation, shoe shine, laundry service, and more


• Aromatherapy and pillow menu requests

UNICO was inspired and designed by women, and this influence is reflected in everything from the décor to the fine details like fork choices.

Exclusive Experiences at UNICO include:

• Unico Custom Hats


• UNICO Yoga


• Wine & Art


• Mixology Master Class


• Custom Beer Garden

Does this modern, chic, and personalized All-Inclusive resort sound like it’s more your style? Trust me, YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Hard Rock vs. UNICO

It’s important to note that while Hard Rock has locations all over the world, Hard Rock All-Inclusive resorts are their own unique brand within the larger Hard Rock family. Both Hard Rock and UNICO offer exceptional experiences, but it really comes down to what kind of vacation you’re seeking.If you want a resort with an exciting, energetic vibe, lots of pool options, and a family-friendly atmosphere, then Hard Rock is a great choice. But, if you prefer something more intimate, luxurious, and focused on local culture and personalized service, then UNICO 20°N 87°W will blow you away.

In the end, you really can’t go wrong with either option. Let’s start planning your dream vacation!

Disclaimer: While we strive to keep all information up-to-date, the details above are subject to change depending on when you travel.