Azul Hotel & Retreat

The grounds are beautiful and laid out nicely, and the pool was fantastic for the kids, with a good shallow area for wading. The beach has a hard, shallow break, so swimming in the ocean wasn't a good option. It's a pretty laid-back place, especially if you're into yoga. Food was generally very good, but expensive, and we left with a bigger bill than expected. Our AC shut off one night and the room got really hot. There was no stove or toaster in the room. Still, it was a fine stay.

The best part was my first dinner and breakfast. The Peruvian ceviche and skirt steak were both very good, even though the sides were tiny. If I were there with my BF, he'd probably need about 6 sides to get enough carbs. The bread helped make up for it. Breakfast was good too, with coffee, juice, fruit, and an entree. Becher served me well at both meals, and when I said I couldn't eat melon or pineapple, he brought a large plate of mango and papaya. Sadly, the food got worse with each meal after that, and the last day left such a bad impression that I probably wouldn't return. The remote setting could suit someone wanting to disconnect for a few days. It's about a 2hr drive from Liberia airport, and the final 45min - 1hr is bumpy and winding, so anyone prone to motion sickness should take note. I came to extend a nearby wellness resort trip; otherwise, I don't know if that drive would feel worthwhile. The hotel does have strong, reliable wifi and a desk in my room, so working remotely was possible. My room was very nice, with a comfortable bed and a lovely ocean-facing deck with a hammock. I was grateful for the upgrade. The bathroom was small, and the shower sprayed water everywhere. Prices are high, as others have said, and the service and products don't always match them. My 90 minute massage cost 160. The massage itself was good, but workers were drilling and talking nearby. They stopped whenever I was about to say something, and it wasn't extremely loud, but it was annoying enough to spoil what could have been a great experience. There is a gym and dining area, but both close from 11-12 and 5-6pm. I was leaving at 12PM and asked for a smoothie with my protein powder and a parfait to take along, or have before the restaurant opened. I appreciated that they accommodated me, but the smoothie arrived without the powder mixed in and was only 1/3 the size of the one I'd ordered the day before for $14. The $10 parfait had just 1 blueberry and 1 strawberry. The gym is decent, though you have to turn on the AC yourself. The pool is small but okay, and even when it was busy I often had it to myself. Food and service were the biggest letdowns, and a few small changes could make this a much better stay. One more tip: I wouldn't recommend the car service they arrange. I used BlackCar for my inbound transfer and found the ride much smoother.

We were meant to stay three nights, but left after just one. I've never felt so relieved to get out of a hotel. The front desk staff came across as cold and dismissive, and we felt unwelcome and uncomfortable. The whole resort seemed neglected, with messy grounds, a dusty, dirty gym, and a beach that wasn't clean or pleasant to use. Swimming wasn't possible. There was little warmth or care anywhere. Our twin room had one actual bed and a hard sofa. After we complained, they only put a loose mattress on the sofa. The rooms felt outdated, and the doors didn't close properly, so insects could come inside. That left us feeling uncomfortable and unsafe, especially for a 4-star hotel. The bathroom also felt unhygienic, with an open bin despite the rule against flushing toilet paper. From arrival, the place felt remote, empty, and unsettling, almost eerie. The experience was deeply disappointing and disturbing. Think carefully before booking. There are more welcoming places nearby.

Once you're settled in, this is a beautiful and relaxing escape from all the commercialization. The pools are lovely, and the beach is easy to get to. There's a small staff, so you get to know them and they get to know you. The drive takes about 2 and half hours over pothole-riddled roads through a very rustic rural tropical area. The first look at the property on the way in might make you regret your accommodation choice, but stick with it. From here it's easy to get a feel for local culture, with various restaurants along the road and at the beaches.