Belle Astina by Zuzu

The staff were polite, but the stay didn’t work for the kind of holiday base I wanted. The area seems better suited to gym-focused travellers or people spending their time in fitness studios or clinics. Getting to restaurants, bars, and usual holiday activities isn’t straightforward. The streets are narrow and heavily dug up, with footpaths being replaced. After drinks or in the dark, it’d be easy to step into a hole or ditch. I’d booked three nights, then realized I’d muddled my dates when I asked about early check-in. They only had a two-bedroom villa available for that night, priced a third higher in person than on Booking.com, so I booked it online. They agreed to move our bags to the new room the next day, but it didn’t happen. Early check-in and late checkout aren’t flexible, though they did hold our bags. I was told I’d get a WhatsApp when the room was ready, but no message came. The villa’s kitchen, lounge, and pool area are completely outdoors, and the wear showed. The beanbags were moldy, there was algae on the walls, and pool water splashed into the lounge rather than draining back into the pool. The bedroom air conditioning was the best part: cool and comfortable, with great pillows. I cancelled my second booking and lost the full 100 percent cancellation fee. I honestly wasn’t upset. Staying here would have made the rest of the holiday harder, not easier. I had to follow up to get my security deposit back because it wasn’t returned automatically.

We stayed five nights in this spacious villa, which was ideal for couples. The furnishings still seem quite new, and I hope they keep them that way. The indoor pools were clean and inviting, and we had no trouble sleeping or with mosquitoes, which was a surprise. It’s among the more affordable villas nearby, though you may need to bring or buy your own toiletries. There’s a mart within walking distance. If you’re driving yourself, the staff are accommodating and can arrange parking.

I stayed for three weeks, and the staff were very nice and helpful. The rooms didn’t impress me, though. I think this used to be a nice place, but now it’s seriously short on maintenance, and the pictures don’t show how it looks today.

The room was really clean, and the bed was comfortable. The service was happy and welcoming too. It was a beautiful stay, and I’d recommend it and come back.