Santa Cruz - Movement & Nature House

A star for the view and the natural setting. Beyond that, this is unjustifiably expensive glamping for an alleged 5-star hotel. Don't be fooled by paid influencer reviews. The rooms feel like cardboard boxes with no sound insulation. You can hear neighbors talking and everyone passing in the hallway. The toilet has only a glass door, so there's no privacy. Whoever designed it clearly never stayed in a hotel. The shower shares that same sliding door. Water pressure was basically nonexistent, and adjusting the temperature made no difference to the lukewarm water. The spa area is just a small pool and a few massage beds.

The natural setting and location are beautiful, but the hotel falls well short of what I expected and feels overpriced. The rooms have very poor sound insulation. Conversations, footsteps and even a hairdryer from the next room or hallway are easy to hear. The bathroom setup is awful for privacy: you can close the door to either the toilet or the shower, but not both. The water pressure was really poor too, and the showers were disappointing. The spa is basically just an indoor pool, nothing exciting. There were none of the usual services I'd expect from a 5-star hotel, such as room service, which is a problem given where the hotel is.

The setting was what made our last three days and nights of a three-week trip from the States so good. We were away from everything except the cliffs and empty beach, with trails to wander and a few daily activities like yoga and Japanese archery. It was quiet, relaxing and romantic, just right for unwinding and being still. The staff were perfect and the food was good. I can't say enough.

The meals were a highlight, full of fresh flavor and beautifully presented, with enough variety to suit different tastes. The restaurant team kept everything running smoothly and were attentive throughout. From arrival, the staff made me feel at home. They were friendly, helpful and on top of every detail, which made the whole stay memorable. Along with the luxurious amenities, it was the people who made it special. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable stay.