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Azul Hotel & Retreat

4.0 star property
Adults-only beachfront hotel with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Azul Hotel & Retreat

Front of property - evening/night
Private beach, white sand, free beach shuttle, sun-loungers
Property grounds
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Property grounds
Experience a tranquil retreat at Azul Hotel & Retreat, where beach massages and body wraps await. Enjoy continental breakfast by the pool or on the private beach, then take part in activities like surfing/body boarding and yoga. With two restaurants offering international cuisine and free WiFi in your room, you'll feel pampered.
VIP Access

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Garden Deluxe

Garden Deluxe

Garden Deluxe

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Ocean View

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Superior Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Ocean View

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Premium Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Premium Room (Garden)

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Premium Room (Garden)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Superior Room (Garden)

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Superior Room (Garden)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Villa, Ocean View

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Villa, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Double Sofa Beds and 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Garden)

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Garden)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
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About the area

Located in Cuajiniquil, Azul Hotel & Retreat is in a rural area and on a private beach. Safari Surf School is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pitahaya Beach and San Juanillo Beach. Playa Pelada and Blanca Beach are two other places to visit that come recommended. Surfing lessons and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Visit our Cuajiniquil travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
3 km South of Marbella, Santa Cruz, Cuajiniquil, Guanacaste, 50306

What's nearby

  • Playa Azul - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Pitahaya Beach - 6 min drive - 3.2 km
  • San Juanillo Beach - 12 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Playa Coco - 13 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Junquillal Beach - 45 min drive - 22.6 km

Getting around

  • Nosara (NOB) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tiki Hut - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Ancient People San Juanillo - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bar & Restaurante El Jardín - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant San Juanillo - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Soda Victoria - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Azul Hotel & Retreat

Luxury upscale hotel near Pitahaya Beach
Located close to San Juanillo Beach, Azul Hotel & Retreat provides free continental breakfast, a swim-up bar and a poolside bar. With a private beach, beachfront dining and beach massages, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a body scrub, a deep-tissue massage or a body wrap. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and international cuisine. Enjoy the health club, as well as activities, such as beach yoga, beach volleyball and kayaking. In addition to a terrace and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool with sunloungers, pool umbrellas and a swim-up bar
  • Free self-parking
  • Motorhome/coach/lorry parking, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and a front desk safe
  • Beach umbrellas, tour/ticket information and smoke-free property
Room features
All guest rooms at Azul Hotel & Retreat include thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and safes.
More amenities include:
  • Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowtop mattresses and down duvets
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
  • LCD TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies, treadmills and stationary bikes

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Casino shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping centre shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 restaurants
  • A poolside bar
  • A swim-up bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Blue 47
  • Seaside

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Beach yoga
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Health club
  • Kayaking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Surfing/bodyboarding

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No lift

More

  • 14 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 2013
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free weights
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Stationary bicycle
  • Treadmill

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 1 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 1 and older are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 320 per vehicle

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Long-term renters welcome
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Azul Ocean Club Hotel Marbella
Azul Ocean Club Marbella
Azul Ocean Club Hotel Playa Azul
Azul Ocean Club Hotel
Azul Ocean Club Playa Azul
Azul Ocean Club

Frequently asked questions

Does Azul Hotel & Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Azul Hotel & Retreat pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Azul Hotel & Retreat ?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Azul Hotel & Retreat ?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Azul Hotel & Retreat ?

Checkout is at noon.

Does Azul Hotel & Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 320 per vehicle applies.

Where is Azul Hotel & Retreat located?

This Cuajiniquil hotel is on the beach, 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Pitahaya Beach, and within 16 mi (25 km) of San Juanillo Beach and Playa Pelada. Blanca Beach and Junquillal Beach are also within 16 mi (25 km).

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Azul Hotel & Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 258 out of 454 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 114 out of 454 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 44 out of 454 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 454 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 454 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little beach oasis managed by a tremendously professional and gracious staff. Great facilities and well-above average restaurant.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Fatih

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Staff, service, rooms were amazing. The tiny pool, non-maintained beach, absence of a store or anything close by, the same menu every single day, the coffee at the breakfast, no where to go or do anything were horrible.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lora

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful

We had an amazing stay! Wish we had more time here!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Vonetta

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

felecia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really like free yoga sessions! That was a great addition to tranquility of the property, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The kayaking tour guide was awesome!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Flavio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is in a very nice place in the middle of the nature, very well maintained, great staff and landscape …
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Alina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach is dirty, nobody cleans. The ocean is not suitable for swimming , waves and cold current. Mosquitos. Stuffy and humid. Nothing interesting to do. I booked the hotel because the breakfast was included. In reality they charged more than 50$ extra!!!!! Because they give you a menu to choose and you can choose one dish per person. For example, only eggs, or only pancake. But you cannot take eggs and pancake together))))) you will be charged extra. The most stupid conception I have ever seen. Disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great experience!

Super environment in which to relax…
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

kirk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning location, One of the cleanest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The food was epic!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location to the beach is great. The pool and restaurants are very nice. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean beach front property with great staff. Room was 1 of the best I have experienced in th 20 years I ave been coming to Costa Rica
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was in a remote area. There was only a shuttle to a small town at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. You had to pay if you wanted to go at any other time. It is not really walkable to anything. The staff was very pleasant however the serivce in the dining room was very slow.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sreekrishnan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Hotel. Quiet and clean. Super helpful and nice staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A wonderful gem of a resort ideal for total relaxation! Pros: beautiful location on the coast, well-appointed rooms, excellent staff, great dining. This is the perfect place to bring a couple books and spend languid days listening to the ocean. Cons: the resort is VERY far from everything over some tricky roads. It's no exaggeration that a 4X4 is a must- we were there during a long period of rain making travel and/or sightseeing treacherous. It is approximately an hour drive to Tamarindo, probably an hour and a half from the Guanacaste airport.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

TIMOTHY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceptional Retreat In Paradise

Beautifully designed and maintained boutique property on the ocean. Expansive sandy beach great for walking and exploring with exquisite sunsets. Pool is wonderful if surf is up. Nearby reef protected beaches for calm swimming minutes away. Food and service is top notch. Definitely will return.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kaley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful, relaxing resort

We loved our stay at Azul Ocean Club. It was very quiet and relaxing. The staff are so friendly and attentive. The pool is wonderful, and there are many comfortable spots to lounge. The waves in the ocean are a little rough for swimming, but would be great for boogie boarding. The beach is very private and beautiful. Room was very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful experience all along!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you want the soundtrack of the surf in the background of your next stay then the venture to the Azul Ocean Club is worth the trip. A little off the paved path but well worth the adventure. The rooms are designed to enjoy the setting. The food is excellent, though a little pricey, and the beach is right there.

10/10 Excellent

Joachim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
T
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Darian

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Looks very dated. Roads are horrible
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

santiago

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property was too isolated from shopping areas and did not have a place to purchase souvenirs, etc. Everything was hours away on very bad and bumpy roads
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This resort was beautiful. A good bit off the beaten path but what a jewel when you get there! The rooms were quite spacious and lovely. There was a welcome gift when we arrived of fresh fruits. No matter where you are on the property, you can hear the waves crashing and it is glorious! The resort felt very exclusive and was populated but not crowded at all. Each time I went to the pool or any of the many options for laying out I felt like I had my preference. They had so many options of shaded or sunny spots to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings. There were several iguanas on the property that loved sunning themselves by the pools as well. We enjoyed the breakfast each morning that was included in our stay but our favorite was lunch. The guacamole was fabulous and paired with the chicken quesadillas it was perfect! This resort was excellent for relaxing. We also took advantage of the spa. The couple's massage with the sound of the ocean was fantastic! Easily one of our favorites of all time and we love a good spa day!! As I stated in the beginning, Azul hotel and retreat is off the beaten path and you will need to rent a car. I'd suggest flying into Liberia Airport but it will still be a long drive to ANY of the resorts, but a lot longer if you fly into San Juan like we did. I loved the Azul Hotel and Retreat and I'm very glad we found such a great place to stay with wonderful employees that took great care of us!

6/10 Okay

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
he place is beautiful and delicate, the staff was never present to see if we needed anything, the bar was not open during our stay and we went in for a Coke without permission thinking that we were obviously going to pay for it, when someone from the staff finally showed up We told what we did and she told us "that's forbidden" with a grim face and she immediately went through the dataphone, what we expected was for her to tell us "oh what a pity, calm down, you need something else, the bar opens at such a time, I offer you cocktails etc" and As a second point, there is no access to the beach due to garbage and logs.

4/10 Poor

G

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disappointed. Road to get there are treacherous.

Phone to room is not connected. Cannot call front desk. The Safe in our room … batteries expired after putting our passports and valuables in and could not get into the safe. No one at front desk. Called via WhatsApp. No message Center. Had to email. Still no response. Had to find someone to open it. Spoiled our day trip to see the Turtles migration in Ocional . Missed this once in a year phenomenon. The whole reason we booked this location. No coffee table to place any drinks, coffee or a plate. Awkward. Never have seem this before. TV did not work. No refund or expression of empathy. Manager would not allow later check out time even after all of this hassle. Very difficult to get to. Roads are treacherous. Grounds are lush. Only nice part. Never again. Ever.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Dylan

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025