Azul Hotel & Retreat offers a tranquil oceanfront experience with beach massages and body wraps. Enjoy continental breakfast poolside or on the private beach, then surf or practice yoga. Two restaurants serve international cuisine, and rooms have free WiFi.
Reviews
8.68.6 out of 10
Excellent
Popular amenities
Breakfast included
Spa
Parking included
Free WiFi
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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. Surf 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 guide
3 km South of Marbella, Santa Cruz, Cuajiniquil, Guanacaste, 50306
What's nearby
Playa Azul
3 min walk - 0.2 miles
San Juanillo Beach
13 min drive - 3.7 miles
Playa Pelada
52 min drive - 15.2 miles
Junquillal Beach
49 min drive - 13.8 miles
Safari Surf School
52 min drive - 15.8 miles
Getting around
Nosara (NOB)
49 min drive
Restaurants
Ancient People San Juanillo
7 min drive
Rancho Cocobolo
8 min drive
Tiki Hut
11 min drive
Brisas del Mar
8 min drive
Bar & Restaurante El Jardín
7 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 facial, a body treatment, 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 like beach yoga, surfing/body boarding, and beach volleyball. 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 along with sun loungers, pool umbrellas, and a swim-up bar
Free self parking
RV/bus/truck parking, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and tour/ticket assistance
Wedding services, smoke-free premises, and beach umbrellas
Room features
All guestrooms at Azul Hotel & Retreat include perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More amenities include:
Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowtop mattresses, and down comforters
Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Free beach shuttle
Casino shuttle (surcharge)
Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
Free self parking on site
RV/bus/truck parking on site
Limited onsite self 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 elevator
More
14 buildings
2 floors
Built in 2013
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Down comforter
Egyptian cotton sheets
Pillowtop mattress
Bathroom
Bathrobes
Designer toiletries
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
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.
How much does it cost to stay at Azul Hotel & Retreat ?
As of Mar 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Azul Hotel & Retreat on Mar 8, 2026 start from $173, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Azul Hotel & Retreat pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking?
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 ?
Check-out 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, 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Pitahaya Beach, and within 16 mi (25 km) of San Juanillo Beach and Playa Pelada. Safari Surf School and Blanca Beach are also within 16 mi (25 km).
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Reviews
Azul Hotel & Retreat Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2
Cleanliness
7.6
Location
9.0
Staff & service
8.6
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 269 out of 467 reviews
10 - Excellent
269
Rating 8 - Good. 115 out of 467 reviews
8 - Good
115
Rating 6 - Okay. 45 out of 467 reviews
6 - Okay
45
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 467 reviews
4 - Poor
21
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 467 reviews
2 - Terrible
17
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Therese
Jan 17, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The staff friendly, food was good. Location and pool fantastic.
Food was amazing. Staff were exceptional. Àlwàys helpful and with a smile. Accommodations were clean and attentionl paid to detail.Little extras made the difference. Would recommend!!
We always love staying at this resort. Service and amenities are great. However, Hotels.com needs to update the description because it is no longer an adults-only property.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Beautiful rooms with serene decor. Plenty of nice lounging chairs and beds. Beach never crowded. Friendly staff, good food, great massage at the spa. Excellent boutique hotel!