Fodor's Expert Review Azul Beach Hotel

Azul Beach is that rare all-inclusive resort that tries to balance the size of the place and the diversity of amenities, with a more intimate kind of experience. And they succeed to a point. The luxury details and high-end service is there, but also the more personal touches like the welcoming smoothies for kids to go hand-in-hand with the champagne toast for adults.

room

Azul Beach accommodations offer a comfortable setting with upscale furnishing and a contemporary design. They are all wide and ample, with king or queen size bed, satellite TV, Wi-Fi access and balcony or veranda with garden or ocean views. Each room features its own Jacuzzi. Some suites have swim-up access to the pool, while others come with butler service included.

bathroom

These bathrooms are quite elegant, with modern small-mosaic designs, contrasting beige tones and dark wood elements, and the occasional stained-glass door. They all include rainfall shower and deluxe Jacuzzi tub for two.

lobby

This lobby is nothing short of spectacular, covered by a huge pyramid-like palapa from where an exotic chandelier hangs in the middle of it all. A series of desks, front-desks, fancy sofas, tours information stands and souvenir shops an area that impress for its décor and efficiency.

pool

Azul Beach Resort features three swimming pools, plus one pool exclusively dedicated for kids and the lazy river that sprawls across the property and the swim-up suites. Among these variety of pools, you’ll find swim-up bars, beachfront pools, wooden decks, comfy loungers and chic umbrellas.

spa

Vassa Spa features outstanding facilities in a very stylish setting and an overall atmosphere of intimacy. The menu of treatments, therapies and rituals is long and diverse, with specific services designed for couples, brides and even kids.

A truly amazing experience is the Ritual of Elements Vassa, which includes treatments inspired on the four elements of earth, water, fire and air, and fusion them with extraordinary results.

gym

The fitness center offers the customary variety of cardio and strength equipment, plus a free weights area. A well-appointed gym, but definitely not the highlight of the resort.

dining

Each one of the five restaurants available at Azul Beach, boasts superb design and a defined personality. Blue offers buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner with gorgeous ocean views. On weekdays, Chill hosts breakfasts with Nickelodeon characters and Scoop offers a variety of snacks and ice creams for kids. For a sophisticated dinner, Tainan serves exotic Asian dishes in an upscale setting.

drinking

From the four bars at your disposal, three are either by the pool or in the pool. The fourth one, Agavero is a very stylish tequila lounge with over 30 different brands of high-end tequila. When you get tired of the whole tropical atmosphere, that’s the place to go for a good drink.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Not all brands of spirits and wines are included on the Gourmet Inclusive program. Make sure to ask before trying something too exotic, and avoid unpleasant surprises.