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Azura Beach Resort is an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Playa Samara, Costa Rica with 75 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Buffet Dining, Fishing, Free Wi-Fi and Lazy River. Travelers rate it 4.1/5 across 575 Google reviews.
Seaweed & sargassum
Costa Rica gets sargassum, typically worst March through August on the Caribbean coast only; the Pacific coast is clear every month.See the month-by-month guide →Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Quick answers
- Is Azura Beach Resort adults only?
- Yes — Azura Beach Resort is an adults-only resort, so children are not accommodated.
- Where is Azura Beach Resort?
- Azura Beach Resort is in Playa Samara, Costa Rica. Its address is VFCV+V2, Del Centro de playa Samara 3 kilometros sobre carretera hacia playa Carrillo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Sámara, Costa Rica.
- How many rooms does Azura Beach Resort have?
- Azura Beach Resort has 75 rooms.
- Is Azura Beach Resort all-inclusive?
- Yes — Azura Beach Resort is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.
Traveler Insights(164 discussions)
Azura Beach Resort sits on Playa Samara, one of the quietest and most naturally beautiful beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula - a stretch of Costa Rican coastline that Blue Zone researchers have linked to exceptional local longevity. The beach itself is the primary draw: calm waters protected by offshore reef, no problematic sand fleas, and a genuinely unspoiled stretch of Pacific coast that still feels removed from the mass-tourism infrastructure of Guanacaste's Papagayo resort zone. As the only adults-only all-inclusive in this part of Costa Rica, Azura occupies a genuinely unique market position.
The resort's distinguishing amenities include the spa (consistently praised), the lazy river (an unusual feature for a property of this size), and the all-inclusive format with premium alcohol in a region where many boutique properties operate on European Plan only. The beach setup with umbrellas and loungers is well-managed, and the property's connection to Samara village means guests can easily walk into town for local restaurants, surf lessons, and a more authentic Costa Rican experience when the all-inclusive formula feels constraining.
The honest picture is that Azura is a resort with strong bones and a genuinely enviable location that is still working through operational consistency issues. Staffing levels, food availability, and housekeeping quality show up as recurring themes in recent traveler feedback, and the property is undergoing renovations from April 29 through October 15, 2026, with work during business hours - so trips before mid-October 2026 come with some daytime construction noise as part of the deal. The resort works best for guests who can lean into the pura vida pace - who don't need things to run on a tight schedule and who find the beach and natural setting sufficient compensation for the occasional service hiccup. For that traveler, particularly couples wanting a quiet, nature-forward beach escape in Costa Rica without kids around, Azura delivers something meaningfully different from what you'll find on the Papagayo peninsula.
Pros
- +Playa Samara beachfront location on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the most ecologically celebrated coastlines in Costa Rica, with a bay protected by offshore reef that keeps the water calm year-round
- +Adults-only (18+) all-inclusive format in a destination where adults-only options are genuinely rare, making it a standout for couples seeking a child-free beach vacation in Costa Rica
- +Spa with a strong menu of body wraps, facials, and reflexology treatments that guests consistently call a highlight, particularly after active days in the surf and sun
- +Beach access with umbrellas and loungers provided, with guests specifically noting zero problems with sand fleas - a common issue on some Costa Rican beaches
- +Lazy river on property gives the resort a distinctive amenity not found at most small Costa Rican all-inclusives, adding a playful relaxation option beyond the standard pool
- +Free Wi-Fi throughout the property with reliable enough connectivity that guests who need to stay partially connected for work report being comfortable
- +All-inclusive package includes premium alcohol and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, with multiple dining options covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- +Playa Samara village itself is walkable from the resort, offering local sodas (restaurants), surf schools, and a more authentic Costa Rican town atmosphere than the gated Papagayo resort zone
Cons
- −Renovation work runs April 29 to October 15, 2026, with construction conducted during business hours - guests booking through mid-October 2026 should expect some daytime noise and areas out of service, though the resort remains open and bookable throughout
- −Staffing levels have been flagged as thin relative to guest volume, leading to slower service at peak meal times and some gaps in beach and pool attendant coverage
- −Food and beverage consistency is uneven - some guests describe the all-inclusive meals as excellent, while others report limited availability of certain items and quality that varies noticeably day to day
- −Pricing is perceived as high relative to the on-the-ground experience, with some guests feeling the resort hasn't fully justified its premium positioning against comparable boutique hotels in the region
- −Room cleanliness and maintenance are inconsistent according to multiple reviews - some rooms are praised while others have reported issues with upkeep that weren't addressed promptly
- −Towel availability at the beach and pool is a recurring complaint, with guests sometimes waiting or having to return early in the morning to claim limited stock
- −Getting to Playa Samara from San Jose requires a domestic flight or a 4-hour drive, making the destination itself a logistical challenge that adds cost and travel time to any trip
- −Nightlife and entertainment programming is minimal - this is a genuinely tranquil resort, and guests expecting lively evening events will find the atmosphere too quiet
Common Questions
How do you get to Playa Samara, and is the travel difficult?
Is the lazy river suitable for adults, or is it more of a kids' attraction?
Is Playa Samara a good beach for swimming and water activities?
What is included in the all-inclusive package at Azura?
How does Azura compare to larger Guanacaste all-inclusive resorts?
Is Samara village worth exploring, and can you walk there from the resort?
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“We had a great experience overall. The resort is nice, amazing views. Staff was very friendly with me and my husband (We tipped everyone with every service) Alejandro from the pool bar, that guys is the sweetest, we had a blast and he was always taki...”
“Azura Beach Resort in Samara is the only one in its category within a radius of 100km. You will live a perfect stay from all points of view: Gastronomic, Room, Beach, Ocean, Amenities, Services & Support. Even in the middle of the 2025 rainy season,...”
“The staff is amazing, so friendly and genuinely want your stay to be an enjoyable one. Jonathon at the pool bar is the best! Food was ok. It’s quiet, not a big commercial experience so if that is what you’re looking for, this isn’t your place. We wer...”