Azura Beach Resort
Adults-only resort in Playa Samara. Romantic, Charming.
Atmosphere
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Amenities
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. 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
- −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
- −Limited shade structures on the beach compared to some larger resort properties, which can be an issue during the dry season when afternoon sun is intense
- −Nightlife and entertainment programming is minimal - this is a genuinely tranquil resort, and guests expecting lively evening events will find the atmosphere too quiet
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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...”