Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa

Just back from 2 magical weeks at Radisson Blu Azuri, no the hotel isn't perfect and does have some issues, but what makes it special are the amazing staff. So I'll start with the good points - Spacious rooms with a huge bathroom and shower, the food is good with themed evenings, gluten free options and lactose free milk, the staff are amazing, Ramesh Joshua Jason Firaj Vishal and many more made us feel welcome and like a member of family, Blackrock restaurant the Italian and The Nine, are amazing dont miss them out! The not so good points - birds in the dining area, mould growing up the wall and wobbly tables, the pool is nice although there is a lack of loungers, although they have put some down on the sandy area, they aren't as comfy as the ones by the pool, there are areas of the pool which need some maintenance, but the idea of having decking rather than tiles around the pool is great! Our room was kept clean but during the 2 weeks there our bed linen wasn't changed once, and don't know when they last pulled the beds out to clean under them. They really need to address the hygiene issues in the food area, they have put out extra nets over the food but saw cakes crawling with ants, birds on the bread, mosquitoes on the prawn crackers and hair in the ice cream. The beach is ok not the best by any means. The lagoon area is murky so didn't swim in the sea. There is free water activities available at the boat yard, paddleboards, pedalos, glass bottom boat and they will take you out to the coral area for snorkeling, but the boat they took us out on was the glass bottom boat and was not fit for purpose for snorkeling, the ladder to get back on the boat was not good, I really struggled to get back on the boat and ended up being dragged back on, beware there are tiger fish which are poisonous. There are a lot of drinks available on the all inclusive, but as usual premium brands are chargeable, and some cocktails. The mini bar is well stocked, they tried to charge us for a pot of pringles which we didn't have but they was easily sorted. Entertainment in the evening is hit and miss, had a couple of evenings where they just played music which really wasnt suitable for a hotel! Thats not me being a 'Karen' its not acceptable to listen to music that refers to sex etc in a family enviroment. Overall I probably wouldn't return to this particular hotel, the staff are amazing but they really do need to do something about the hygiene. Read less

Overbooking - despite 3...4 emails to the hotel, I was moved to another hotel for 1 day Lack of hygiene - you can share food with sparrows or even eat after them. No cover for fresh pancakes just cooked. The hotel is under renovation, you may encounter construction vehicles on the beach and enjoy the bad smell there. And the beach is really dirty. A lot of sea-grass. I have a lot of pictures about all these points Read less

A lovely resort. It looks large when you arrive but actually there are only about 100 rooms. The rooms are of a good size, there were 3 of us in our room. The main bed was huge. Plenty of hanging space, very spacious bathroom which if you wish can be open to the room. The rooms come with complimentary bathroom products. shampoo, conditioner, body lotion bubble bath, shower gel etc. There is a free easy to use safe a small fridge which has items some of which are chargeable, a nesspresso coffee machine (pods are chargeable but you could bring your own!) The rooms are kept beautifully clean and we had a room with balcony and small garden area overlooking the pool and the beach. The pool has 3 separate areas, which makes it feel like 3 pools. The pool is clean, warm and plenty big enough. There is also another pool by the spa/gym but we never used that. There could maybe do with a few extra sun loungers but there is plenty on the beach if none available which is literally next to the pool The whole resort is kept spotlessly clean. We stayed on an All Inclusive basis so my review is based on that. There are 3 restaurants plus the main buffet restaurant, The buffet is available for all meals and afternoon tea. The other restaurants are for lunch and dinner and operate on a "credit" basis. There is a steak house, an Italian (which also does breakfast at a charge), and an ala carte restaurant called Nine on the golf course. The first 2 you book direct with the restaurant, the latter reception will book it for you and a golf buggy takes you and returns you to the main hotel. We ate at all restaurants and enjoyed them all. My husband said the steaks at Nine were the best he'd ever had, and he's had a lot!!! I am a vegetarian and there was something for me to eat at all. Romesh and Vinood at the buffet restaurant knew that I was vegetarian and would find me every morning to ask if I'd be eating there to tell me what there would be, and ask if i'd want something else instead. The staff were amazing, couldn't do enough for you, I even saw children ask for chicken nuggets and chips at breakfast and it was made for them. The credit system works as follows each person is allowed 600 rs for lunch, 800 for dinner. If someone spends under that the rest will roll over on to the rest of the bill. We found this sufficient for a main meal, it would cost a bit more if you had dearer items like steak, but never cost much. There was plenty of choice on the AI drinks package, again some higher brands etc came at a small cost, but there was plenty beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks at no charge. The bar staff too were amazing an always made sure that your drink was topped up! The beach is OK if you want the best beach on the island then this probably wouldn't be it. It's nice but its not the blue you expect, but when they take you out on the trips off the beach you will see the beautiful blue sea. The staff at reception were great, cheerful and helpful and a special thank you to Vinay in hospitality for assisting us with booking the five Island trip. There were many activities included, some of which we made use of. We went out on the glass bottomed boat, snorkelling trip and my husband played golf, all of which was included. There were also free shuttles to the market on a Wednesday and to the sister hotel (adults only) . Your AI package can be used there too. There were plenty of other trips free of charge which we didn't do, but included a trip to the caves, bikes and trekking. What made this hotel so special to us were the staff. All of them from housekeeping, to restaurant, to bar and reception were all wonderful and they, so helpful and greet you with a smile. They all truly are a credit to this hotel. Massive thanks to Vinay, Ramesh, Vinood and the young barman whose name I didn't get who kept our glasses full. Would I recommend this hotel to family and friends? Yes 100 % Would I return to this hotel 100% yes Read less