Hotel La Vista Azul

With its red-tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, and pretty courtyards accented with greenery, La Vista Azul has a relaxed, slightly Mediterranean feel. Like many condo-hotel properties, the reception area is more of an office than a full lobby, and on-site amenities are relatively few. The compact shopping plaza integrated into the grounds includes a restaurant, a spa, and a gelateria; but some of the other businesses -- such as the chiropractor -- aren’t relevant for most guests. While not particularly luxurious, La Vista Azul’s units and facilities are clean, minimalist, and modern; however, the property sometimes falls short on little details, with a few awkward room layouts and the occasional non-functioning appliance. The two rooftop pools are nice, but there isn’t the sociable pool scene here that you’ll find at the big resorts nearby. With most of the property’s amenities found inside the individual units, guests generally tend to keep to themselves.  

La Vista Azul is set slightly away from the island’s main string of resorts, most of which are clustered along Grace Bay, a 15-minute walk away. Despite not being located on Grace Bay, the property is by no means isolated -- there are a few popular restaurants, including Sharkbites, located within walking distance, and the beach can be reached in about five minutes on foot. Smith’s Reef, an excellent snorkeling spot, can also be reached walking, though it's about a 19-minute trek. There’s an IGA grocery store a five-minute drive away where guests can stock up on supplies for their kitchens or kitchenettes. Providenciales International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car. 

La Vista Azul’s studios and one-bedroom suites are smart and simple, with white walls, stone-tiled floors, granite countertops, and a few subtle pieces of artwork. Queen-size beds are fitted with crisp, white linens. While units are appealing overall, some have awkward layouts; for example, in studios, the high-tops lining the kitchen countertop are crammed directly beside the bed. In addition, many of the ground-floor units facing the pool are a bit exposed, with their interiors fully visible to guests lounging by the pool. There’s also an odd furniture choice here and there, such as a lumpy black futon paired with a structured cream sofa and white leather dining chairs. Roomy balconies furnished with comfy dark rattan furniture offer beautiful views over the pool and Turtle Cove, or the courtyard. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are standard. Units don’t have phones, but loaner cell phones are available on request. Studios and suites feature full kitchens with ovens, dishwashers, and stainless steel appliances. Large bathrooms include off-brand bath products, and either shower/tub combos or glass-doored showers. However, both the hairdryer and coffeemaker weren’t working in our unit. La Vista Azul also has a newer set of hotel-style rooms that are so different from its studios and suites, it almost seems like they belong to a completely different property. These rooms are polished and contemporary, with gray-toned wood flooring and matching furniture. Tiled bathrooms have square sinks, while kitchenettes include mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. All rooms feature work desks with ergonomic chairs and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. These rooms, however, lack balconies, and windows offer boring views of the property’s walkways or the parking lot. 

La Vista Azul has a pair of rooftop pools, located in front of buildings two and three. These medium-sized pools are each surrounded by wide decks dotted with cushioned blue loungers and beach umbrellas, along with palm trees set in decorative planters. Both pools offer wonderful views over the lush surrounding landscape, with Turtle Cove visible on the horizon. There’s a tiny, round whirlpool located in a wooden gazebo as well, which is set between the two pools.There’s a no-frills but adequate fitness center with a handful of cardio and weight machines. The grounds also hold a compact, independently owned spa. With just a couple of treatment rooms, the spa is quite modest but nonetheless serene, decorated in soothing pastel tones. La Vista Azul’s small commercial plaza also includes a gelateria.  The casual restaurant on the property, Simone’s Bar and Grill, is also independently owned. The best seats are on the terrace, where trees protrude from a wooden deck and climbing plants wrap around a white trellis -- although the views of the street aren’t especially inspiring. The restaurant’s interior is sparsely decorated, offering a few high-top tables. The menu is mainly local fare, and dishes are very well-prepared. Free coffee and tea is set-out in the reception area. Free parking is offered on-site, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout.