"We have just spent 14 days at Out of the Blue Resort, and unfortunately, we have to conclude that the hotel’s 5 stars only exist on paper. If you have previously stayed at actual 5-star resorts (such as the Rixos chain), you will be deeply disappointed by the standard here. The hotel delivers a product that feels more like a mediocre 3-star charter hotel.
The main buffet is dominated by dull, mass-production catering. However, the most shocking part is how drinks are served at the various pools. Being served white wine and cocktails in flimsy paper cups at a 5-star hotel is downright embarrassing and completely ruins any sense of luxury.
Although the hotel's pools open at 10:00 AM, the surrounding bars do not open until 11:00 AM. It is incredibly frustrating to have to wait a full hour just to get a cup of coffee when you've settled in at the pool area. This is completely out of touch with 5-star service.
The hotel advertises several a la carte restaurants, which is a major selling point when booking. In reality, it is virtually impossible to get a table as everything is constantly claimed to be "fully booked," leaving you stuck with the uninspiring buffet.
Our stay lasted two weeks, and housekeeping failed on every single parameter. Sheets were not changed in the room (at least not weekly even though they were dirty), and they constantly forgot to restock toilet paper and the correct number of towels. Fresh water was never put in the fridge, forcing us to reuse and refill the same bottles ourselves. Worst of all, used glasses in the room were never replaced—we didn't get clean glasses until the day before our departure!
The toilets around the pool and the H2O bar are not cleaned properly. As a guest, you have to personally point out the lack of toilet paper multiple times a day before anything is done. It is simply too sloppy.
The beds are extremely hard, and the hotel generally shows signs of wear and tear and a lack of maintenance.
To top it all off, the service on our departure day perfectly illustrated the rigid and unwelcoming management. After checking out, we sat down in the outdoor area of the breakfast restaurant at 7:25 AM. Knowing the buffet didn’t open until 7:30 AM, we didn't touch any food and simply sat at a table with a glass of water to wait. We were immediately approached by a rude waiter who bluntly told us we had to move inside because they weren't open yet. Ruining the final minutes of a guest's stay over a 5-minute technicality and a glass of water is petty, rigid, and the absolute definition of poor hospitality.
To be fair, the hotel's location on the peninsula is incredibly beautiful, and the pool areas are nice. The absolute highlight of our stay, however, was a waiter named Dimitris. He was absolutely fantastic with our children, making them feel so incredibly welcome. Our kids even called him "the sweet man" and gave him big hugs before we left. Employees like Dimitris are the only reason this place has any warmth left.
However, beautiful surroundings and a few wonderful staff members cannot compensate for a management style that cuts corners so aggressively at the expense of the guest experience and basic service.
Look elsewhere if you expect genuine luxury, good food, and value for money. Out of the Blue does not live up to its price tag or its 5-star rating."
