(4/5/2025 - 4/7/2025) We booked Aleli Cottages expecting a peaceful, boutique retreat; a relaxing, elevated part of our trip. Unfortunately, it felt more like glamping with a view. While the view from the balcony was absolutely stunning, and the provided beach supplies appreciated, it quickly became clear that the view was the main thing we were paying for.
Check-in was more complicated than necessary. We received a series of scattered messages with out-of-order instructions and blurry photos. The lockbox code, which should have arrived by the 3 pm check-in, didn’t come until after 4, and only because we reached out. It felt disorganized and unprofessional.
Upon entering Pico Flara, we were greeted by dozens of mosquitoes inside the cottage. I am no stranger to tropical environments, but this was excessive, especially when on the inside. When we contacted the representative, they dismissed it as “tropical island problems”, they were already on the ferry, and to go buy some bug spray. Not exactly the stress-free, curated experience promised on the website.
Cleanliness was another disappointment. The space had clearly only been cleaned on a surface level. There was dust and grime under the bed (especially near the headboard), a filthy couch that we didn’t dare use, and dishes that had to be washed before we could use them. The floors were also spotty and dirty in several areas.
The property itself felt neglected. It was obvious that it was once vibrant, but much of it is now falling into disrepair. Our balcony’s sunshades were broken. The AC barely worked, and was insufficient to cool the room, even at night. The dehumidifier was nonfunctional, and with the no bathroom ventilation, every shower made the humidity worse. The rainfall showerhead barely functioned. The bed’s headboard was loose and banged against the wall with every small movement. To top it off, the front door didn’t seal properly, leaving a visible gap even when locked..
There was a clear absence of hospitality. No welcome note, no instructions for amenities, no orientation to the communal areas. We were told not to contact staff after 5 pm Saturday, which didn’t inspire much confidence if something might go wrong. We weren’t even sure how to access the communal areas or what we were allowed to explore on the extensive 33 acre property the website boasted about. We were expected to take our own trash out and clean all dishes, much like an Airbnb, except without the personal touches that make those experiences feel warm and cared for.
WiFi was another frustration. Despite being located across from the communal hammocks, the signal in our cottage was almost non-existent. I wasn’t expecting perfect connectivity, but it was unusable. With my husband sick during our stay, a reliable connection for even basic needs would have made a big difference. Given the numerous security cameras on the property, the poor connectivity felt even more surprising.
On the bright side, their advice to rent a Jeep was spot on (the driveway is steep! But fun), and I genuinely enjoyed the chickens and peacock roaming the property (which added a little charm to an otherwise disappointing experience, but I’m a sucker for any animal). But ultimately, had we not been sick (as I had come to catch what he had), we would have tried to leave early to stay elsewhere.
Aleli Cottage might appeal to people seeking a very rustic, hands-off experience, but if you expect comfort, cleanliness, and service that matches the price tag, I’d look elsewhere. The views can be found elsewhere on the island… Without the...
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