Cocobay Resort

Just back from Cocobay Resort after a very enjoyable 14 day holiday in the sun just over a fortnight ago, so I have taken my time to think carefully about my review below in the intervening time. Accommodation (cottage) was fine and had very good air conditioning, which was very much needed in the early days of our holiday. Bed was a decent size and very comfortable, and as long as you requested it, was changed every day. Our room (52) was towards the upper level of the resort but in reality it was less than 2 minutes stroll from reception and the bar/restaurant area. A major flaw in management’s “thinking” is to only refill the room fridge (even with water) by levying a daily charge if you haven’t booked directly! – this seems to be such a petty thing to do, and not advertised that these “perks” are only available if you don’t book direct. On the theme of potentially misleading advertising, there are 4 pools identified on the website but only 2 are readily open to guests, the other two are part of the Sheer Rocks offering which isn’t part of the all-inclusive package. During the day, the main infinity pool close to the restaurant and bar was our favourite, but as the day drew towards sunset, we decamped down to the Sunset Pool to take advantage of the property’s idyllic position to watch the amazing sunsets with a relaxing sundowner from the bar. Access to the beaches on either side of the property gives two differing experiences, on the right of the property is a very small beach where the watersports facility is based and doesn’t offer any easy (if any) access to the Valley Church beach. On the left hand side of the property is Little Ffryes beach which is the typical Caribbean beach that we dream of, providing soft sand, easy access to the sea, hotel-provided sun loungers and waiter service for drinks from the bar. There is also the option of Ffryes beach which is a further 5 minute stroll away, where you can find Dennis’s bar and restaurant who will also rent you a sun lounger, if you fancy a change of scenery. The restaurant delivers food that outperforms the simple and rustic appearance of the dining area. There are daily set menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a choice of 3 options normally, all of which are of a very high standard. Indeed a couple of the dishes were exceptional eg the pork loin and the tuna with sesame seeds and balsamic vinegar were by far my favourite. The portions initially seem on the small side, however after a couple of days, this portion control seems sensible after eating 3 meals a day combined with the Caribbean heat. If you do still feel peckish, the staff are only too happy to let you have a second helping. And if you do need a little sustenance mid afternoon, there are daily bar snacks to get you through until dinner. The coffee shop was an absolute delight first thing in the morning (and throughout the day) and a shoutout to Sasha who always served with a smile, and if she wasn’t busy, a pleasant conversation. Indeed all of the bar and restaurant staff are the crowning glory of Cocobay, who create and maintain such a laid back atmosphere that made the holiday so relaxed. Although the site is relatively small, with 60+ cottages (?), you never felt crowded or noisy. If you do have to venture back to your cottage during the day, you cannot fail to see the hard-working gardeners who maintain and keep the grounds in tip top condition, and just enhance the amazing views that you can get around the property. The photos simply do not do the place justice, it is a stunningly beautiful place. Overall, the property does have a few areas that are looking a little tired and could do with some attention, and the wi-fi could be better. But the experience that Cocobay delivers is still a delight and I would not have any qualms in returning.

CocoCay in the Bahamas is an absolute gem! The place is unbelievably clean with crystal-clear water, and the staff are incredibly friendly and caring. I felt completely safe throughout the visit. There’s something for all ages—from relaxing spots to fun games, water activities, and adventure zones. Truly a wonderful destination, too good to miss!

Big big tip: If you DO NOT book direct and opt to book with a second party like Expedia - expect a less desirable room (like facing the opposite bay/beach). We did get our cottage pool and "ocean view" room but it was at the furthest corner of the resort and facing the opposite beach that you could see over the filtration plant and treetops. The distance/walk didnt bother us cause we our active people but I wish I would have known this when booking. What was ALSO ridiculous is that they wont fill your mini fridge if you didnt book direct... they told us 150 a day to stock with beer/water, etc. Yeah, not doing that. Now on to the review: Pro: - Food: It was fantastic quality and beautiful presentation. It was hot, fresh and not sitting on a hot plate for you all day. Yes the portions are smaller but they don't gripe if you want a second appetizer or request anything additional. - Staff: The majority them were amazing and friendly and really just lovely people to chat with. A few to name were Jarvine, Kerry, Melinda and Sasha at the coffee bar. - Room: The bed was VERY comfortable in our cottage. - Cottage Pool: Worth it. Get one. It was nice to hop in at the end of the day and watch the sunset! - Beach: Rocky but doable. Beachside drink service was pretty decent!! I wasn't expecting to see a server as much as I did. - Coffee shop on site is perfect and service is quick! Cons: - There are not 4 pools as advertised. The main pools are the two bigger pools. Two smaller tiny pools are not accessible to everyone - one was reserved and one was attached to Sheer Rocks. - Housekeeping: Not the best. We had the maid come thru every other day (3 times) and it felt like the bare minimum was done (and we leave a tip). Our floors were never mopped and the bathroom door slats are covered in an inch of dust. - There is almost nothing nearby that Is walkable so if you like to go out and about and explore - expect to cab somewhere. Dennis's is walkable and they change 20 to rent a chair there, just an FYI. We have been to Antigua before and stayed on the other side of the island. I wouldnt discourage anyone from staying here but just want to advise its a very very very laid back resort and location (which was perfect for us for this trip).

We are a female couple and highly recommend Cocobay. Kemlin was fantastic in assisting us in securing a villa that was private and put our minds at ease. The views are spectacular and the food was fresh and impressive. We enjoyed the coffee shop each morning and the staff really all do work so hard at making this resort special. We spent most days at the beach and never struggled to find a sun lounger. Thank you Cocobay for giving us the space to reset and recharge.

We’re just back from a week at Cocobay Resort and rating it as high as is possible. It’s about 40 minutes’ drive from VC Bird International Airport and on the western side of Antigua so offers the most fantastic sunsets. The resort is a series of holiday cottages (some with plunge pools) and ours consisted of a good size main bedroom and separate bathroom with a sea view from the verandah which was breathtaking. The food and drink is on an all-inclusive basis and with a changing menu, the quality was outstanding at every meal throughout the week. The dining and bar areas are open and spacious. There are two good swimming pools and various quiet areas on the terraces. But outshining everything was the team that runs Cocobay; a more welcoming, friendlier, and helpful group of individuals you’d be hard-pressed to find. We’re going to name just some of them (and those who do not appear here is due only to our not getting their details…but superstars, every single one): Sandy, Delika, Kathleen, Indira, Shavel, Kerry, Javed, Derren and Denise. Breaking the habit of a lifetime, we’re actually arranging to go back next year. In our opinion, 5-star plus in every respect.