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.
