Why We Recommend It:
Cocobay Antigua is a very charming, consistently highly rated all-inclusive with accommodation in delightfully cozy hillside cottages.
It is adults-only and very much designed for romance. We’d rate it overall in fact as one of the best value all-inclusives in the entire Caribbean for an intimate, romantic break.
Its food is of the highest standards for an all-inclusive, its facilities include four swimming pools, spa facilities, fitness and wellness centers, water sports, and a sublime stretch of private beach.
The resort has only 65 cottages in total, so a max. of 130 guests will be there at any one time. It is also all couples as far as we could gather, so the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed.
It’s not a party resort then but like all good all-inclusives, its bars can sometimes be lively and fun, and they have live entertainment 6 nights a week.
Rooms & Suites:
They have 65 private, old-style Caribbean cottages in 3 different levels at Cocobay. Each with a private verandah and, with the exception of the entry-level ‘Standard’ cottages, sea views.
Their ‘Deluxe’ category of cottages come with either partial or full sea views and some have private plunge pools. An extra premium is of course payable here but we think its definitely worth it for the pool and the full ocean view.
Their top choices then are the ‘Premium’ cottages. They also come with private plunge pools as well as a free-standing bath on the terrace, the best sea views of all, extra space plus that little bit of extra luxury inside.
All are relatively private and secluded, surrounded as they are by thick tropical foliage. They are also nicely decorated and inviting inside with custom-made wood furniture and all mod cons.
None are spacious though by any means. Cozy, we’d say to be diplomatic, but maybe that’s part of the charm – they feel thoroughly romantic.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
The main restaurant at Cocobay is Rafters, a nicely laid out space for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and open sea views. These are all served à la carte, with the food, a broad mix of international and Caribbean, being consistently excellent.
Private dining can also be arranged in some secluded, romantic spots around the resort – ask your concierge for details.
Rafters Bar has beer, cocktails, top-shelf liquors, fine wines, beer, small bites & snacks all day. They also have live entertainment here 6 evenings a week.
By the main pool overlooking the beach is the Cocobay Sunset Pool terrace. It’s a laid-back spot, more for drinking than dining but with a bar menu and regular BBQ nights, pizza nights, etc. It usually has live music and hosts theme nights and other events.
Cocobay has a focus on wellness and their spa (extra charge) offers reflexology, Swedish massages, sacred stone, deep tissue, and head massages amongst other treatments. There’s a small fitness center here too, and there are daily yoga sessions.
Water sports available include kayaking, paddle-boarding, and snorkeling, with motorized sports available for an extra fee.
Your concierge can arrange all sorts of special extras for you such as sailing tours, champagne cruises, and island tours.
Location:
The resort sits on a hill overlooking Valley Church Bay on Antigua’s west coast. Jolly Harbour Marina and Jolly Harbour Golf Club are around 10 minutes away by car as is the Orange Valley Historic Sugar Plantation.
St. John’s, Antigua’s capital is 25 minutes away. While V.C. Bird International Airport can be reached in 35 minutes.
Some Guest Reviews:
“The property itself was beautiful. Our cottage was very nice with an amazing ocean view and wonderful private plunge pool. The food was delicious and the staff are excellent! They go out of their way every day and Liza and the staff made my birthday so memorable and sweet! We would definitely stay again…..”
“As first timers in Antigua we decided to stay at the CocoBay Resort for my sister’s birthday because it received such high reviews, and this resort exceeded our expectations. Upon arrival we were greeted with their famous Rum Punch while waiting to be checked in. The resort itself was breathtaking with incredible views and beautiful landscaping. No matter where you stayed at the resort, your view was spectacular. The pools, food and drinks were all great but the one thing that stood out to us the most was the kindness and hospitality that the staff showed us during our entire stay….”
