Cocos Hotel - All Inclusive

Security felt robust and when there was an incident in a neighbouring cottage during one night, it was very well handled by hotel management and security and we were incredibly impressed with their response.

The grounds are beautiful - full of tropical flowers and plants (which smell lovely at sunset) and the setting is second to none. The beaches are stunning (the best I’ve ever seen) and the effect of the matching turquoise cottages built into the bluff is very pretty and gives a nice Robinson- Crusoe vibe.

The room itself (premium view) had everything we needed - really big balcony with comfy chairs and hammock, relaxing outdoor shower, comfy (and big!) bed with mozzie net and a very well stocked mini bar (we really liked being able to do the online check-in before we arrived so we knew the drinks we wanted would be in the mini bar and nothing else). We are fortunately mobile and so the hill wasn’t a problem for us (and in fact we saw it as a positive as otherwise, with all the delicious food we would have had to be rolled on the plane!!) but we do understand that for anyone with mobility issues this would be a challenge so if this applies to you and you are thinking of booking, it would probably be best to request one of the rooms near the pool (sorry, I can’t remember what these are called) as then there is much less of a hill issue and only a small incline to the restaurant. We came as a couple with my parents and as my Mum has a back problem, they were accommodated lower down the hill which was ideal for them and very helpful. The WiFi and phone signals were strong which was a bonus. Housekeeping kept the rooms impeccably clean and spotless.

The pool area is great (although do use the bug spray helpfully provided in the room) with a pretty oasis-style pool surrounded by lush swaying palm trees and as already mentioned, the beaches are incredible. On valley church beach, Lyndon (a beach vendor) does the best lobster and is a very nice man so worth a visit to him if you are a fan of shellfish!

The food at this hotel completely surpassed our expectations. Our previous experiences of all-inclusive food were disappointingly bad at worst and average at best. However, at Cocos every single meal was something to look forward to and be excited about (and since beingh home all of our meals have felt very boring in comparison haha). Everything we had was delicious, but particularly the fruit parfait and fruit plates, French toast, meatball starter, lentil soup special (although all the soups were amazing), burger, mango salad dressing, coconut crusted fish, and the stuffed chicken with pineapple sauce. The desserts were beautiful both in taste and presentation. My Dad is a very fussy eater and Chef Maureen and her talented team went above and beyond in order to ensure he would enjoy his meals in a way we have never seen before. We are so grateful for their efforts and will remember this level of attentiveness forever. The cocktails were so refreshing and I am attempting to make the lime squash at home in order to bring a little bit of the coco’s magic into my daily life!

The entertainment was really good - just enough to keep us having fun but not so much to become intrusive. Having snorkelling equipment and kayaks available on the beach was really good, especially as the visibility was great just off the shore and we were lucky enough to see some beautiful fish and some spotted rays quite a few times. The yoga was to a very high standard and really relaxing against the backdrop of the turquoise sea and sound of the waves. We had quite a few rainy days due to the season but they weren’t a problem and there were some board games in the lobby area which helped the pass the time until the sunshine came out again!

Most importantly, the staff are by far the greatest asset of this hotel and it was a genuine privilege for us to have the opportunity to meet them all. They are an incredibly special group of us people and we really hope they know that. Every single person we came across was friendly, professional and attentive. In addition to Chef Maureen, the colleagues we had the most interaction with were Kris, Ebony, Chiquira, Loren, Nicolette, Akil, Anizia, Omario, Shereen, Stephen, Young, Chantelle, Hazel, Kerry, Shana and Sharima. They were all so incredible and like rays of sunshine every day with their kindness and humour. They were also very thoughtful and decorated the table beautifully with flowers and candles as a surprise for my Dad’s retirement celebration! When my husband was a bit unwell for a few days, everyone I came across would make a point of asking how he was and if he needed anything which we were very touched by. We will really miss them and hope so much to see them again one day. We emailed the hotel guest services to give more specific feedback about these lovely people and we hope this was received.

Thank you all so much for making this the most special holiday of our lives x

Walking up to our room (be prepared for hills) the scenery is idyllic with the noise of the wildlife and beautiful flowery paths. We only had to wait a short time before our luggage arrived. The rooms are wonderfully spacious and air conditioned with a mini bar stocked to your preference. There was only one occasion on our last night that we had to ask for additional water as it had not been stocked.

We stayed in a sunset room to begin with but had asked for an upgrade to a pool villa if one became available. Luckily for us we were able to upgrade for 6 nights or our stay! It was so so so worth it! We cannot recommend these amazing rooms enough! The hammocks are such a quirky touch and perfect for early morning relaxing on the balcony.

The food was absolutely incredible. I was worried about the choices before we went out as I can be a fussy eater but they really did cater for everyone with various meat and vegetarian dishes every night. I never struggled once and the soup is to die for!

What really makes this resort special is the incredible staff. We fell in love with them from the moment we arrived. Whether it be at meal times or down at the beach bars they really can not do enough for you. Special thank you to Shereen, Kerry Ann, Omario and Nicolette. They truly made our trip one to remember and in all honestly will be the main reason we will return. The settings are incredible but the staff make it memorable.

It’s a great place to meet like minded couples too, we have made friends for life at this resort which we rarely do at others. Due to the intimate nature of the resort you really get to know people!

The beach bar bbq is incredible, I haven’t met a single person who isn’t addicted to the bbq chicken!

The lunch time menu being available on the beach is also super handy if you don’t wish to get ready to go to lunch!

Overall it’s a beautiful boutique hotel which takes you back to basics and will certainly help you fall in love with the Caribbean!

Downsides:

The bugs eat you alive. Take plenty of bug spray! sand fleas and mosquitos are rife and although the resort provides a mosquito net in the room we were still munched on!

The beer- sometimes was not ready until around 1pm as it had not settled.

A lot of people had to ask for extra water bottles and sometimes were told there was no extra. We struggled on our final night.

Beach vendors- as the beach is not private there are multiple beggars and scammers that try to get money or drinks from you. This is not the hotels fault and they do their best to move them on. But be firm when telling them no as they return daily. Obviously a worry during Covid.

The entertainment- some nights were fantastic, although a little repetitive if you are there for more than one week. Although it means you can easily will the music quiz!

However, the positives far out weigh the negatives! Do not hesitate to book!