Cocos Hotel - All Inclusive

Just returned from our first (not last) stay at Cocos. The views from anywhere on the resort was enough that I couldn’t go from point A to point B without stopping to admire and snap a picture. The two beaches on either side of the resort each with their own beach bar were wonderful. Calm crystal clear water made it great for floating with a drink in hand . The food was so fresh and prepared to order . We mainly stayed at the resort except for one excursion which was the Creole Antigua (snorkel /lobster lunch tour) I can’t recommend this enough . The staff were amazing and pick you right up on the beach. It was a fantastic day. Cocos is a truly beautiful resort but what really makes this place special is the staff. Everyone we encountered was polite and helpful if you needed anything . Chris , George ,Anisha,Kerry Ann,Darren and of course Mario! They're are many more and all equally fantastic.

LOVED this place. Views were incredible, food and drinks were amazing, and both beaches were clean and calm. They have a common area by the main restaurant where you can mingle with other couples if you want to, but it’s very easy to keep to yourself when you prefer. The cottages were rustic but really comfy. We loved the outdoor showers. Rooms themselves (bed, linens, mosquito nets, etc) were spotless. The air con worked EXTRMELY well. The food was really, really good. Always great fresh fish options, lots of choices. Loved that there were actual Caribbean/ Antiguan options on the menu, like roti, Escovitch, ackee and salt fish, etc. Even outside the restaurant, there was always food to be found, like tea sandwiches or cookies set out at the front desk and the beach bar. We have no dietary restrictions so can’t comment on how they are with accommodating specific diets, but we never went hungry here. Both beaches were really good for swimming and lounging. The water is calm and shallow enough that you can swim from one beach to the other, and there’s some easy snorkeling along the rocks the resort is built on. Nothing crazy in terms of marine life, but lots of small fish, hermit crabs, sea snails, etc. Pool area was small but clean and comfy, and we spent quite a few hours there. The staff were all very welcoming and attentive.

Be aware that there are lots of animals out and about, and again, the hotel is rustic. The only truly indoor space in the hotel is your actual cottage (not counting the shower!). The restaurant and all the bars are open-air. You WILL be serenaded and stared at by a flock of seagulls who will occasionally be brave enough to try to steal food from unoccupied tables. There are some very well-behaved cats who live at the resort who also patrol the restaurant from time to time. Also tons of mongoose, lizards, small birds, etc all throughout the grounds. We loved watching all the animals and counted them as a feature, but if you’re not a fan of wildlife, this place is not for you. The restaurant could also get a bit buggy at night, even when using bug spray, especially if it rained earlier in the day. Using the mosquito nets in the cottage was a must for us. Bugs were all just small flies that are normal for the Caribbean. We saw no roaches or any other pests that made us concerned for cleanliness issues. Also please be prepared for very steep, sometimes treacherous paths to the cottages and beaches. The property does not seem at all accessible for anyone with mobility issues. We get that it’s not for everybody, but we absolutely loved it here and would stay here again. In terms of value, we came in the off-season so rates were better than usual, and seemed like a very reasonable value for an all-inclusive.

Occupying a headland on the west coast of Antigua Cocos Hotel is a rustic tropical paradise. It doesn’t have televisions. It doesn’t have a gym. Your cottage will not have marble floors or furniture polished for the arrival of royalty. Your shower is outside. Your balcony may be visited by lizards, birds and an occasional mongoose. The restaurant is spacious and open. No windows, no doors. Sometimes you’ll be visited by birds, insects and the resident cat while eating. As the sun sets pelicans will be fishing for their supper in the bay. Sometimes the service is on Island Time. But do you have somewhere you need to be?? 😂 If you read the above and see any of it as negatives, please don’t go to Cocos. If you can embrace this place for what it is, a rustic tropical paradise full of warmth and love, this is the place for you. Many of the staff have worked here for years, nothing seems to stress them, and they give you the room you need to relax and enjoy your holiday. You could come here and find fault, but perhaps take a look in the mirror. Bring your best self. Punctuate your day with cocktails and smiles. Relaxation is compulsory. I’ve been on many holidays, often I’m quite glad to go home. I’ve never been so sad to leave a hotel behind as when we handed our keys back at reception here. A special mention for Anisha in the restaurant and chef Maureen. Awesome service, delicious food. See you all again soon!!