I don't know what some other reviewer is talking about when they say the sea was hard to get into and was cloudy!
The only steps you need to use are at the hotel entrance (about three). But you can use the stepps if you want. Unless you're in a wheelchair or on your last legs, this should not be a problem for anyone.
When we were there, you could easily walk into the sea. In fact you can walk about 100 yards out (see picture) and still only be up to your waist if you head towards Jolly beach resort. The beaches (3 of them within 5 minutes) were uncrowded (read deserted) and the sea was as clear as a bell, it was also like a warm bath! We could not have gone snorkelling if it hadn't been so clear.
We didn't have one of the best rooms but it was still not overlooked and had a wonderful sea view. the cabins are described as "rustic" but we found them spacious and charming. It was more like a little holiday home than a hotel room.
The food was trully excellent and plentiful. Breakfast & lunch being buffets but some parts of the meal were cooked fresh as you ordered them. We did not have one dish we could find fault with. Most of the staff treated us like old friends or family and the only one who didn't was one of the waiters who told us off for not getting a table before we collected our lunch.
He was a bit of a moaner so we merely avoided his part of the restaurant thereafter.
Although all the drinks were free, we did not see one person drunk! With no kids about it was the most peaceful and relaxing holiday we have ever had.
One tip, don't go on the Shirley Heights trip, it's a waste of time and theres nothing to see when you get there (except a view of English Harbour). The jetski boys can be a bit of a nuisance but they're not agressive (just persistent, but with a sense of humour).
Some of the people, we met, were booking for their 3rd time and there was a good mix of young and not so young (we are in our 50s).
There was only one thing that spoiled it for us (slightly). A group of noisy Italians (about 10) turned up on the second week and took over part of the beach. They were harmless enough but it did shatter the tranquility somewhat. Fortunately, there are other beaches very close by so we avoided the main one.

We have just returned from a great week at Cocobay. It was our first visit to the Caribbean and we both were really impressed with the island and the resort.

The resort does exactly what it says on the tin - it is a rustic, no-fuss, relaxing resort with no evening entertainment and only a couple of huts with air-con. However, I don't think you'd better the views or the friendliness and true Antiguan feel of the resort.

We went on the 'Excellence' boat trip around the island for the day and were so pleased to be returning to Cocobay rather than some of the other higher starred resorts, where the beaches were small with no shade and not nearly such impressive views and location.

The food was good, plentiful and prompt and drinks were on-tap with a smile.

Our hut was very clean with good views and we didn't miss the air-con, however it was in the shade all day.

Quite a number of people there over the week were returning for the 2nd time and on party for the 6th, so that must be testament for it.

If you want razamatazz, air-con, sterile, totally non-Antiguan feel to your holiday don't go to Cocobay!

On the way to the Airport we had a call to say that the rooms had been double booked. We had 5 rooms booked for our wedding party. We were taken to a sister hotel accross the island for the first night. Our room was awfull and we were moved to a neighbouring site. We were really upset such a bad start.
The first evening at Cocobay the resturant manager refused to sit us all together by the end of the evening I got upset and spoke to him and pointed out that we had come as a group to celebrate and could not understand why they had excepted our booking. We were sat together after that point. Some of the party were only staying for a week and two evenings were ruined.
The wedding its self was lovely.Evelyn who married us was wonderful, it was magic. (only down side wedding organiser was late and indiffrent as was the photographer). I thought it was my job to be late as the bride.
We did have a lovely time over all and at times inspite of many of the staff. I think this was mainly due to us all being together. The food was good the view amaizing. The lady who looked after our room was great and helpful.
Reg the taxei driver took us all over the island at a reasonable price and took us to a resturant that we would never have found ourselves.
I feel a bit sad because I hoped that we would want to return to celebrate our aniversary at some point, the spot that we got married at was beautiful. They could have been nicer and more helpful so I think we will most likely give it a miss. Why the staff are allowed to treat people like they do is beyond me. We are a friendly bunch, my mum and dad are almost 80 and they were not even helpful to them and they had done so well to travel all that way.
Beach was great as were the views.

My wife and I spent our two week honeymoon in this charming little hotel. On arrival we were greeted by a glass of punch and a smiling receptionist. We had stupidly forgotten to bring our room vouchers but this created no problem and was sorted out over the first week between the receptionist and our rep.

Our room was wonderfull, it's not five star luxury but that's not what we were after, the room was not overlooked, was spacious, had beautifull view from the balcony and best of all you could shower looking out over the bay, we loved it!

The bar was our next destination, the barman was very friendly and mixed a great range of cocktails, make converstation with the staff and it's surprising how friendly you will find them! This may have been the reason why other reviews complain of rudeness, if you are rude to the staff they might not be so accomodating.

The food was generally very good, breakfast is simple but the egg chef cooks them how you like, again, we got to know her and found out how charming she could be. The lunch buffet usually had a local fresh fish cooked to order which was always good.

The evening meals were also of a good standard, if you want huge plates of fish and chips maybe you should visit Benidorm. The only complaint I have on the restaurant is that two of the female waiting staff were quite sullen.

The insect problem mentioned by others was something we didn't really
struggle with, use a high deet repelent at night and all will be fine, we had about 4 mosi bites between us over the two weeks.

We met some great people during our stay, the lack of entertainment makes people talk to each other, a plus point in my opinion.

The courtesy hut is a hut, there is no denying it, it was very clean when we used it, there were plenty of toiletries left over but hey, make use of them.

All over the resort were beautiful humming birds, yellow breasts and many other wonderful birds and flowers.

In summary, this hotel is not a Sandals beach resort, it is a small, charming, individual establishment that will provide those looking for a beautiful holiday without too much fuss and noise the perfect holiday.