My wife and I have just returned from 2 weeks at the Cocobay Resort in Antigua and all we can say is WOW!! What a place, chilled and laid back, the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. We had read the reviews on here before we went and were so concerned that we even contemplated changing resorts...how glad are we that we didnt? Well, all I can say is that it was everything we wanted. If you read the brochures and like the sound of the resort, then you won't be disappointed. The views from the bayview rooms are stunning, what a way to wake up each morning! The staff are friendly and helpful (Kenroy is an absolute star!!) but you have to expect things to be done at a Caribbean pace. The pool is lovely as is the beach. The food is plentiful at breakfast and lunch (both buffet style) and the evening a la carte menu is interesting and delicious and we never saw the same thing on the menu over the 2 weeks (not including the 2 buffet dinners on Sunday and Thursday). We took a trip on Eli's Eco Tour (Adventure Antigua) which was great., Also, if you get the chance, go to Stingray City...absolutely fantastic.
Before we went we were very concerned about the mosquitos and sand flies but were advised to take Vitamin B1 tablets for 2 weeks before and all the time we were there and spray ourselves each night with 100% Deet (from good camping shops) - between us we only got a few bites.
In summary we'd go back in a shot. We met lots of people on return visits so the hotel is doing most things very well indeed. If you go we hope you have just as good a time as us.

We stayed here for a week in April 2006.
The setting is wonderful. The 'Huts' you stay in are basic, but clean. very romanic looking, with dark wood floors, fresh flowers on the bed etc. We stayed in a beach front cottage, which isnt actually on the beach, however it does give you an uninterrupted view of the Ocean. Which is so nice to wake up to! Also showering with the bathroom doors open, over looking the ocean is lovely. There are lots of lizzards about, mainly small ones, although these can get into the bathroom they dont cause any problems.
Although we were told we would suffer from mosquitoes, they didnt really bother us, although sand flies did - very itchy bites!!
The thing that lets this place down badly, is the service. When we arrived our beachfront cottage wasnt available so we had to spend the 1st night in another cottage and couldnt move until the following afternoon. Very annoying as you couldnt unpack anything or settle into your room. We were not given any compensation for this, nor a refund for that nights suppliment for the beachfront room - although we did ask.
The food was ok - not great. Service in the resturant was poor. Staff didnt want to know, often sullen. The diary on reception to book a time slot for dinner was a joke. If you hadnt booked a slot by 10am, you couldnt get in for dinner before 9.30pm. Not that many people seemed to take any notice of this anyway, just turning up for dinner when they felt like it. which meant the few times we did manage to get in by 8.00pm we had to wait 20-30minutes to be seated!!
Another thing to note is that taxis are very expensive. Unlike other Islands they tend to only accept American dollars - not Caribean.
On the whole, I wouldnt bother to return. Shame as it really is a very beautiful place.

Great Location, accommodation consisting of individual cottages, however now looking somewhat tired.

Restaurant food 1st class however the entire resort is let down by the rudeness of the resturant staff....During our stay at the Cocobay 2 couples demanded to be moved due to 'levels of customer service' and we found ourselves eating out at the Jolly Harbour Resort due to the intollerable service. I guess it didn't help that the hotel management decided to close the pool for 3 days due to 'essential maintenance' obvioulsy not the best when you're only away for 7 days.

Verdict - Spent slightly more and stay at Cocos ( next door ) you won't believe the difference ;-)

We had a good time in Antigua and made the most of our stay at Cocobay. The location and setting of this hotel is stunning. The views are breathtaking. But the sand flies are a real problem. We thought we were prepared for the bugs etc, but how wrong we were, despite spending a small fortune on repellents including jungle/safari strength deet, Jungle formula spray Autan insect repellent aftersun, other sprays brought in Antigua 2 kinds of 'off' spray and mozzie machines in our cottage, we still were eaten alive. My poor husband had over 200 bites on his legs. He was not alone in being bitten, many other guests had many bites also which spoilt which should and could be a fantastic holiday. The day before we left Antigua they fogged for the 1st time, but by this time we were already covered in so many bites.

The hotel is fine, we were made to feel very welcome by the mostly friendly staff. David at the Bar is an absolute star and should be congratulated. He is FIRST CLASS. We found the food to be very good with plenty of variety and choice. Our cottage was lovely, rustic charm with a superb view of the Caribbean Sea. The mozzie net was fine and there were no holes. Our room was cleaned adequately every day with fresh towels each day. I was not prepared for the 'night time chorus' of insects that make a very loud noise from dusk 'til dawn, but eventually got used to it.

The infinity pool is beautifully situated and the views are stunning.
I would recommend a trip with Wadadali Cats circumnavigation tour. it was brilliant, and a good time was had by all. The classic Jeep Safari was also very good, visiting the historic sights of Antigua. A trip to St Johns is well worth the cost of the taxi, we enjoyed the duty free shopping and the 'charm' of the people of Antigua. For a change of scenery a short trip to Jolly Harbour resort nearby is worth a visit (even if only to realise and appreciate the stunning location of Cocobay ). The trip to Shirley Hights is a must for all who enjoy a good time the atmosphere is amazing. All in all we had a good holiday at Cocobay but would not go back unless something is done about the bug problem.