We have just returned from Cocobay last week after a most enjoyable stay.

We had been following the reviews over the last few months and were concerned about the problem with the bugs. We have been to the Caribbean a few times and we always get bitten. So quite naturally we were quite concerned. We needn't have been. Yes we did get bitten but there were no mosquitoes just sand flies. We took half the chemist's shop with us so were prepared for much worse. We were advised by a Health shop to take garlic tablets but we weren't convinced that they worked. As I said the bites weren't half as bad as we had expected them to be. Certainly not as bad as the mosquitoe bites we got in Tobago last year.

When we arrived after a most enjoyable flight with Virgin we were met by very friendly reception staff and shown immediately to our "shed". We were really impressed with ours (room 6). It certrainly had the wow factor. We paid extra for the sea view room and it was certainly worth it. We woke each morning, pulled the curtains back and had a fantastic view of the bay. The way the rooms are set means that you aren't overlooked at all, although we must admit, the walls are a bit thin and you can join in with the conversation with your neighbours next door!

We know what we want from a holiday. If you like small friendly hotels and want to just relax then this is the place to come. It certainly ticked all the boxes for us. There are plenty of water sports if you want to participate but you don't get any hassle if you don't.

There is plenty of room and sunbeds on the beach but if you want a bit of privacy just wander round to the next beach, only 2 minutes away, and you will have it all to yourself. It was just like paradise. There are no sunbeds so not many people go there.

The food was good for a 3 star. As it's only a small hotel you don't get a lot of choice but it was all well cooked and presented. The only downside we found that on an evening the food was a bit "samey". It was mainly caribbean food and whilst it was enjoyable we got a bit sick of it by the end of the 2 weeks.

The staff were a mixed bunch. David the barman is one of the best we have come across. He always filled your glass by the time it got empty and was very pleasant. Always had a smile on his face.

The restaurant staff were a bit gloomy at times. Have to say the male staff were friendlier than the female staff, but having visited the caribbean before we know this is their way.

Do go on the circumnavigation trip of the island. We went on the Virgin ahoy trip and it is one of the best trips we have been on. The crew were really informative and very funny. Nelsons Dockyard certainly looks better from the sea than on land!

All in all we had a great holiday and made many friends. My thanks to Emily for lending me the book "Marley and Me". It certainly made me laugh and cry! As we rarely go back to the same place twice as there are so many other places to see we probably won't return, but certainly recommend it to anyone wanting a quiet relaxing and friendly holiday., the best part for me was the accommodation I'll never go in a high rise hotel again!

For any questions please feel free to email tomandjo.sowler@ntlworld.com