This was our first time in the Caribbean and we wanted a quiet, peaceful hotel with comfortable accomodation and good beach, and not too pricey.

We looked at a few online, and booked Cocobay - despite the pretty horrific catalogue of tales on this site about sandflies, mosquitos, bullfrogs etc...

Cocobay massively exceeded our expectations. We knew that the cottages had no air con,and in fact we expected something quite pretty but very basic. But in fact, on arrival its immediately clear that this is a boutique hotel - the rooms are all very attractive, with wide, deep balconies facing the sea. It is worthwhile to press for a seafront or at least a good seaview cottage. We had one called TAMARIND CAY which was fantastic, right by the sea, maybe it was the best - but there are several good ones. Also just a few which seem to face nothing in particular - so as I say do emphasise to them that you really would like a good position.

Beds clean and comfortable. Teak type floors, highly polished. Bathrooms ( just shower) a bit old but fine.

The hotel has lovely landscaped gardens on the incline between all the cottages, with beautiful flowers. Great birds too - hummingbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans.

Terrific cocktails available all day. We thought the pool was better than it looks on the pix on this site - bigger, and plenty of comfortable loungers. Food is average, perfectly fine but not excellent. Plenty of variety. Maybe it is a bit fussy - smallish complicated portions at supper - but this is not a high price level hotel in the Caribbean, and frankly the food seemed pretty good for the price. Good egg chef called Blondelle at breakfast.

We dined on the last night at the high level restaurant called Sheer - very pricey indeed, and just about worth it, particularly for the gorgeous decor and setting.

Beaches particularly excellent. 3 very quiet beaches - one to left, two to right. If you walk to the further right hand side beach, its stunning and you are often the only people there! The sea is excellent for swimming on all 3 beaches. Not good for snorkelling.

A word about insects.... we packed masses of heavy duty deet lotions, and much more besides, but in fact neither of us were bitten by a mosquito and by the second night we took down the mosquito net completely. Its possible that if you take a lounger at the top of the beach in the sandy/grassy area you may encounter sandflies, but I didnt see anyone with bites. After all I read on this site I was a bit puzzled ( and pleased..). Maybe the mossies come at another time of year.

Three further points - we went to Nelsons Harbour which was beautiful - very interesting and well restored. Jolly Beach resort - about a mile or two to the side - looked like the kind of place that you might hate if you like peace and quiet. And when you fly back its a good idea to check in and then have a meal/snack at the Sticky Wicket ( !) restaurant in the new cricket stadium next door - a bit flashy but reasonably priced, clean and much better than anything at the airport.

So - welldone Cocobay!

Just come back from 2 really great relaxing weeks at Cocobay.
Everything was excellant. All the staff were really friendly, the food
lovely, accomodation and cleanliness top rate.

The beach and the 2 others closeby were lovely. We took a
chance and against advice booked a couple of snorkelling trips
with John Cox, they were great. "Cat" or Sean (the Jet Ski guys on
the beach) will organise it for you. You wont miss "Cat" he may be
late but he will be there!

Coco Bay Resort Antigua was as the brochia depicted and more.We went for our daughters wedding and we were apprehensive but everything from the quaint rustic rooms which were larger than anticipated,the food fresh and plentiful,the sceneary better than any photos,the wildlife amusing,and the Wedding service it was Perfect and more than words can explain.
It was such a moving service that all nine of us were gently weeping.The minister conducted a beautiful sermon on the values of marriage and after prepaired fresh flower petals for confetti.The photographer took photos all thro' the ceremony and then came back just before sunset for more on the beach and resort.They are awesome and capture the whole experience of Coco Bay and Antigua.Which is although still recovering from past storms is a beautiful and friendly place to go.Reccomended is Shirley Heights on Sundays with the Steel band and reggai with the views and sunset.St Johns harbour and shops and a trip around the Island on a cattermarran.Jet skying and snorkalling or scuba diving on the reefes.Oh and the taxi drivers who like anywhere else in the world love to talk especially JJ.

First of all the 'don'ts:
Don't book this if you want a huge complex;
Don't book this if you want loud misic and 24 hour partying;
Don't book this if you want crowds and a fight for sun beds.
Don't book this if you want air conditioning.
But...
Do book this if you want peace and quiet and some lovely views. The cottages are rustic but adequate and the food is excellent for an all inclusive resort. The staff are great - Dave the Barman [Thanks for the Southern Gentleman Bourbon!] Kenroy the Restaurant Manager Kerry and all the others - and the infinity pool is divine. The bird life is fantastic and the beaches superb.
The other guests were all friendly [Hi Dave and Jane & Jerry and Chris!] and we will definitely return.
A week passes too quickly!