I am a fulltime working mom, with three kids. When I travel, I want it to be convenient, relaxing, and worth my investment. I had an idea, that for our 10th anniversary, we should get away for a long weekend alone, like a second honeymoon. The idea of traveling alone with my husband, sounded like a fantasy. This was a once in a lifetime (This part of my life anyway) opportunity. I really wanted it to something special. My husband and I went on vacation to Antigua in June 2022 and stayed at Coco Bay. This is my very first all-inclusive resort experience.
First Impression
Upon arriving at the resort before we could even get out of the cab, the staff was all over our arrival. They took our bags, showed us to the main lobby, and served us rum punch while seating us at an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea. Damon and Janine saw to our comfort, and check in, and explained what we could expect during our stay, and booked our dinner reservations. We were able to check in online in advance, so check in process was very easy.
Once our dinner reservations were made, Vernon took our bags to our room, and showed us around. We splurged on the room, and upgraded to a room with a plunge pool, and unobstructed views of the Sea. I had never done this before, but Oh My Gosh was it worth it!!! This room was amazing! King size bed, lots of pillows, & soft linens positioned in front of a set of French doors overlooking the Caribbean Sea. A deck area with a hammock, lounge chairs, and most importantly a plunge pool. I was in absolute heaven. The bathroom had a shower, and doors that open to the balcony with a soaking tub on the patio. Our bed was covered in flower petals, and a bottle of champagne was on ice & placed on the dresser for us.
The Experience
If you manage to pull yourself out of the room and see the rest of the resort it is equally as breath taking. Rafters is the main restaurant on site, and it doesn't matter where you are seated, the view from each table is amazing. There is also a cafe on site, if you don't want to sit for a full breakfast or want a snack or fancy coffee between meals. If you did not choose to splurge on the room with a pool, not to worry, the resort has several pools on the grounds, all overlooking the ocean with plenty of lounge chairs, and cabanas. The resort is also located in between two beaches, little Ffryes is on one side, and then there is another, more secluded white sand beach on the other side. On little Ffryes you can buy souvenirs, book excursions, and order drinks on the beach. The other beach is private, and quiet if you want some uninterrupted beach time to relax. If you want to participate in non-motorized water activities such as snorkeling, or a tour on a hobby cat, the resort includes that in your stay.
Pretty much everything you need can be found at the resort. If you are looking for a relaxing get away, and some breath-taking views you do not need to leave your room. If you want some romance and pampering, they offer massages, and private dinners. If you are seeking adventure they offer various island tours, horseback riding, and water sports of all kinds.
Pros and Cons
This is an adults only resort, so that can be a pro or a con depending on where you're coming from.
Pros: All-inclusive (so no surprise costs), truly amazing staff that make you feel welcome and special, it truly was a vacation in paradise.
Cons: Price, it is not a cheap resort for sure, however, I booked it 2 years in advance and got an early bird special, and paid less for my upgraded amazing room than some other couples (who did not book in advance) paid for a basic room without a pool or view.
Overall Rating
Let me be clear on my rating scale here, because I don’t want it to seem harsh. I rate 1-5 stars. If you ever have reviews at your job on their 1-5 scale, it's kind of like that.
1 star = falls below standards
2 stars= needs improvement, falls short of expectations
3 stars = meets expectations
4 stars = exceeds expectations
5 stars = entirely another category of awesome – way above target.
So essentially 3 stars is good, rather than mediocre.
Category | Rating |
Staff, Environment, and welcome | 5 |
Check in & Check out process | 5 |
Room set up, style, vibe, & cleanliness | 5 |
Bathroom set up, soap supply, linen Quality | 5 |
Bed size, comfort, linens, sleep quality | 5 |
View | 5 |
Average | 5 |
It was truly an awesome experience, probably the only time I will leave a rating of 5 for anything. If you are planning a romantic getaway, this is totally the place to be!
Been to Coco Bay Antigua? Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience.