Review: Cocos Hotel, Antigua

Our arrival at Cocos Hotel 
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When I first arrived at Cocos Hotel, I was so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the property and its jaw-dropping location, I nearly wept. Cocos Hotel is the stuff that honeymoons and envy-inducing Instagram pics are made of.

​As we strolled through the grounds, we had all we could do to control our giddiness, trying to convince everyone that we always stayed at places this amazing (we don’t), so as not to look uncool in front of fellow guests.  Settling in with a piña  colada in one hand and an Antigua guide book in the other, I was in pure Heaven.

The property
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Cocos Hotel is comprised of 30 cottages perched on the hillside, providing startling views of the ridiculously turquoise waters below, set off by the striking sugar-fine white sand. It’s hard not to fall in love with this property and to fall in love all over again with your partner for taking you to such an amazing destination!

The cottages at Cocos Hotel 

The cottages have rustic chic decor, think dark wood floors and 4-poster beds bedecked with mosquito netting. The decor is very similar to that of its sister hotel, Keyonna Beach, for those who may be familiar with the property. All cottages have an outdoor shower, private deck and striking views of the Caribbean. There are also cottages with a private plunge pool for those who wish to truly indulge. 

The rooms at Cocos Hotel
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Our room (number 26) boasted an amazing view of  Jolly Harbour Beach, which could be viewed from our outdoor shower (see above) or our large private deck (complete with a hammock and chairs). It was amazing showering each day looking out to the sea as we scrubbed in the sun! I would have stayed in the shower all day if it didn't mean missing out on precious beach time!

​The pool at Cocos Hotel 
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Cocos Hotel has a small, palm tree fringed pool set in beautifully manicured grounds. Next to the pool, guests can make use of the beachside bar, which serves complimentary cocktails, chilled drinks and small snacks (fruit and biscuits).

Jolly Harbour Beach

The beaches near Cocos Hotel 

​Straddled between the impossibly beautiful Jolly Harbour Beach and Valley Church Beach, Cocos Hotel is perfectly situated for sun worshipping, water sports and any other beach activity you desire. 

​ Jolly Harbour Beach (the larger of the two beaches), boasts an expanse of bright white sand.  The busier of the two beaches, here you’ll find a variety of beach-side restaurants and resorts as well as vendors selling tourist souvenirs (think sarongs and tee shirts). Cocos Hotel provides its guests with complimentary (and comfortable) beach loungers that are perfect for relaxing on as you top up your tan.

Valley Church Beach, the smaller of the two, is a crescent shaped beach, which is quieter than Jolly Harbour Beach. Here you’ll find two beach bars, including the well know The Nest, should you want a cool, refreshing tropical cocktail to sip while you relax in the sun. 

Valley Church Beach

Dining at Cocos Hotel 
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Cocos Hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis, but instead of a buffet menu, they offer an la carte menu with table service. The restaurant provides a contemporary mix of international cuisine, sourcing locally grown vegetables from nearby farmers and freshly caught fish from local fishermen.

All meals are served in the gorgeous, informal multi-tiered open restaurant, which is set on a cliff, affording guests with amazing views. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests have several items to choose from, which means there is typically something for everyone to enjoy, however, if you’re a fussy eater or if you suffer from allergies, inform the staff at the time of booking.

The restaurant at Cocos Hotel 

Meal options at Cocos Hotel 

Breakfast

​Breakfast is varied and includes everything from  Jack Johnson’s favourite banana pancakes to a traditional English breakfast or scrambled eggs with salmon.  You can also order a side of plantain, should you be feeling especially Caribbean!

Lunch
For lunch you can order everything from sandwiches to fish or salads, depending on what’s on offer for the daily specials. I enjoyed the grilled tuna and the triple decker club, both of which were fab.

Dinner
During our stay we experienced the BBQ Night, which featured Jerk Chicken, ribs and fish, corn on the cob (which had a lovely honey flavour), Greek salad, and black bean soup (which was a bit salty and not my favourite item, but at least I tried something new).

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Beer, Wine & Spirits : The bar offers complimentary red and white wine as well as a wide range of international and Caribbean spirits and beers and daily cocktail specials.There is a also a selection of vintage wines and champagne available at an additional charge.
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Entertainment : The hotel offers live music twice per week at dinner time. During our stay they had a man playing the steel drums, which made our time there all the more memorable.

Overall, we had an amazing time indulging in lazy days with nothing on our agenda but sun, sea and sand. So, if you're looking for ridiculously beautiful views and exceptionally friendly service during your next escape to Antigua, Cocos Hotel can't be beat. 

​Pricing
​Prices start from $519 per night. All prices are based on double occupancy and include all meals and alcoholic beverages per night. For further details on the property or for a breakdown of what's included in the all-inclusive package, visit www.cocoshotel.com.

Book
Click here to book your stay at Cocos Hotel

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                                                                                       Top tips for your visit at Cocos Hotel, Antigua 

• Bring sensible shoes - the atmosphere is casual and you don't want to be traipsing to your cottage in heels
• Bring mosquito repellent, so you don't get attacked when enjoying your outdoor hammock
• Visit Valley Church Beach as well as Jolly Beach - they are both spectacular but have a very different vibe, so it's nice to see both

A summary of our experience at Cocos Hotel, Antigua 

Most suited for:
Couples 

Best bits:
The knock your socks off views of Jolly Harbour Beach from the restaurant deck and the outdoor showers with equally stunning views.

Worst bits: Walking up and down the hill to get to the cottages. Cocos Hotel isn’t suitable for the elderly or unfit. The cottages are set within the hills, so you’re guaranteed buns of steel by the end of your holiday. That being said, if it wasn't for the hills, you wouldn’t get those amazing views!

Top tips:
​Bring $1 bills for tipping the cleaner and bellboy as they don't provide change at the reception

Our experience overall

The property: ★★★★
Food and drink: ★★★
Staff attentiveness/friendliness: ★★★★★
Activities: ★★★


During this trip I was hosted by the lovely team at Cocos Hotel. All words and opinions are my own. ​

​A.A. Miln