Having read this site for months prior to the trip I felt pre-warned about some of the comments made. We spent two weeks at the Resort including our wedding and trips out (see other reviews). Firstly, I must say that any possible fears were put to rest the whole time.
The location was fine being very close to the airport (five minute walk) which made for swift transfers. The aircraft couldn't be heard and the drive at the hotel long enough to eliminate road noise. However, within a five minute walk were any number of stalls, a mini-mart, laundry and bank with ATM machine.
The accommodation was more than adequate and our sea view was over Store Bay which made a pleasant change from the Coco Reef beach which we saw plenty of too. Although there were not tea and coffee making facilities in the room a request at Reception had the necessary with us in minutes. As we were arriving for our wedding we were greeted with 'Welcome and congratulation' in flowers on the bed. There was no room for the 's'!
We found the staff to be more than helpful on every occasion whether in the restaurant, on the beach or in the offices. They bent over backwards to make sure that we enjoyed our stay. I'd read that the restaurant was over-subscribed in the evenings but found this not to be the case although we booked at breakfast to make sure. Hardly any trouble. The covered sunloungers could be bagged by towel on the way to breakfast. We found the competiition for them a little stiffer during the second week.
The food was of the highest quality at all times of the day, service was prompt with both drinks and food.
The holiday was everything we had hoped for including the most wonderful wedding. The AI package was one that suited our needs. The staff made it very clear that the AI expired at 3pm on the final day, so, having checked out and been relieved of your luggage you can site around and relax before the airport transfer. They make sure the shower room is available (one good tip we got was to book the shower on the Wednesday before you leave. This was because the check out procedure is done on the Thursday and then everyone books a time slot. Get in there first!).
In summary the Coco Reef was everything we could have wanted on such an important occasion. Go there, chill out, lime and let them do the worrying for you. If anyone has any queries please let me know.
Review of Coco Reef 4th April - 18th April 2005
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Diane C
Hi Dave Hope the wedding went well also. We are going in just over a weeks time & really looking forward to it. Did you take any trips & if so did the hotel arrange them for you & which ones did you do? We can't make up our minds whether or not to hire a car or go on an organised tour.
hope you have settled back into married life now, shame the honeymoon can't last longer, but i am sure you will go back!!
hope you have settled back into married life now, shame the honeymoon can't last longer, but i am sure you will go back!!
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Dave B
Yes, the wedding was wonderful (see seperate review). We took three trips out while we were there. Two were birding with Newton George which we arranged partly before we left and then confirmed by phone there. All contact numbers were found on this website. I have done a review of these trips too.
The hotel arranged a day on the 'Island Girl' catamaran including pick up from Coco Reef. They appear to be able to make arrangements for trips for you and obviously have the right contacts. The day out was very good.
Hiring a car depends on how much you want to get out and about. We saw 75% of the island by going to the rain forest. Newton took us there on the Atlantic side and back along the Caribbean side. The roads are interesting towards the eastern end. If you feel adventurous get a car, if not, let Coco Reef sort you out a driver so you can concentrate on the amazing views.
The hotel arranged a day on the 'Island Girl' catamaran including pick up from Coco Reef. They appear to be able to make arrangements for trips for you and obviously have the right contacts. The day out was very good.
Hiring a car depends on how much you want to get out and about. We saw 75% of the island by going to the rain forest. Newton took us there on the Atlantic side and back along the Caribbean side. The roads are interesting towards the eastern end. If you feel adventurous get a car, if not, let Coco Reef sort you out a driver so you can concentrate on the amazing views.
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Malcolm P
Coco Reef - April 2005
Transferred to Coco Reef due to problems elsewhere (Grafton) and have to confirm the excellent service. Didn't make any reservations and never waited more than 5 minutes, and the table service was prompt and the food great (the lady who cooks breakfast and does the barbecue is a star).
Rented a car from Thrifty following advice on this site to pay for peace of mind...it was new! Very good service.
If you are driving, don't be surprised if you get waved down for various attractions e.g. glass bottomed boat trips. We did pick-up a passenger who initially wanted a lift to his village - this turned into a trip up to a waterfall and viewpoint that he then wanted paying for as his contribution as a naturalist guide! It was all very friendly.
The beach is a bit twee and really a big warm bath. If you don't like noisy seagulls or you have "Birds" phobia then watch out for the feathered friends who sit on the breakwater for hours shouting their hearts out....after a while you don't hear it! Presume it's to do with the mating season.
The trip up the south coast should be rewarded with lunch at the Tree house (Jemma's) in Speyside...no beer though! But the food is great and the view sublime.
Shark and Bake is a must have, too.
Rented a car from Thrifty following advice on this site to pay for peace of mind...it was new! Very good service.
If you are driving, don't be surprised if you get waved down for various attractions e.g. glass bottomed boat trips. We did pick-up a passenger who initially wanted a lift to his village - this turned into a trip up to a waterfall and viewpoint that he then wanted paying for as his contribution as a naturalist guide! It was all very friendly.
The beach is a bit twee and really a big warm bath. If you don't like noisy seagulls or you have "Birds" phobia then watch out for the feathered friends who sit on the breakwater for hours shouting their hearts out....after a while you don't hear it! Presume it's to do with the mating season.
The trip up the south coast should be rewarded with lunch at the Tree house (Jemma's) in Speyside...no beer though! But the food is great and the view sublime.
Shark and Bake is a must have, too.