Our 3rd and Alas I think, final visit to Coco Reef

Fran D · Post by **Fran D** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:03 am

We have just returned from our 3rd visit to Coco Reef. I do think that will be our last. It has become a victim of its own success!!

The hotel and staff are just as wonderful as ever, as is the location. However, it has become a lot busier. (which is only to be expected)

Our holiday was tarnished by 2 main things: Children and Karaoke!!!

Before everyone starts jumping up and down, I would just like to point out my reasons.

We chose the Coco Reef, mainly because it is a small-ish hotel and doesn't provide childrens facilities. We are a young-ish couple who work extremely hard all year and choose to go on holiday where generally there are not likley to be a lot of kids (no matter how well behaved). I don't have anything against children, we would just prefer to go somewhere that wasn't aimed at children. We also go the first 2 weeks of October to help guarantee this fact as it is still term time. However in our first week, there were quite a number of children, ranging from the screaming, crying shouting ones to the ones who were always being told to keep quiet but were well behaved. Luckily we did find a quiet area in the cove, but instead of hearing the waves gently lapping, we still heard children.

Secondly, the entertainment on a couple of nights, left little to be desired. You could have been anywhere in the med. Karaoke, shouts of oggy oggy oggy -not our idea of a nice romantic evening.

As I said, Coco Reef is getting busier and the clientele is changing, and all tastes have to be catered for, I appreciate that, but having been there twice before over the last 5 years, the change is quite astounding.

It is still a great hotel, the staff still have time to talk, although I think the next couple of weeks, when apparently the hotel is full, they may struggle!

We still have happy memories, and now the search is on for a hotel elsewere in the caribbean, which has maybe stayed as the coco reef used to be. (preferably with no Oggy Oggy Oggys'!!)

Recommendations welcome

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:11 am

Hi Fran

It is such a shame. It pains me to say it, but I have seen this coming for a long time and receive regular correspondence from "old" Coco Reef faithfuls, like myself, who are now having to sadly move on.

Fear not - Tobago has the perfect solution. Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort. Read our review. I think you will find it ideally suited. Also read Michael O'Sheas excellent report posted only today in the Grand Courlan sub-forum.

V Wragg · Post by **V Wragg** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:41 am

Hello Fran,
You must have been there at the same time as us. We loved the hotel and service, but must say we also thought the same thing about the children and noise. We spent most of our time on Pelican Point, but could still hear screaming children from across the bay on the main beach. In the last week the increase in children staying was noticeable. Whilst I can understand that smaller children make more noise there were 3 delightful boys!!! aged between 10 and 12 who filled the pedalo with sand and pelted each other and other guests with sand - obviously exceptable behaviour as their parents never disciplined them.
Try Blue Waters in Antigua, same standard hotel as Coco Reef, but they have an adults only restaurant, if you want a romantic meal or just peace and quiet whilst you eat, this is the place to go.

Fran D · Post by **Fran D** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:48 am

Thanks for your ideas - and positive feedback, will bear in mind for next year (once I find out when the school holidays are in October!!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:58 am

Fran

If you were referring to my post when you mentioned school holidays, you can forget about school holidays and go when you want. The beauty of Le Grand Courlan is that it is an adults-only hotel. They introduced a no-under-16s policy late last year. I think it could be one of the cleverest things they ever did becuase it makes a heck of a difference to the ambience and atmosphere of the place.

Fran D · Post by **Fran D** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:43 pm

Hi Steve

Billiant - thanks, Tobago is such a lovely island and we would love to go back. I thought the Grand Courlan was more of a family resort. Its good to know there is an alternative

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:47 pm

You are possibly confusing it with Le Grand's sister hotel, the Grafton, immediately next door. Yes, that is a family hotel. Le Grand is exactly the opposite. If our stay there last February was to be repeated, that hotel would become our favourite on the island. As I said, read the review and I think you'll be getting a booking in soon.

Cher · Post by **Cher** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:49 pm

Steve:

Why isn't Blue Haven Hotel mentioned as a choice? Isn't it romantic, secluded etc.? As you know I am going there in December and there are not many posts with respect to the Blue Haven. Why is the Coco Reef Hotel more popular than the Blue Haven? I have read all the accommodation posts and reviews of both hotels but having never visited Tobago and probably too excited to be there, I just want to know the difference. Because of the popularity of the Coco Reef I have booked a complete spa day for two including dinner, just so I don't miss out on the "best" accommodation in Tobago.

Hope I am not being a pain in the a--

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:44 pm

Hi Cher

The Blue Haven is a great hotel and, if you want peace and quiet with high standards, a damn good choice. However, it isn't an adults-only hotel. If you want to ensure that your stay is totally child-free, then Le Grand Courlan or Inn On The Bay are your only choices on Tobago.

Yes, the Coco Reef is undoubtedly the most popular luxury hotel on the island, but as Fran said, it is a victim of its own success and now so busy and crowded that it is rapidly losing the very characteristics that made it so popular.

Cher · Post by **Cher** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 3:02 pm

Well said, thanks

Mike Davey · Post by **Mike Davey** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:57 pm

We are spending one week at Blue waters in Antigua followed by a week at Coco reef during November , i will compare and post on my return

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:17 pm

Hi Mike
Will eagerly look forward to your reports on your return.
I am slightly concerned now about these 'Oggy Oggy' comments regarding the Coco Reef. This is certainly not what I want when on holiday, but maybe it was just a one-off incident??
I am due to pay my balance to Virgin at the beginning of December and want some re-assurance I am not going to end up in a high-class holiday camp. Whats the truth about this place????
Lesley

Mike Davey · Post by **Mike Davey** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:16 pm

Off to Blue Waters Antigua this Thursday for a week followed by Coco reef for a further week , i am looking for a nice civilised break where i can sit under a palm tree and read a few books , have a few beers and eat some nice food , i will report on both when i get back , i am getting slightly nervous of the coco reef reports but it still looks like the best bet on Tobago to be based on various reviews .

Fran D · Post by **Fran D** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 3:07 pm

Hi Mike

I'm sure you will be able to relax, read and enjoy a nice cold beer!! The hotel and setting are just perfect, and we have no complaints there. I am interested in hearing about the evening entertainment and how busy it is in November. Hopefully our experience was just a one off!! However it is getting busier so who knows??

Have a lovely time.

myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Our 3rd and Alas I think, final visit to Coco Reef

Our 3rd and Alas I think, final visit to Coco Reef

Returned from Coco Reef on 19/10