One of the most important things about planning a wedding has to be booking the most perfect and romantic honeymoon destination. I know the dress, the venue, and the cake are all important, but come on after the stress and excitement of creating a perfect day you are going to be in need of some well-earned rest and relaxation, and this is where the Cocobay Resort in Antigua comes in. It’s strange, I’m not sure why I haven’t shared more of our honeymoon, I adored every second of it, so after a number of people enquired about the hotel we stayed at on my Instagram and Twitter I thought the best solution was to write up my thoughts.
A honeymoon is an important decision, first up you need to decide what kind of holiday you are after, for us, especially after a crazy fun week in New York getting hitched, we just wanted to relax in a quiet, gorgeous setting, which was still warm in November, and that’s how I stumbled upon the Cocobay Resort in Antigua. I’d been to the Caribbean before, but not Antigua, and I loved the charm of this hotel as soon as I saw the website. Both my husband and I are fans of smaller, boutique-style hotels, and the Cocobay Resort has 57 single-storey cottages, suites and 4 Plantation Houses – so something for every budget, it also has plunge pools, which for some reason was high on my wish list.
Our room was adorable and romantic, I loved how secluded it was perched on the cliff, the view from our plunge pool was divine, and it was heavenly having a bubble bath on the patio under the stars. I loved how simple the rooms were, no TV, just a giant bed, Princess netting, crisp white sheets, and a giant hammock outside. It was also so lovely that our cleaner put us out fresh flowers every day.
The location of Cocobay Resort is perfect, the hotel literally lies next to two beautiful beaches, and for something a little more private, a third is literally just a kayak away, which is nice for a romantic afternoon on your honeymoon. As well as opting for a waterfront suite with plunge pool, it was nice that the hotel itself also had two great pools, I particularly loved the infinity pool perched on the cliff edge, it became a little ritual to watch the sunset while paddling. Had enough of sand and swimming, the hotel grounds are also relaxing, the gardener really has done a beautiful job and it was so lovely lounging in the two-person hammock under the palm trees looking out across the bay.
The Cocobay Resort is also known for its food, we were all-inclusive, which literally meant that the hotel stuffed us to bursting every day. Starting with a hearty breakfast, I became obsessed with creating the perfect omelette, and the spectacular sea views are the only way to start the day. Then at lunch, the buffet served menu featured everything from fish to burgers, chips and pasta, as well as yummy desserts. In the evening, the gourmet restaurant gets a little swish where the dress code is smart elegance, it really was nice getting a little dressed up each night. The three-course à la carte menu is also special serving authentic local and International cuisine from soup and crab to start, to lobster, jumbo shrimp and beef tenderloin for mains, and each night there was a selection of incredible desserts, which were my favourites. The only criticism, a very tiny one, has to be that the menu didn’t change enough for me, especially not being a big meat-eater, but it was fun trying out some of the fish dishes.
Cocobay Resort, Antigua
If you fancy a change from the main hotel restaurant there is also Sheer Rocks, a very romantic restaurant that has private booths that overlook the nearby Little Ffreyes Beach. I really enjoyed the tapas and fun atmosphere especially when they had live music on. I strongly recommend you book, even staying at the hotel doesn’t guarantee that they can squeeze you in.
So location is great, food is incredible, but what about the atmosphere and staff, well you can get anymore friendly and helpful. I became quite attached to the waiting staff, they were attentive and friendly always suggesting great places to visit and excursions to take. The great thing about a smaller hotel is that there are limited people and the staff always seem to be more friendly – this created a great, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a honeymoon, I can really see why some couples go back year-after-year.
You can book Cocobay Resort through Virgin and other travel operators but trust me book directly as the prices really are cheaper.
What’s your perfect honeymoon destination?
For more on Antigua – check out my seven things to do while on the Caribbean island.