Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia with three advantages for families:
- price value
- water park, with two slides and a lazy river
- Cocoland kids’ club, with huge play areas including a water play area
Background
Saint Lucia is located in the eastern Caribbean. Visitors from the US often travel through Miami (about 3 hours flight time); direct flights also depart from several cities in the northeastern United States. The island was ruled by the French and later by the British; Many tourists visit from the UK.
Saint Lucia is known for its scenic beauty, and especially for the twin peaks of the Pitons in the southwest. The island has jungle and plantations; The sea has coral reefs.
Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is 85 acres just five minutes from Hewanorra International Airport, in the southeast of the island on the Atlantic coast. (This airport has few flights per day, so noise is not a problem.)
The guest units are located in 4-story buildings in the north and south zones: the north zone is close to the main swimming pool and the water park for families; The south area is close to the pool and spa for adults.
CocoLand Kidz Klub
This spacious kids’ club goes way beyond the typical “friendly little clubhouse” type that characterizes many all-inclusives; Although not on the level of the “mega kids programs” at the more expensive resorts, Cocoland is an outstanding effort in its price range.
Features include
- baby and toddler care, with a staff-to-child ration from 1 to 3 *
- Supervised activities designed for two age groups: 3-9 (Coco Kidz) and 10-14 (Coco Adventure)
- Pets that visit the Club and also welcome children in the lobby every night.
- great playground
- water play area with showers and jets
- spacious area for crafts
- nap area
- afternoon hours
- CocoPack with Bag, Hat, Water Bottle – Pre-register for your child to receive this kit upon arrival.
For Teens: The “Da Buzz” teen area has video games, a ping-pong table and an adjacent bar.
More features for families
Price value: guests find an attractive price; also check the promotions that offer complete vacations for a family of four at a special rate. (The off-season is the best time to find such promotions, and the Caribbean “off-season” runs from May to December).
Beach : not the big draw at this resort. Guests will find a beautiful but small stretch of beach that is kept free of seaweed; throughout there is a protected swimming area. Those who want a better beach only need to walk 5 to 10 minutes to the right of the resort; However, most guests seem content to enjoy the excellent pools and water parks.
Water park : two body slides provide an adrenaline rush; Meanwhile, the lazy river is very nice.
Pools – The large main pool is a hit with families, with shallow water plus ‘shoreline’ that is especially good for young children. A swim-up bar connects to this main pool. Meanwhile, the adult pool is actually ‘adults only’, in a quiet area. There is also a sports pool.
Spa : excellent services and price, and location by the sea. Guests can opt for an outdoor massage; Or take a room with the door open so you can hear the waves.
Activities on the property: includes paintball field (extra charge; some rounds free); exercise classes; Two hours walk from a nearby town, a good opportunity to see a part of life in Santa Lucia. Tennis with free classes (-Bring suitable shoes), basketball, table tennis and snorkeling at sea. (Not much to see, but kids like it anyway.) Evening entertainment can include live music – check recent reviews on a site like TripAdvisor.
Off-property Tours – Many tours available. Catamaran tours, zip line rainforest adventure, volcano drive-in, day trip to nearby Martinique island, and much more.
Fine dining restaurants – Italian and Asian options and guests can participate as many times as they want. (Many all-inclusive resorts limit specialty restaurant meals per guest.) Families can dine together, in an early session; Alternatively, children can spend the night at Cocoland while the parents dine.
New programs are planned for older children – visit the Coconut Bay site for updates.
Keep in mind
- the location is on the Atlantic coast of the island, so don’t imagine a turquoise blue sea of the Caribbean.
- Location 5 minutes from the airport is ideal for families. (Some resorts need an hour’s drive).
- the beach is limited but the pools and water park make up for it; or take a short walk to the best beach. (See above).
- the location is not in a tourist area so expect to spend your time at the resort or on guided tours. Or rent a car, if you can drive on the left side of the road.
- gentlemen need long pants for specialty restaurants, where jeans, shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirts are prohibited *.
Check rates at Coconut Bay Resort & Spa
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received free hosting for the purpose of review. While you have not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
