What it’s like staying at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia

What is Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa?

Situated in Vieux Fort on the southern end of St. Lucia, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is less than a five-minute drive from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).

Originally a Club Med, the resort closed shortly after 9/11. The resort was revamped and reopened in 2005 as Coconut Bay Beach Resort. It’s been independently owned by the same folks since it reopened, which is part of its charm. The family vibe is strong here, and not just with actual families. Couples and friend groups seem to connect with the staff, providing a close-knit feel throughout the resort. During our stay, I didn’t notice a high concentration of one type of traveler. We saw couples, bridal parties (a wedding took place during our stay), girlfriend groups and families — including some multigenerational groups.

The 250-key property comprises two resorts: Harmony (an adults-only resort) and Splash, a family-focused resort that boasts St. Lucia’s largest water park. A third all-suite resort, the couples-only all-inclusive Serenity at Coconut Bay, is on the property but is considered separate from Harmony and Splash. The Splash wing includes 64 connectable rooms, ideal for large families or reunion groups who want to stay close but have their own space.

Coconut Bay closes the month of September every year for refreshes and renovations, including a resortwide room face-lift expected to be completed by the end of 2025 (more on that later).

How to book Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Checking in

Check-in couldn’t have been simpler. We received a refreshing (and delicious) welcome rum drink and were guided to the front desk. The entire check-in process took probably less than 10 minutes, and then a friendly steward guided us to our room.

Its beachfront location is ideal

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa unfolds across an 85-acre coconut plantation along an idyllic milelong stretch of honey-hued sand. Although there are no private beaches in St. Lucia, Coconut Bay Beach’s location on Anse de Sables Beach is beautifully unpeopled. With the exception of a handful of vendors on the beach, you’ll likely only encounter fellow resort guests and staff members. You’ll also have unobstructed views of the Maria Islands from just about any vantage point on the property.

I was impressed with how uncrowded it felt around the pools, at the bars and in public spaces, even though the resort was 80% occupied during our stay.

AvGeeks will love its proximity to the airport — what’s better than planespotting on prime tropical real estate with a cocktail in hand? (The resort also provides complimentary airport transfers to and from UVF).

You’re within a 45-minute drive from St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons and other natural attractions in Soufriere to the north. The resort can arrange tours and adventure excursions (read on for details).

There is a familial vibe here

A low-key atmosphere and sense of community seem to define Coconut Bay.

When I asked about the absence of resort bands on guests’ wrists, I was told they didn’t need them. “We know our guests,” Natalia Greene, vice president of sales and marketing, explained. From remembering guests’ names to their favorite drinks, personal attention creates a strong following. I was told that some guests have more than 30 visits under their belt, and it didn’t surprise me.

I witnessed the sweetest reunion between a family and a staff member. The family had just checked in and bumped into the staff member in the lobby. It was like watching an exchange between old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

Coconut Bay feels community- and environmentally-minded

The sense of community extends beyond the sprawling resort, too. During our stay, I had the opportunity to attend a press conference announcing the resort’s sponsorship of a local preschool, ABC Funhouse Learning Center. Part of the resort’s CocoLand Cares initiative, the project includes a complete remodel of classrooms with new bathrooms, furniture, flooring and updated lighting. Additionally, the resort will provide curriculum and school supplies, as well as purchase and install new playground equipment.

And beyond the friendly and welcoming staff, Coconut Bay showcases the talented people of St. Lucia. Murals created by local artists grace the buildings, and the resort hosts a local artisans marketplace on Tuesdays and Saturdays each week. Additionally, a well-curated resort boutique features a selection of island-made products.

Note that if your stay falls during sea turtle nesting season (between March and November), you can participate in the resort’s endangered sea turtle program, Sea Turtle Scouts. The program educates guests about the importance of protecting the nesting turtles that come ashore and hatchlings emerging from their nests.

Rooms are airy with lots of storage space

For my three-night stay, I was booked in a Concierge Junior Suite Oceanview room in the 18-plus Harmony side of the resort. Our fourth-floor room included a private balcony overlooking the adults-only pool area and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Our room was spacious, with plenty of room for my husband and me to spread out. In addition to substantial drawer space, two closets held a safe, ironing board and iron and included a good amount of shelving and room to store our luggage.

The front of the room had an efficient desk space with a large mirror, a lighted vanity mirror and an alarm clock. Outlet space was a bit limited, though, and I found myself needing to unplug the lighted mirror in order to plug in my flat iron. Outlets at the bathroom vanity would have been ideal, for example. I couldn’t locate any, though, unless they were well hidden. Also, there were no outlets bedside to charge our phones.

A large corner cabinet held a coffee maker with coffee- and tea-making supplies, a portable ice maker and a minifridge stocked with sodas, water, local beer and a bottle of Champagne. Though incredibly convenient, the ice maker dropped ice a few times in the middle of our first night, waking me up. We unplugged it the next morning. If you’re a heavy sleeper, this may not be an issue for you.

The room also featured a small sitting area with a loveseat and coffee table, and our balcony had two chairs and a small table.

I slept incredibly well in our four-poster king bed — the mattress was firm enough for support without being too hard. Additionally, the pillows were huge and had the right amount of give for a comfortable neck position.

Other room amenities included robes and slippers, free Wi-Fi, a Coconut Bay Beach Resort-branded beach bag, and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and other homemade sweets. The resort confirmed that all concierge-level guests get these welcome amenities.

I was particularly impressed with the housekeeping service. Each visit included a handwritten note. It was such a sweet way to begin or end our day and was another example of the personal details that make guests feel welcome. Also, concierge room guests receive a 20% discount on Sanctuary Spa services, which I recommend taking advantage of (more on that below).

The bathroom was a very good size for us. It showed slight signs of wear — minor rust spots and a few nicks here and there — but they were hardly noticeable (and will not even be an issue after the room upgrades are complete). It had a big walk-in shower and several towel racks and hooks for wet swimsuits. The sink area was quite big, with space for my makeup and toiletries bags. It included a wall-mounted hair dryer and Molton Brown bathroom amenities.

Annual renovations mean freshly updated rooms are still coming

The aforementioned renovations that happen each September include resortwide room upgrades. During our stay, we toured two renovated rooms — one in the Harmony wing and one in the Splash wing. In addition to a reconfigured layout, fully refurbished bathrooms and new bedroom decor, the updated rooms sport outlets by the bed.

Guests have access to on-site laundry

If you need to do laundry during your stay, an on-site laundry facility is located on the Splash side. It includes three washing machines, two dryers and clothes baskets. It’s free for guests to use, but you must provide your own detergent and fabric softener or purchase it in the resort store.

Ample and delicious dining and drink options

One of the big lures of all-inclusive resorts is that meals and drinks are typically included with your stay. You enjoy unlimited access to food and beverages without pulling out your wallet every time. Although the food quality at all-inclusive resorts can sometimes be hit or miss, I was consistently impressed with the variety and quality of my meals here.

Coconut Bay Beach guests can choose from nine on-site restaurants and seven bars. Dining venues include Coconut Walk Marketplace (the resort’s main restaurant), Flip Flops Burger Bar and Pizzeria (outdoor walk-up restaurant), Trattoria (casual Italian), Silk (Thai, Indian, Japanese and Chinese cuisine), Calabash (breakfast for Harmony guests featuring Caribbean dishes for dinner), Veranda (adults-only alfresco dining) and Jerk Treehouse (poolside venue for casual Caribbean dining).

Couples seeking a romantic evening can book a gourmet three-course private dinner at La Luna, the resort’s extra-fee restaurant. For $159 per couple, you can savor dishes like coconut chicken strips, garlic shrimp, herb-crusted filet mignon, grilled New Zealand lamb chops, a sampling of sweet miniature desserts and banana and coconut mousse.

Guests can also chill out at a handful of on-site bars like the Lobby Bar, Sand Bar, Swim-Up Pool Bar (on the Splash side) and Harmony Pool Bar. Walk down the beach a bit to the left for the Paradise Beach Bar, where you’ll also find loungers, umbrellas, hammocks, a towel hut and bathrooms. It also serves a barbecue lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additionally, Peter John’s Lounge (on the second floor of the main building) hosts Rums of the Caribbean tastings led by the resort’s rum master (more on that later), and the Sugar Cane Rum Bar at Peter John’s Lounge features over 30 of the Caribbean’s finest rums.

We couldn’t hit them all within our three-night stay, but here’s my take on the ones we did.

Calabash

Our first dinner at the resort at Calabash did not disappoint, creating high expectations for future meals during our stay. The menu at Calabash provides a taste of St. Lucia and Caribbean cuisine.

Our meal began with a tasty welcome drink, Calabash Punch, made with light rum, melon liquor, pineapple juice, triple sec and orange juice. We ordered a curry-style soup of the day, the spiced pumpkin, plantain and chicken fritters, the catch of the day, and a Caribbean-style bread pudding. Every bite was on point — fresh and flavorful.

Calabash is open for dinner from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and reservations are required.

Coconut Walk Marketplace

To the left of the lobby, the resort’s main restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, though we only ate here for breakfast.

This buffet outlet had the typical breakfast options, including vegetarian baked beans, hash browns, potatoes and veggie quiche. It also included two hot stations: an omelet station and “Miss Emme’s” breakfast station with made-to-order eggs Benedict, French toast, waffles and pancakes. I tried the eggs Benedict (with no ham), the veggie quiche and potatoes. The eggs Benedict was fine (my husband’s included ham and he had the same take), but the veggie quiche and potatoes were both notably delicious.

Other stations featured a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and cheeses, and smoothies. They also offered fresh coconut water served in coconuts — it was a nice treat. I particularly loved the self-service mimosa and bloody mary station at the entrance. Is there a better way to begin your breakfast in paradise?

Typical lunch and dinner options would include salads, pasta, stir-fry stations, grilled panini sandwiches, a kids buffet and other dishes.

Silk

The atmosphere in Silk was cozy, with Asian-inspired decor and dark ceilings dressed with lanterns providing just the right amount of light.

We sampled just about everything and were extremely pleased with all we tried. Sushi and sashimi were fresh and expertly executed. We had the shrimp dragon roll, tuna and salmon sashimi, vegetable spring rolls, ahi poke, and the grilled catch of the day with wok-fried vegetables and citrus soy sauce.

Silk is open for dinner from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and reservations are required.

Veranda

This adults-only alfresco dining venue is exclusively for Harmony guests. Veranda is open for breakfast in the morning, and then for dinner from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (reservations required). During our stay, we only dined here for breakfast.

It was a nice alternative to a bustling buffet atmosphere and proved a relaxing way to usher in the day. Though limited, the a la carte menu provided a good variety. I enjoyed a fluffy vegetable omelet and savory potatoes. My husband ordered the eggs Benedict again and enjoyed them more the second time around. Veranda also featured a self-serve station for mimosas and bloody marys.

If you dine here during dinner, expect a variety of signature dishes like pimento smoked marlin with lime aioli, pickled onions and fried capers, grilled beef tenderloin served with coconut shrimp in a red wine reduction, and desserts like the chocolate rum cake with strawberry coulis and toasted almond ice cream.

Jerk Treehouse

Originally a kiosk-type stand, the jerk-style food was so popular the resort created a larger — and super cool — venue for it. The chef who helmed the original kiosk still works at Coconut Bay. Constructed around a large seagrape tree, The Jerk Treehouse is found poolside in the Splash area of the resort. The menu features grilled chicken, pork and sausage marinated with an authentic Jamaican jerk spice blend served with a side of rice and peas. Sadly, I didn’t get to experience it firsthand, but my husband said the jerk chicken was some of the best he’s ever tasted.

Flip Flops Burger Bar and Pizzeria

This walk-up eatery seemed to be hopping most times of the day. Its convenient location between the Splash and Harmony pools probably had much to do with it. However, if other menu items are as good as the fire-oven vegetable pizza I ordered, that’s more likely the reason. The made-to-order pizza took about 10 minutes to prepare, and it was worth the wait. The crust was delicious, the cheese was nice and bubbly, and the vegetables were just right.

Lobby Bar

The openness and central location of this bar made it a popular spot for guests. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it was clearly a “go-to” bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Harmony Tiki Bar

Since our room was in the adults-only Harmony side of the resort, we visited Dillan at the Tiki Bar frequently. Friendly and professional, the bartenders always prepared our drinks very well and had a fun rapport with the guests.

Expect dreamy pools and a stellar beach area

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is home to five pools — three family-friendly pools on the Splash side (to the left after the lobby) and two adults-only pools on the Harmony side (to the right after the lobby). Additionally, guests can enjoy the CocoLand Waterpark or chill out on a milelong stretch of sand.

The Splash pools always seemed busy but not overly crowded, with plenty of lounge seating available. Guests could take in a game of pool volleyball or grab a drink (nonalcoholic for kids) at the swim-up bar. Between the two Splash pools and just off Flip Flops Burger Bar is a covered area with tables for dining, as well as pool tables and a pingpong table.

I seriously regret not taking full advantage of the CocoLand Waterpark, St. Lucia’s largest water park, on the Splash side of the resort. The Coconut Coaster and Coconut Canon looked like a blast, and guests I saw coasting down the lazy river seemed completely content.

The pool area on the Harmony side was expansive, with lots of hammocks and loungers, including super-cool “sun tracker” beds on wheelies you could rotate and follow the sun for that coveted even tan. One pool featured in-water loungers and a huge hot tub in the center of the pool.

Coconut Bay’s stretch of beach seemed almost private — no crowds lobbying for loungers or Jet Skis buzzing around the water here. The beach seating was well spaced out, and only nonmotorized sports were allowed (more details below). A section of the beach featured private cabanas exclusively for Serenity guests.

There are tons of ways to stay active if you choose

The resort’s fitness center was air-conditioned and well equipped. From treadmills and elliptical trainers to free weights and strength training equipment, guests have a broad choice of ways to stay fit during vacation. Additionally, fitness classes and morning yoga in the oceanside gazebo are offered and included in your stay.

Near the end of the resort’s part of the beach, you’ll find the Surf Shack. There, guests can take kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing foiling lessons from certified instructors ($85 per hour). Lessons are offered for all skill levels.

Other nonmotorized water sports like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are also available and included with your stay.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort also boasts a 30,000-square-foot paintball facility for guests 13 and up ($20 per person).

The entertainment calendar will keep you busy

If you’re the type of vacationer who likes to do all the things, you will be in your element at Coconut Bay. From poolside parties to special events, there are plenty of activities for every interest. The comprehensive resort newsletter, Coconut Bay Breeze, will keep you informed.

You won’t have to wait for July to experience St. Lucia’s Carnival celebration. Every Saturday night, the resort hosts its own Carnival, called Caribbean Night — and you don’t want to miss it. It was so much fun and very well attended. Dinner was served poolside buffet-style with a huge spread of Caribbean and St. Lucian dishes and desserts. The entertainment was next level with a lively steel drum band, fire performers, Carnival costumes and stilt walkers.

We also enjoyed the resort’s rum-tasting experience, which is free for guests and features 15 different rums. It was hosted by Holder, the Coconut Bay’s master bartender. He shared the history of St. Lucia rum and provided insight into the rums we sampled. I was wowed by the resort’s extensive selection of Caribbean rums, which I was informed is the biggest selection in St. Lucia and one of the biggest in the Caribbean.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Friday night chocolate buffet, held in the Stargazers Lounge on the second floor of the main building. It was a lovely (and delicious) display of fresh fruit, brownies, miniature desserts, cookies and a chocolate fountain.

There’s a small on-site petting zoo called Coco Corral with rescued goats, chickens and ducks. I was told donkeys roam the grounds, too, but I couldn’t find them during my stay. I did spy the resort’s resident pup, Lucy, a few times around the resort, though, and she’s precious.

Other events to have on your radar include a full moon beach party, hay rides, bonfires and foam parties.

Excursions from the resort are top-notch

I appreciated that the added-fee excursions were listed on the resort’s website and included pricing. Excursions offered were also listed on the brochures (with prices) by the desk. I’ve visited resorts where they only reveal the prices when you speak to the salesperson, which annoys me. To me, being upfront with pricing makes for a better experience, especially if you’re budgeting for extras like excursions.

Our group did the All-Inclusive Catamaran Land and Sea Adventure (offered Monday through Friday). Our full-day adventure included two snorkeling stops along St. Lucia’s west coast, with epic views of the Pitons.

Afterward, we enjoyed a buffet-style lunch with traditional dishes like breadfruit salad and green figs and saltfish at Beacon, a local restaurant that looks out over the Pitons.

Lunch was followed by a visit to the stunning Toraille Waterfall, then the day ended with a mud bath experience (a must-do!) at the Soufriere Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano.

The cost for the Catamaran Land and Sea Adventure is $139 for adults and $89 for children.

Rainforest Zip Line Adventure ($89 for adults and $79 for kids ages 6-12), Half Day Green Giant Jeep Safari ($89 for adults and $69 for kids ages 2-12) and Horseback Riding ($106 per person) are among other island excursions to consider.

The Sanctuary Spa is pure bliss

Sanctuary Spa is on the adults-only Harmony side of the resort. It features six indoor treatment rooms and six oceanfront spa cabanas. The spa also has a three-bed treatment room (for girls trips or bridal parties), a room for facials and a couples treatment room.

You can also relax before or after your treatment in the steam room and sauna.

Treatments incorporate island-made products with locally sourced ingredients like the chocolate for the Chocolate “Cocoa Tea” Sugar Scrub. Some of the coconut-based products are made from coconuts from the property’s seemingly endless number of coconut palms. Also, aloe from the resort’s aloe garden is used in soothing treatments like the Aloe Vera Wrap.

I enjoyed the Deep Tissue Tranquility Massage ($110 for 50 minutes and $159 for 80 minutes). It was easily one of the best massages I’ve ever had (and I’ve had quite a few).

The kids club is where it’s at

Although our room was in the adults-only Harmony section of the resort and we spent most of our time there, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the robust offerings for kids at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.

Through CocoLand Kidz Klub, the resort provides well-organized programming for three age groups — 3 years old and younger, 4- to 7-year-olds and 8- to 12-year-olds. With a kid-to-staff ratio of 6:1 (3:1 for kids under 3), young guests are well attended to, and resort mascots Coco and Loco may pop in for a visit. Parents receive a local cellphone so they can check in. At the end of their vacation, kids club guests receive a scrapbook filled with photos of their week’s adventures.

CocoLand guests receive a backpack with a water bottle, a T-shirt, a hat and an activity book. Repeat guests receive a Coco or Loco stuffed doll.

Beyond the brightly decorated and air-conditioned rooms for indoor activities, CocoLand includes an enormous fenced-in outdoor lawn with a pirate ship playground and a kids-only water play area. The above-mentioned Coco Corral petting zoo is just beyond the playground.

Monday through Friday, kids 3 and older can also take part in themed evening activities like karaoke night, pajama parties, glow parties and “Camp Night” in tents, complete with s’mores, dinner and a movie.

In addition to the included children’s activities, the resort provides for-fee babysitting services ($15 per hour per child). Babysitting is provided by kids club staff, so children who are attending the programming will be familiar with their caregivers — which can ease any separation anxiety kids (or parents) may feel.

Teen Club programming is offered during the summer months and over the Christmas and Easter holidays. Activities include guided hikes, beach parties, paintball challenges and a kitesurfing course.

Reasons Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa might not be for you

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is a fantastic choice for couples, groups of friends and families who seek a casual, all-inclusive stay with a variety of dining, drinks and activities.

No resort is perfect for everyone or every type of stay, though. Here are times Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa might not be the best choice:

• If you seek an all-inclusive upscale stay that caters to couples, consider booking a stay at Serenity at Coconut Bay, the brand’s luxury offering.
• The resort’s location on the southern end of St. Lucia provides a less-peopled and low-key resort experience. However, if you prefer to be closer to the Pitons, nightlife and other island attractions, a resort on the northern end of St. Lucia might suit you better.

Accessibility

Coconut Bay’s network of ramps provided access to every area on the property. Also, the lobby and other public areas were spacious and open, offering plenty of room to maneuver.

The resort offers five accessible rooms — three on the adults-only Harmony side and two on the family-friendly Splash side. The ground-floor rooms are spacious and feature assistance bars and adjustable shower heads in the bathrooms.

There isn’t a chair lift in any of the pools, but one of the Splash pools features a zero-entry side.

Alternatives to Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Though small, the island of St. Lucia boasts a bevy of all-inclusive resorts, boutique properties and points hotels to appeal to diverse traveling needs.

Checking out

Distilling the essence of such a welcoming slice of paradise in a single review is quite a challenge. I love vacation properties that have a strong returning guest game, and Coconut Bay Beach Resort fits that bill. The genuine and attentive staff members who remember where you’re from, your favorite drink and other nuances make each guest feel special.

I hope to count myself among the returning guests in the near future.