Escape to Paradise: Cocoloco Beach Resort, Boracay's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Cocoloco Beach Resort - Boracay's Hidden Gem? (A Messy, Honest Review!)
Alright, folks, buckle up! Because I'm about to spill the sand – and maybe some margarita mix – on my recent stay at Cocoloco Beach Resort in Boracay. This isn't your polished, picture-perfect travel blog. This is real. Think messy hair, post-sunburn skin, and a head full of Boracay vibes (and maybe a few too many San Miguel Lights).
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Cocoloco Beach Resort in Boracay! Accessibility, food, activities, safety, and the real Boracay experience – the good, the bad, and the ridiculously beautiful. Is it a hidden gem? Let's find out!
Arrival & First Impressions: Island Time… Eventually
First off, getting to Cocoloco isn't a cakewalk. Accessibility-wise, it's decent, but don't expect super smooth. The island itself has challenges. The resort does have an elevator, which is a HUGE win! They also have facilities for disabled guests, and a pretty good effort was made throughout the property. It’s not perfectly seamless, especially the walk from the main road to the beach, but they tried, and that's half the battle, right?
My initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated WOW. The beach? Hello, postcard-perfect! The turquoise water called my name, and I practically ran… which, you know, takes effort after a long flight. The resort lobby, open-air and breezy, immediately set the tone. The staff? Genuinely welcoming, and that Filipino hospitality is something else. They really are amazing - even with the occasional communication hiccup (more on that later, trust me!).
Accessibility: The Good, The Questionable, and the Beach
Okay, let's be real about accessibility, it's a big deal. Cocoloco tries hard. The access to the main building and some of the rooms is good, with an elevator and ramps. The pathways are mostly level. But, as much as they try, getting around Boracay itself in a wheelchair is a different beast. Expect uneven surfaces occasionally - it’s the nature of Boracay!
The real challenge? The beach. The soft, powdery sand is gorgeous, but tough going for a wheelchair. I could see someone with mobility issues getting help from the staff, but it won't be a casual venture. It's best to know that ahead of time.
"Is there Wi-Fi?" The Eternal Question… Answered!
Okay, I NEEDED this. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and throughout the public areas was music to my ears. The Internet access was generally pretty solid, but, let’s be honest, sometimes the connection hiccuped. But considering it's an island… It was fine for sending emails and posting my envy-inducing travel pics. There isn't Internet [LAN] that I noticed.
Rooms: Beach Vibes &… Whatsmacallit?
My room? Pure bliss. Air conditioning worked like a dream. I'm talking Arctic levels of cool. Blackout curtains, which were a lifesaver for late-night/early-morning recovery. Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. Free bottled water… essential. Bathrobes, Slippers, and complimentary tea were delightful touches.
I wanted to rave about ALL the little details, the mirror, the safe box, but I want to tell you about the Bed, and the Bedding! It was a good bed. Not too hard, not too soft, it was just right, and the linens were so comfortable! I'm a sucker for soft sheets.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Alright, listen, the food at Cocoloco? Mostly a win.
- Restaurants: Several! I am not easily impressed, but I loved the Poolside Bar! And the Restaurants are good, although I was so eager to explore the island's food scene I spent less time at the resort's.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It was a good spread. Asian breakfast, which was awesome, the Western breakfast, fantastic. It had everything a hungry traveler craves. I got a bit too excited about the Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- A la carte in restaurant: This offered a nice change from the buffet – sometimes I don't like people looking at me while I eat.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect after those long days of sunshine and beach-hopping.
- Snack bar: Great for a poolside nibble.
Here's what happened to make the food more interesting:
I was there during a particularly busy period, and one morning, the Breakfast [buffet] was… chaotic. Imagine, a line snaking through the restaurant, and the egg station was running at what seemed like 10% capacity. I get it, it's a resort, and they're trying, but it led to some… interesting substitutions. Like, "Oh, you're out of bacon? How about more sausage?" Okay, I love sausage, so I was happy. But it took a while!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Unpacked
My personal favourite was the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The pool was beautiful, the view amazing, and I spent hours there. It's the heart of the resort.
- Gym/fitness was well-equipped for a resort; while it wasn't my jam, I was super impressed.
- Spa: the Massage blew me away. And it felt like an actual escape. The Body scrub was amazing, my skin felt incredible.
- Sauna, Steamroom were there, and amazing! Didn't use these, so don't know what they are like.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound
This is a big one, especially post-pandemic. I felt very safe at Cocoloco.
- Daily disinfection in common areas was evident.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Physical distancing: This was pretty well enforced too.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know!
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit – peace of mind.
They take it seriously, which is excellent.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things
- Concierge: Extremely helpful
- Daily housekeeping: My room always immaculate.
- Luggage storage: no issues there.
- Currency exchange: Super useful.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
They also have: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, if you want to go around, which is what I did!
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
I didn't travel with kids, but it seemed Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. I saw a lot of families enjoying themselves.
Getting Around: Transportation Chaos (Sometimes)
Airport transfer: They'll arrange this. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: If you drove, but come on, it's Boracay, just use the Taxi service. They have Valet parking as well.
The "Almost Perfect" Moments
So, here's a confession: I found a few tiny imperfections. One day, they forgot to restock my coffee. No big deal, really. But that's the level of imperfection we're talking about here. It’s a reminder that you're in island time, which isn't a bad thing.
The Verdict: Is Cocoloco a Hidden Gem?
Okay, drumroll, please…
Yes! Cocoloco Beach Resort absolutely feels like a hidden gem. The location is stunning, the staff are lovely, and the overall experience is top-notch. Is it perfect? No, nothing is. But the positives far outweigh the few minor hiccups.
Ultimately, my stay at Cocoloco Beach Resort was a resounding success. It offered a relaxing escape, a taste of Boracay's beauty, and a genuine sense of hospitality.
Go. Relax. Enjoy the island madness. And maybe pack a snack. Just in case. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving paradise. We're talking Cocoloco Beach Resort, Boracay Island, Philippines. And frankly? I'm already half-expecting a sunburn that'll make me weep into my Buko juice.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for the Perfect Sunset
9:00 AM: Manila Airport. Chaos. Pure, unadulterated Filipino airport chaos. People everywhere, a symphony of hawkers trying to sell me everything from "authentic" (probably fake) pearls to questionable-looking lumpia. Stumbled my way through customs – thank goodness for the pre-filled form. I swear, I’m pretty sure I almost got lost in the duty-free shop and the allure of a cheap bottle of rum almost defeated me.
11:00 AM: Flight to Caticlan Airport. The tiny prop plane was rickety, but the views of the islands were breathtaking. I had to force myself to ignore the little voice in my head that kept screaming "WHAT IF WE PLUMMET?!" - Not a good way to start an island getaway.
12:00 PM: Caticlan. More chaos! More touts! More insistent offers of tricycle rides. We finally escape the madness with a pre-booked transfer, and within what feels like an hour we're in a tiny, brightly colored boat for the short ferry ride to Boracay.
1:00 PM: Taxi (or whatever they call those things) to Cocoloco Beach Resort. The road is bumpy, dusty and the whole time I’m thinking, "Dear God, please let the resort be as advertised." Also, I should have brought a face mask.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The receptionist is a vision. All smiles, impossibly smooth skin, and the air conditioning is my new best friend. Our room? Surprisingly decent. No ocean view, but who cares at this point? I'm just grateful it doesn't smell like mildew. I plop my bag down, already half-expecting some sort of insect to scurry across the floor. Hey, I'm a city-slicker. Bugs, or the fear thereof, is just a part of the package.
3:00 PM: Lunch at the resort's restaurant. This is where things get…interesting. I order the grilled fish. Takes an age to come. When it does it’s pretty dry. I vow to befriend the bartender later, as the disappointment is real. I’m seriously considering a second order of those garlic fries!
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach time! The sand is insanely fine. Like, I could lie here and just let it sift through my fingers for hours. And the water! Crystal clear, turquoise perfection. This is where the postcard photos come to life. I wade in, absolutely terrified of stepping on something sharp (I have a vivid imagination, what can I say?). A tiny wave splashes me in the face and I'm immediately transported to a state of pure bliss. See! That fish was worth it, wasn't it?
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset. Oh. My. God. The sunset. I swear, I think I stopped breathing for a solid minute. The sky exploded in hues of orange, pink, purple, and gold. People lining the beach, silhouetted against the colors, all with their phones out like cyborgs. I snap a few obligatory photos (because Instagram, obvs) but mostly, I just stand there, mouth agape, feeling utterly humbled. It. Was. Magic.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Back at the resort restaurant. This time, I played it safe and ordered the chicken skewers. Okay, they were pretty good! I chatted briefly with a couple from Germany, who were also utterly mesmerized by the sunset. Shared a bottle of wine (because, ya know, sunset) and vowed to meet for breakfast.
9:00 PM: Stumble back to the room, utterly content, and maybe slightly tipsy. Think about the beach, think about the fish. All that is over now.
10:00 PM: Crash. Sound asleep, dreaming of mermaids, and the lingering taste of the grilled fish.
Day 2: The Great Snorkeling Debacle and the Search for the Perfect Cocktail
7:00 AM: Wake up. The promise of sun-kissed perfection is met with the brutal reality: my sunburn. This is officially the price I pay for not reapplying sunscreen often enough.
8:00 AM: Breakfast. Meet the German couple. The breakfast buffet is…adequate. The coffee is weak.
9:00 AM: Snorkeling trip. This is where things start to go sideways. I book a snorkeling tour. I LOVE the ocean, love the idea, but am not the strongest swimmer. We pile into a boat along with what feels like a hundred other people, and motor out to a reef. The reef itself is beautiful, so many colors, so many fish! But the waves are a bit rough, I struggle with the mask. I start to panic a bit, my inner monologue screaming "Get out of the water! Get out of the water!" But I press on. I tell myself, be brave, be brave in this moment. I make it. Get back on the boat, half-drowned, with my confidence in shambles. So what now?
11:00 AM: Okay, regroup time. Back to the resort, shower, and then wallow in self-pity for a while.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a little beachside shack. Fresh seafood is calling my name. I find a nice little spot, enjoy the breeze, and feel my spirits start to lift.
2:00 PM: Cocktail quest begins. A mission to find the perfect cocktail. I hit up several bars. I try a mango daiquiri at one place, a margarita at another. No, no, and no. Then I start to get a bit cranky. I'm going to find a good cocktail dammit, I'll find a good cocktail.
4:00 PM: Finally, success! At a little bar down the beach, they serve a killer passionfruit mojito. I order two. I feel the happiness return.
6:00 PM: Another sunset. Another stunning display of colors. This one feels even more special, knowing I've earned it. Sipping mojitos and watching the sun go down, it's all worth it.
7:30 PM: Dinner on the beach. String lights, tables set up on the sand, seafood. I'm a little tipsy. The stars are impossibly bright. I feel absolutely at peace. This is why I travel. To mess up, and to find beauty.
9:00 PM: Back to the room, still basking in the afterglow of the mojitos and a sense of triumph over the snorkeling fiasco.
10:00 PM: Sleep soundly.
Day 3: Island hopping, More Beach Wandering, and a bittersweet farewell
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. A little bit sad that it's almost over.
10:00 AM: Island hopping tour. We visit a few other small islands near Boracay. Stunning beaches (that I mostly admire from the boat). One particularly beautiful cove stops, where I build a tiny sandcastle. It's perfect.
1:00 PM: Back to Boracay. Lunch.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A final walk. A final swim. A final moment to just be at peace with myself, away from the chaos of the world.
6:00 PM: One last dinner. A little more melancholy, but a full heart.
7:00 PM: Packing. Then I vow to come back soon.
Day 4: Farewell paradise
- 7:00 AM: Up early, final swim, and then more packing.
- 9:00 AM: Boat, taxis, and flights back to Manila.
- Everything after this is just a blur.
So yeah. That's it. Cocoloco Beach Resort, Boracay. Messy, imperfect, and absolutely unforgettable. And the best part? There is still the lingering taste of the garlic fries!
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Escape to Paradise: Cocoloco Beach Resort - Your Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, Seriously, Is Cocoloco REALLY "Hidden Gem" material? Or just another Boracay letdown?
Dude, let me tell you, I've been to Boracay. Seen the white sands, tasted the mango shakes (yes, plural, I'm judging your single-shake life). And *yes*, Cocoloco… is DIFFERENT. It's not the raging party central of Station 1. Think more… Robinson Crusoe chic meets, say, your cool aunt's secret beach shack. It's *definitely* hidden. First time I tried to find it, I swear I walked through a chicken coop (true story! And the chickens looked *judgy*). But the moment you actually *see* it… *whoa*. The turquoise water, the quiet… It's a sigh of relief after the usual Boracay chaos. I actually *saw* a starfish once. A STARFISH! In the crowded touristy area? Forget about it!
What's the vibe like? Is this place for *actual* relaxing, or is it just… quiet?
Alright, "quiet" is relative. You won't find thumping EDM until 4 am. But the vibe? Chill. Think sun-drenched naps in a hammock, reading a book with the sound of the waves (occasionally interrupted by a rogue gecko), and genuinely friendly staff who actually *care* that you're enjoying yourself. I swear, one of the guys working there, I forget his name (terrible, I know!), brought me a fresh coconut water just because he saw me looking slightly… melted. It's the kind of place where you *intend* to do nothing, and actually *succeed*. Which is a win in my book. Unless you're allergic to relaxation, then maybe... seek help.
The rooms... are they actually nice? I'm not about to sleep on a bamboo mat.
Okay, the rooms are NOT luxury, I'll be upfront. Think comfortable, clean, and with a touch of rustic charm. You're not getting a jacuzzi tub, folks. But the beds are decent (vital!), the aircon works (also vital!), and the view from my balcony was… speechless. I actually had a little moment the first morning, just staring out at the ocean, thinking, "Huh. Not bad, world. Not bad at all." The bathrooms are functional, which is all you really need after a day of swimming and overeating. Seriously, if you’re expecting a Ritz-Carlton, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a cozy, well-maintained room with a view that smashes your daily stress levels, then Cocoloco is your jam.
What's the food situation like? I heard Boracay can be a bit… overpriced.
The food situation is… good. Not Michelin-starred, but reliably tasty. They have a good selection of Filipino dishes (try the adobo!), fresh seafood, and the breakfast… oh, the breakfast. Expect the usual rice, eggs, and a bit of bacon. The prices are reasonable, and the serving sizes generous. I may or may not have had a second helping of the banana pancakes every morning. (Okay, I definitely did.) The bar is well-stocked too, and the cocktails are… strong. Warning: pacing yourself is recommended. Especially if you're planning a morning snorkel excursion. My advice? Just embrace the deliciousness, and blame the island magic for any extra pounds.
Is it easy to get around to explore other parts of Boracay from Cocoloco?
Getting *to* Cocoloco is a bit of an adventure in itself (remember the chicken coop?). Getting *from* Cocoloco… well, it's a bit further from the main tourist spots. But they have the usual tricycles (motorcycle taxis) that will take you anywhere you need to go. The staff can arrange it for you, which is easy. However, sometimes waiting for one can feel like watching paint dry. But hey, take a deep breath, that's the Boracay experience. It's a trade-off: peace and quiet versus… a little more travel time. To be honest, I spent most of the time *at* Cocoloco. Why leave paradise?
Any annoying downsides? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time. Here's the real, gritty truth. First, the Wi-Fi. It's… variable. Don't expect blazing-fast streaming speeds. This is a place to disconnect (in theory). Second, sometimes the power flickers. It's the Philippines, embrace the quirks. Thirdly, it's a bit of a trek to get to other restaurants, so if you're a foodie with a serious craving for something specific you might want to check the prices elsewhere. But honestly? Those are minor complaints. And you're in paradise! Minor inconveniences become… charming anecdotes. See, I'm already romanticizing it. That's the Cocoloco effect. The truth is, I don't really remember the downsides. It's all a blurry, sun-kissed memory of delicious food, friendly staff, and pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Tell me about the beach! Is the sand white and powdery? Are the waters crystal clear?
Oh, the beach. Where do I even begin? Okay, the sand? It's white. It's definitely powdery. And when the sun hits it just right, it literally SHIMMERS. Like, actual fairy dust shimmering, I swear! The water? Crystal clear. You can see the fish swimming around your feet. My first time wading into that water, I think I actually gasped. I'm not usually a "beach person" like some people. I get bored or slightly annoyed; But Cocoloco's beach… it stole my heart. It's not overcrowded. There's a gentle surf. The sunsets? Forget about it. Prepare to be completely, utterly mesmerized. I think the water is what fully sold me.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with little ones.
Ugh, it *could* be kid-friendly, BUT… Okay, full disclosure: I don't have kids. But I saw some families there, and the general consensus seemed positive. The beach is safe for swimming, but the resort itself is not built for kids. It’s a chill place. However, there’s no dedicated kids club, play area, or anything of that sort. This is one place that you have to consider.
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