All of your meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner plus some mid-day snacks) are included free of charge as well as all of your beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). However, if you are a stickler for your certain bourbon, scotch, gin, etc. we would definitely recommend brining a bottle or two. The liquor selection is not extensive and leans more local.
This is a tropical island, so there are bugs (mosquitos, sand flies, etc.). The rooms are air conditioned and have mosquito nets, but we would definitely recommend bringing plenty of repellent for when you are out and about.
Bring cash for excursions and tipping. The resort does not have an ATM. Most of the nearby beach bars, jet ski rentals, etc take USD. Consider bringing smaller bills for tipping, as the resort does not always have change for larger bills. The resort does not have TVs in the room, if you want to watch something we'd recommend bringing a laptop since there is wifi. Also, if you would like to have some music in room or by the pool bring a blue-tooth speaker. Sunscreen is a obvious must. They do have a small shop, at the hotel but all of the items are much more expensive at the resort. Earplugs if your a light sleeper and/or can't sleep through the tropical background noises.
A cab from the airport takes about 35 minutes and costs around $45 USD. You can plan to hail a taxi when you arrive at the airport, or prearrange a round trip with the resort (check with the resort as your booking may have included the transfer). If you are traveling with a group it might be wise to book a van.
For dinner, collared shirts are required in the restaurant, shorts (not swimsuits) and flip flops are allowed. Lunch and breakfast do not require collared shirts.
Antigua is one of the safest Caribbean nations, but no island is free of crime and while outside of the resort, it is still important to lock up your valuables if you plan to explore the island by rental car. If exploring St. Johns, is it pretty obvious which areas are not safe or the "wrong side of the tracks" but these areas are few and far between. In general, the island is relatively safe to explore and the people here are wonderfully nice and helpful.!
If you are staying at Cocobay, there is no need to bring any sort of adapter or converter. Their outlets are compatible with US electronics and plugs.
GOOD NEWS! FULLY vaccinated arriving passengers are NOT required to present a PCR/Rapid Antigen Test for entry into Antigua. Antigua does still require proof of vaccination for entry however.
Cocobay has rapid test available, onsite at the hotel. Testing is done Monday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8am, for $50. However, you can also schedule a personal appointment, for this test to be done at anytime between 9am-5pm, at a cost of $150
There are multiple options for restaurants, near Cocobay and throughout the island, if your feeling adventurous and want to stray from the all inclusive options, we recommend: Near Cocobay: Sheer Rocks (at the resort, but completely separate from the meal options), The Nest (on Valley Church Beach), Dennis' (on Ffryes Beach), Jacqui O's. Around the island: Boom (in Nelsons Dockyard), Catherine's Café, Kon Tiki Bar (floating bar in Dickenson Bay, accessible via catamaran)