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The resort's water features delight both kids and adults. Forget about the somewhat confusing names for the different elements; just know that the water park consists of three elements, all on the Splash side of the property. Two you can't miss: the lazy river and the slides. Grab an inner tube and float along the 3-foot-deep lazy river. Twist down a high slide or glide down a short one into a shallow pool. Inside CocoLand, the children's camp, kids romp through a water playscape with a mushroom fountain, spray guns, jets and bucket dumps. Typically, counselors turn on the water elements for an hour at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Even if your children aren't signed up for the Kidz Klub, you and they are welcome to splash around -- just bring towels.
Coconut Bay claims that CocoLand, the children's facility for infants and kids 2 through 12 -- broken down into age group to keep little ones together and bigger ones doing their own fun activities -- devotes the most space to kids of any family-friendly resort on the island. Counselors greet kids in the air-conditioned main room, colorful with its rainbow-striped couches, and red kid-size tables. As a welcome gift for signing up, children receive a canvas bag, water bottle, T-shirt and cap.
At the outdoor yet roofed art area, children paint coconuts, decorate items with glitter and create crafts. Along the adjoining, wide corridor, also roofed but open, toddlers pedal bikes and scooters. Lunch with the group is optional Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, kids dine with parents. In general, CocoLand offers supervised activities from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m., depending on the day.
At the separate, air-conditioned nursery with porta-cribs and couches, counselors take care of infants up to 23 months from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, with breaks at mealtime. There's no extra charge for scheduled infant care as at some other all-inclusive resorts. The water playscape anchors a wide grassy play area featuring swings, climbing equipment, a sand pit and a mini zip line.
In addition to the water features, the resort has three pools plus a kiddie pool. The family pool has a zero entry, great for tots. There are no lifeguards, although pool attendants are certified in CPR.
Even though Coconut Bay fronts the Atlantic Ocean, typically rougher than the Caribbean Sea, the boulders that the resort placed offshore of the family beach serves as a breakwater, mitigating the waves. The beach's gradual slope means that the ocean remains relatively shallow (about 3.5 feet deep) for a good distance. While not lined with shells or rocks, the ocean in front of the resort does have a good deal of sea grass. The turtles like it and in season, some do come ashore to lay eggs).
If you can get your kids off the beach and out of the water park, they may be interested in playing tennis, soccer or basketball. Ages eight and older can sample kite surfing (lessons cost extra). Those 12 and older can battle it out on the paintball field (mention Family Vacation Critic and get a free session).
The Teens Club for ages 13 and older features foosball, billiards, videos and couches for lounging. When the number of teens in the house spikes, the club may have a facilitator to help get teens to meet and mingle. When at least five teens sign up for off-property tours, they can go kayaking, horseback riding and take island tours (for an additional fee).
Like many all-inclusives, Coconut Bay hosts theme nights. Listen to jazz and learn salsa dancing; toe-tap and Texas Two Step on Country and Western Night; and sway to steel band rhythms and join in an island limbo dance on Caribbean Night.
The resort books many excursions, including jeep, bicycle and hiking tours, plus day trips to the island's volcano, billed as the "world's only drive-in volcano," since you drive into the collapsed caldera. At the Botanical Gardens, stroll through the garden, lush with palm trees and ferns and blooming with heliconia, lilies, ginger and many other flowers.
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