You don't have to pay top dollar to get a top class all inclusive resort on Antigua, and so you should check out the underrated Cocos Hotel

If an Antigua All Inclusive Resort is something you haven't tried before, and you like the idea of all inclusive, but are a little concerned about wearing plastic bangles, and being jollied along in a an activity camp like atmosphere, with everyone mucking in together, then you can rest assured that Cocos Hotel is absolutely nothing like that.

Cocos Hotel is a lovely Antigua all inclusive resort, very small and intimate with only 26 individual suites. It came about because a Caribbean Hotelier kept hearing guests complain that there wasn't a genuine old fashioned Caribbean style hotel to be found anywhere anymore, so he created one in Cocos Hotel.

This is a lovely beach front location with the hotel situated on a small hill between two beautiful half mile long white sand beaches. The suites sit on the hill cooled by the sea breezes and overlook the sea, the restaurant, and the pool.

The suites come as either Standard Cottages close to the beach, Superior Cottages which are further up the hill with better views, and Premium Cottages which are at the top of the hill wit the best sea views of all. They all have king size beds, outside showers, large balconies with uninterrupted views, and all have hammocks to give the ultimate in relaxation. There is no airconditioning because the sea breezes and the ceiling fans are more than enough.

All inclusive resort food can be less than outstanding, but this isn't the case at Cocos Hotel, where the European trained Chef produces contemporary international food with a strong Antigua Caribbean influence. You can expect to eat a lot of freshly caught fish, but great steaks for the carnivores as well, and Pasta for everyone.

Being a beach front vacation resort Cocos Hotel has the great luck to be on the Leeward side of the island so guest can swim in the warm sheltered turquoise pristine Caribbean Sea. One beach has a full range of water sports, the other is totally unspoilt for your pleasure. If you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling then one of Antigua's best reefs is a short boat ride away.

For the non beach lover, though quite what they are doing at Cocos Hotel, there is a nice infinity pool right on the beach. For the really idle your drink of choice will be brought right to your sunbed.

For the more active Cocos Hotel is close to Jolly Harbour where you can play tennis, squash, or golf. If you want to try restaurants or go shopping, then this is the nearest place.

Finally, what exactly does an all inclusive resort like Cocos Hotel mean? Well it comprises breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, soft drinks, water goes without saying. Then you will have poured house wine with your meals, and all the watersports you can think of.

Perhaps it is best to finish this article on this lovely Antigua all inclusive resort by quoting a few of the guest's comments, which vary from "Terrific Honeymoon Choice", to "The most perfect Relaxed Holiday", " Terrific Service and Very Good Food", and finally "Fantastic Setting". The satisfaction level at Cocos Hotel appears to be very high, so if you haven't tried an all inclusive resort, then Cocos Hotel could be a good place to start.