Coco Grove Beach Resort

This Spanish-inspired resort was my favorite stop on the trip. It has an island feel, great service, and a different look from the usual hotels. The rooms are large and basic but comfortable, and the food and drinks were great. It’s right on the beach, with an ocean sanctuary out front. They offer free bicycles and cheap motorbike hire. We took a bike around the island and had so much fun :) There’s a fire show and band twice a week, plus tours every day. I’ll be back.

The location beside the beach was my favorite part, and the massage was EXTREMELY GOOD, so great work from the spa ladies! The resort itself needs a major upgrade. We stayed four nights for our honeymoon, but the rooms and furniture were old, and the pool area was full of hair, leaves, and bugs. Our room was never properly clean. There was always hair in a corner, and on the last night we found tiny bugs on the bed. Towels weren’t changed on the final day either. Breakfast and the rest of the food were adequate, nothing special. The staff seemed to be trying, but weren’t close to the professionals we met at other resorts. WiFi didn’t work everywhere.

The trip was comfortable, reasonably priced, and very well organized from the moment I arrived. I tried their snorkeling trip as a transfer from Apo Island directly to Siquijor. They arranged a shuttle from the port and even took me to my hostel in Siquijor, which they didn’t have to do. That extra effort really stood out. The staff were friendly and helpful, especially Sheri. I’d recommend their service to anyone traveling between Siquijor and Apo Island.

The spa was one of my trip highlights. The staff there were really nice and accommodating, and chatted with us while we waited to be called. I also liked the quiet, peaceful feel of Coco Grove, its theme throughout the resort, and direct access to the beach. Lounging by the pool or on the beach chairs with a cocktail was a great part of the day. Breakfast is free and really good, though some items on the regular menu were just okay, nothing special. There are plenty of good food spots outside at similar prices. The hotel is far from other restaurants, so having your own motorcycle is convenient because tuktuk fares are hella expensive. You can rent a motorcycle directly from them when you arrive. Staff were friendly during our stay, which we’d worried about after seeing local reviews online, though there were a few times we felt they served foreigners first even when we’d arrived at the restaurant earlier. The hotel is old but still beautiful, and some facilities show wear and tear. My main personal downside was the funny (👻) visitors at night. I was a bit unsettled because we wanted to rest and were surprised by random sightings and activities. If that doesn’t bother you, Coco Grove is still a solid choice. They also offer a free shuttle to the port when you’re leaving, which is a plus.