Everyone expects something different out of a vacation, and everyone has a different idea of what "Jamaica" is/should be like. I'm going to try to give my best fleshed-out review, but just overall I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed my time at Coyaba. It was relaxing, it was peaceful, and I really liked the small size of the resort. I will admit I had to grow into Coyaba; I had to spend a few days swimming in the warm Caribbean before I could unwind and appreciate the ins-and-outs of the hotel itself.

Now, before the details, a few words on Jamaica. I have been to Jamaica twice, and a very good friend of mine spent a few years on the island after college, so I already knew a lot about the culture. First, IT IS NOT DANGEROUS TO LEAVE YOUR RESORT. This seems to be a myth perpetuated by scared white people and/or the resorts themselves, who are glad to take your money and make sure you have a fine day confined to the hotel! You should act in Jamaica as you would when traveling anywhere else in the United States. No one would walk around some parts of NYC at nighttime--Jamaica is no different. It is perfectly safe to get on a bus or hire a private driver and go explore. Jamaica really, above all else, is about the people who inhabit the island, and to not experience any of that would be unfortunate. All you have to do is begin talking to a taxi driver, one of the hotel staff members, virtually anyone—and they will talk to you. And you can ask anything! (From "What is the true meaning of Rastafarianism?" to "What kind of fish do you catch here?"...people will enjoy talking with you.) Get out and go to Ocho Rios, Negril, etc...go see Dunn's River Falls or the Black River…get a Pattie (a crispy, meat-filled pastry-pocket treat). Jamaicans will hustle you to buy knick-knacks and stuff, but just be firm! They're only trying to sell their goods, you're just trying to have a good time. If those paths intersect, BARTER! You'd be surprised. And Jamaicans don't do anything they don't want to do, so if you offer a price that's too low for them, they'll be up front about it. Another thing about Jamaica: they really do run on a different time schedule. The only thing to do with this is be patient, roll with the punches and try not to get uptight about it. If you want American time, stay at the Ritz Carlton.

So, Coyaba: the food is excellent and the drinks are very good too. Even though their top shelf vodka is "Absolut", the drinks were very tasty. I will agree that both food and drinks are VERY expensive, so consider doing the all-inclusive plan. I believe the upgrade is $115USD, and trust me you will eat/drink at least $200/day in food and drinks easily. It adds up. The drinks are short and the ice melts quickly in Jamaica, so you find yourself going back for more often and the bill gets high. Try to Banana pancakes for sure for breakfast--fantastic! I do wish the continental had been a little more "meatier" (it felt like a Best Western complimentary breakfast instead of a $14 breakfast plate), but the fresh fruit was very nice to have in the mornings, especially the pineapple and papaya. The rooms are very clean, simple (in a Jamaican style), and the beds are comfy. The balconies outside the rooms are a nice place to enjoy breakfast/afternoon drinks, but beware: your "ocean view" room will likely have a palm tree in front of it, as the hotel is only three stories high. Still, it’s hard to go wrong at Coyaba.

This hotel is not for Spring Breakers, and not for hordes of young kids, either. This is for people who want to relax, not for people who expect a Club-Med situation. For Coyaba to work, you have to be easygoing, relaxed, and just happy to be there. The Watersport equipment is in decent shape, but there are not many options (beyond floating pads to lay on, snorkel masks/etc. and a couple of kayaks, in which you cannot go far (you may not leave the sight of the Watersport attendant).

The private beach is modest but very nice...the water is warm, beautiful little shells sweep the sand, and you never need to worry about getting up early to save a lounge chair to sit in (there are plenty of them, plus little tukles to sit under). Most people seem to spend their time by the pool, but I personally love swimming in the Caribbean.

I am in my 20s and had a great time, but I was with an older friend and so was not going for a "Spring Break" experience. I imagine the place is best for younger couples seeking a more quiet, relaxing vacation as well as older couples/groups. There were some young children there, but I don't actually think it’s the best place to bring kids. It's just a little too small and intimate for that kind of energy level.

A quick note about the airplane noise that everyone seems to care about: I did not think the planes flew out as often as every 15 minutes, and even when it did, there was no disruption. On the beach I heard the occasional siren, but nothing huge. I thought the close proximity to the airport was great...because trust me, traveling in Jamaica can be a long and bumpy road (literally). I thought it was fun, too, as I was leaving the island, to look out my window and see Coyaba from above as I flew away (perfectly, too!--how often does that happen?)

I'd go back for sure if I were traveling with a similar group of relaxed people. But if I had children/were looking for party central, I'd go elsewhere.

Finally, the staff is very amenable, and just to echo everyone's comments--the GM, Scott, is in fact wonderful! Everyone at Coyaba will treat you well.

Elegant, satisfying, relaxing. Try Coyaba.

My family and I have just returned from 5 wonderful days at Coyaba. This little gem of a resort exceeded our expectations in every way. The rooms are lovely, spacious and well appointed. While the property is small , only 52 rooms, the facilities are well maintained and even though the resort was completely sold out the week we were there, it never felt crowded. There were plently of comfortable places to lounge both poolside and on the beach. The staff, to the person, was friendly and always helpful. The food was consistantly good and varied. We ate every meal there. If you need lots of action and activities this is not the place for you but if you are looking for relaxation and peace and quiet you would be hard pressed to find a better spot. It also happens to be a great value. All and all, Coyaba has it's act together.

We just got back from a wonderful week at Coyaba. The view from our room was extraordinary and we were only steps from the beach, right off of our first floor lanai. Everything is kept immaculately....from the rooms to the pool to the public areas to the beach which is raked regularly throughout the day. We took an interesting private tour with one of the Coyaba drivers and saw the real Jamaica. However, we really enjoyed Coyaba so much that we didn't go out much otherwise. It is a great place to gel out, read, snorkel down by the pier in the early morning, relax in the hot tub, and try their three restaurants. They vary their entertainment and special nights so a week does not get boring.

We loved the staff. Everybody was friendly, including the General Manager, Scott.

I agree with others who have said that food and drinks were expensive and service tended to be slow overall. But we kept reminding ourselves we were on vacation and didn't have anywhere to go anyway. Only one other negative. We had asked for a suite and ended up paying suite price for a deluxe room with a sofa and table put on the lanai. To be fair, we had asked to be on the first floor and near the beach with a view, and I believe they may have been trying to meet our other requests by setting it up this way....but I would have appreciated being brought in on the decision. Scott contacted us when I put this on our comment card and offered several options for compensation when we returned...which was very nice.....and we are likely to do so. We really enjoyed this relaxing place!

I stayed here for a couple of nights in mid March. Upon arrival I found the place to be immaculately presented with friendly and attentive staff.

My room on the top floor of three was spacious with all modern conveniences and a vaulted wooden ceiling. Upon entering the room the first thing I noticed was the unusual aroma. Not foul but slightly strange. First impressions were of a luxurious room immaculately clean with plenty of shiny marble in the bathroom.

My initial impression was slightly dampened when I found two large dead cockroaches, one behind the toilet and the other inside the fridge cabinet. The maid really shouldn't have missed these.

Later during the first evening I discovered a few other negative points. Firstly the a/c stopped working and my room turned rapidly into a sauna. I contacted reception and within minutes a member of staff rectified the problem by resetting the trip switch.

Secondly, I discovered that the sound insulation was poor and very early in the morning I was awoken by the traffic noise from trucks, cars and sirens from emergency vehicles thundering past on the busy highway no more than 50 yards from my room. To add to this, the hotel is situated approximately one mile from the end of the runway at the airport and on my second morning I was awoken at 5.00am by an aircraft roaring past on take off.

There is constant air traffic during the day, on average one take off every fifteen minutes but this does not really bother me but is worth pointing out to those of a less tolerant disposition.

The restaurants were good with well presented food although the service was slow. Breakfast which was full service took about an hour. Staff seemed to be rushing about and would for example bring coffee but forget the milk. Personally I think self service would be more efficient but not in keeping with the personal service this small hotel strives to provide.

Having spent the previous 11 days at the Hilton in Kingston it was also noticable how expensive the food and drink was and Hiltons are not renowned for being inexpensive. For example a local rum and coke was $8.00. One thing I relly despise is being ripped off in hotel bars. I bought a whole bottle of the same rum for $20.00.

Outside, the grounds were beautifully manicured and the pool area small but very smart with a lovely hot tub. The decked bar area overlooking the sea was also very pleasant.

The small white sandy beach was also lovely and regularly raked clean of sea weed by staff. Sea was warm and clear and perfect for bathing.

Special mention must go to the watersports guy who was very helpful and provided an informative boat trip to the reef for snorkelling where the sea life was fantastic.

All in all a very nice place. It is however small and very quiet in terms of activities and entertainment available and would be wholly unsuitable to families with teenage kids. they would be bored within minutes. Much better suited to couples and families with small children in my opinion.

I would have liked to have been more positive about this place because it really is very good but the several negatives I experienced do need to be mentioned and unfortunately cause it to be marked down a little.