TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Tell me about Coco Maya

I've heard a lot of great things about Coco Maya and I'm thinking I'd like to take my wife and our guests (another couple) there on our charter this summer. I'd like to make this a swanky/romantic evening for the two couples and this seems like it would fit the bill.

Will it?

I read a couple of reviews on Trip Advisor (or somewhere) and while most of them were very positive, a few mentioned loud music and scampering kids. Nothing against either of those per se but not looking for that in this instance.

Do I need to book the "private" stuff to ensure we have a secluded/special experience? I can't quite tell from the website but it sounds like there might be different tiers of service reservations.

My tentative plan is to go to the Baths early in the day and then head to Leverick so we are there by early afternoon. I think I can just call for a taxi to the restaurant right? Do I arrange for them to then bring us back or do I just call another from the restaurant when we are done? What time should I shoot for to get the sunset experience?

Thanks!

Went there two nights ago with my niece and her husband - both in their thirties, and thus unlike your humble author (a dinosaur), they are accustomed to louder music. I love the food there, but for noise abatement, the trick is to get a table in section DR 5 or LD 5.

DR 5 is the table farthest away from the bar (where the music really cranks a bit too much for me); the latter I believe stands for "Lower Deck" and is about 4 feet below DR 5 and closer to the water - but again, like DR 5, is as far away from the hustle & bustle as one can get unless you're going to eat in the parking lot. Those sitting on one side of either of those tables can see the sunset if that's your wish. I did see the private dining room (requires a spend of $150 per person), but it's close to the bar and not separated by solid walls, so you'll get some noise.

As for calling a taxi, I'd recommend you set it up in advance, even with a "ballpark" time. I know William Penn, a/k/a "Sweet Ice Willy," and he's passionate about customer service; he has been patronized by a number of my villa guests, and all are very positive about him. (284) 544-8073. Hope this helps. MAF

It falls somewhere between romantic vibe and beach bar! With it's twinkling lights, nice decor and setting it appears romantic but yes, there are still kids that run around playing giant Jenga and the music can be loud. We always rent the deck dining spot because it puts us right over the water and a little removed but that doesn't get you any further away from the general vibe or music. To get fully removed, you would need to inquire about their fully private beach dining. I am not sure the level of music (the DJ can be quite loud) on the beach. Ask to go as far away as possible. However, keep in mind that no matter where you sit, this is tapas dining and you will be constantly getting plates of food. So if you don't want to be interrupted alot during dinner you may choose elsewhere.

We loved the upstairs bar at Saba when it first opened. Now the DJ cranks themusic so loud you have to scream to order a drink. Everyone wanted out last trip after 15 minutes. We fled to BEYC for a peaceful dinner.

Thanks everyone.

Do any of these situations (loud music and kids) change in the summer months? I'm going early June so maybe less people? Does the DJ play every night?

Is there anywhere else you would recommend? I could do this somewhere else. I'll have to try and find it but I saw some video of folks dining in a nice looking place high above and overlooking Cane Garden Bay.

IMHO, it's hard to beat Upstairs at Leverick for food, drinks, service and atmosphere.

Brandywine Estate may be an option. Nice, upscale. The CGB overlook you referred to is Bananakeet - nice view but it may not be as high end as you like. Leverick is reliably good but I honestly do not find it to be fantastic (sorry Skip). Sugarmill is wonderful but you would have to take a taxi from CGB.

Nothing beats Coco Maya for a sunset dinner. You can reserve the "Stage" for a small fee.

Agree with XRayMan on Leverick-always our favorite for food.
Brandywine on Tortola is another good suggestion.

If you want to have a place to yourselves check out the Bistro at Blunder Bay. We are almost always the only ones there. I am not sure I would call it the most romantic place but the views are great and if private is what you are after it fits the bill. Food has always been good and they aim to please.

Check out little Dix Bay as well.

Or you could go in a different direction and hire a private chef.

Indigo House on CGB..always great.

You can’t see CGB from Bannakeet. Definitely overlooks Carrot Bay and Apple Bay though.

We ate at Coco Maya twice in February as well as at least once during every prior trip to VG.

I dislike loud music so made a point to avoid DJ nights.

There were kids there both nights but they were not overyly distracting.

You already got good location advice.

FYI - their Coco Moon cocktail might be the best cocktail I had in my life. It still haunts my dreams.

You cannot see CGB from Bananakeet/Heritage Inn. The view is pretty much due west looking out over JVD. The hill is between you and CGB. Incredible spot to catch the sunset though.

Thanks for this info. Sounds like Saba has really changed since the reopen? It was never a particularly quiet place, per se, but I thought it felt upscale. I'm sure the prices are still upscale, but sounds like it's become more of a party venue?

Saba is fine if you stay downstairs. Upstairs would be fine if they dropped the decibels in half.

Bananakeet overlooks Carrot Bay but is still super lovely.

What we said.