We have stayed at Esmeralda five times since 2007. Our only other experience (and preference) has been CO. Esmeralda is quiet and simple. The pools are a nice way to rinse or cool off after a day on the beach. As Beevly mentions, some of the pools are "out in the open" in that they are visible from the driveway. There are a few units behind Astrolabe that offer a bit more privacy. You do share the pool with the three other rooms in your unit, but our neighbors have either been super friendly or kept quietly to themselves. From a beach standpoint, it's about 200 steps from your unit to where Coco used to be, and then it's probably a 10-20 minute walk to Bikini or CO, depending on your preference. We are still working on our return in the spring, and it will probably be Esmeralda. I'm afraid I can't offer anything on Plantation. I hope that helps!