Hi all - Our spot of choice on Orient was Kakao Beach. We always brought our cooler for a few beers/wine/water/light snacks and then had lunch and specialty cocktails at their bar/restaurant. This was never a problem at Kakao where I know other beach bars/restaurants prohibit coolers. Does anyone know if coolers are still allowed at Kakao Beach?

Not sure about Kakao now but I've been to lots of beaches on the island over the years (including Kakao) and always bring a small soft-sided cooler and never had a problem. We don't bring food and always eat/have drinks at the beach bar where we're sitting. I think if one was to bring in a huge, brightly colored hard cooler it might be a problem but if one is discreet it should be ok.

For what it's worth, I went to La Playa on 10/16 and brought a cooler. The beach boy told me brining coolers was no long allowed.

Don't know if “allowed”, but brought a backpack cooler with Carib. Bought a bucket from them. Alternated drinking one of there’s then one of ours. Used our ice to keep em cold as there ice melted faster than you can drink em.

Between chair rentals and what we bought, they made more than nothing.