Cobalt Coast Grand Cayman Resort

Built in 2000, Cobalt Coast Resort and Suites is the opposite of a chain hotel. A small to midsize property, the resort has a quiet guesthouse atmosphere and lends itself to relaxation after a day of diving. The staff and the owner of the resort, who lives on-site, are warm and accommodating. They are very involved in day-to-day operations and assisting with guest needs.

The resort has an open-air lobby, which leads into a picturesque restaurant and pool area that overlooks the ocean. Although the restaurant has a small indoor area, most tables are set up outside by the pool, where diners can enjoy the spectacular view and gorgeous sunsets. A popular bar area rounds out the common space.

Cobalt Coast is an ideal resort for divers of all ages and abilities, and guests comprise a good mix of families, couples, and singles. Travelers looking for a place to relax and get away would also do well here due to the resort’s remote location and quiet, friendly atmosphere.

Cobalt Coast is located in West Bay, a quiet, residential neighborhood of small winding streets north of touristy Seven Mile Beach. The location is great for diving –- the on-site dive shop runs excursions directly off the resort’s own dock.

However, the location is remote and the resort is removed from restaurants, shopping, bars, and other entertainment. About five miles from Seven Mile Beach and nine miles from the airport, the resort is accessible by taxi or public bus. The resort doesn’t offer a free shuttle into town and taxis on the island can get very expensive.

Cobalt Coast offers a variety of room options, including One-Bedroom Suites, Hotel Rooms, a Penthouse, and one- or two-bedroom Garden Cottages located across the street. The Oceanfront Rooms offer beautiful views of the pool and beach. All units have a safe, sink, table and chairs, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and Brita water pitcher.

The rooms are decorated in bright Caribbean colors, although the decor is a bit dated. Expect tile floors, light wood furniture, and bedspreads decorated with colorful striped squares. The bathrooms are large and clean, but not modern.

The suites are spacious with a separate living area comprising a queen sleeper couch, table and chairs, flat-screen TV, and small kitchen area. The kitchen does not contain plates or utensils, which would be useful. The bedrooms are very basic, with a bed, dresser, two nightstands, and a TV.

The Hotel Rooms are decorated in the same manner, and although they do not contain a separate living room, they have a small kitchen area as well as a table and chairs.

The Garden Cottages come with a fully equipped kitchen and access to laundry facilities.

Cobalt Coast also offers a luxurious 700-square-foot Penthouse located on the top floor of the resort overlooking the pool and ocean. The suite has a walk-in closet, a small balcony, two TVs, a large bathroom with double sinks, and a dual living room/bedroom separated by a half wall.

Diving is the true highlight of this resort and Cobalt Coast caters to beginner divers, those who would like to get certified, and folks who have dived for years. The property has an on-site dive shop, Reef Divers, which offers both boat trips and shore dives.

The resort offers multiple dive packages. All dive packages include unlimited shore diving at two locations: Cobalt Ridge (house reef) and Lighthouse Point (a-mile-and-a-half south of Cobalt Coast). The dive packages offered through the resort can be customized to include airport transfers, meals (see the all-inclusive option below), or just breakfast. Gear rental, Nitrox, guided night dives, and the Stingray City dive are not included in the packages.

There is no fitness center but with all the focus on diving, guests may feel that this is not needed.

There is no business center, and although the resort offers free Wi-Fi, the connection can be finicky.

The resort has a beautiful pool, restaurant, and bar area that overlooks the ocean. It is a popular location for guests to hang out at the end of the day or have drinks in the evening.

Cobalt Coast offers an all-inclusive option that includes unlimited diving, drinks (up to five per day), and meals. The package can be customized for non-divers, providing just accommodation and food at a lower cost.

There is only one eatery on-site, Duppies Restaurant and Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the food is very good, the fact that there is only one dining option may be too limited for some guests. However, the resort’s remote location in West Bay means that it is removed from other restaurants and bars, so the all-inclusive package may be the most convenient option for divers. Food is very expensive in Grand Cayman, and between meal costs at individual restaurants as well as transportation to those restaurants, the all-inclusive option also may be more cost-effective. The bar area, in the open lobby and overlooking the pool, is popular at night.

The beach at Cobalt Coast is picturesque with clear water, two groups of lounge chairs, and a small strip of sand. However, the beach is rocky and not ideal for swimming. The resort suggests swimming off of its dock, which extends into about five feet of water. The water off the dock can be choppy. For guests looking for a nicer swimming experience, hotels along the Seven Mile Beach area are a better bet, such as Villas of the Galleon, the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, or Sunshine Suites.