Royal Caribbean is set to open its highly anticipated adults-only beach, Hideaway Beach, on its private island Perfect Day at CocoCay next week. This 8-acre oasis offers a range of amenities designed exclusively for guests aged 18 and older, providing a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of family-friendly areas on the island.
Hideaway Beach boasts beautiful sandy shores, comfortable lounge chairs, beach swings, and hammocks, allowing guests to unwind and soak up the sun in a serene environment. The centerpiece of the beach is a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar, where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and socialize with fellow vacationers. For those seeking a more private experience, there are 10 poolside cabanas available for rent, providing exclusive access to a secluded area of the beach.
In addition to the pool and beach amenities, Hideaway Beach offers a sports bar and a pizzeria, ensuring guests have access to delicious food and drinks throughout the day. Day passes for Hideaway Beach range from $39 to $89 per person, offering a more affordable option compared to the upscale Coco Beach Club on the other side of the island, which charges a daily fee of approximately $200 per person.
For guests looking for an even more exclusive experience, Hideout on Hideaway Beach is available for purchase. This premium area features 10 additional cabanas and a heated infinity-style plunge pool, providing a higher-end experience for those seeking ultimate luxury and privacy.
I had the opportunity to visit Hideaway Beach during a preview cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas. Although I couldn’t stay long due to traveling with my young daughter, I was able to explore the adults-only beach club area and share my first impressions.
During my visit, Hideaway Beach was bustling with activity, despite being the only ship docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The beach has a capacity of nearly 2,000 people, ensuring a lively atmosphere for guests. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley emphasized that Hideaway Beach is meant to be a place to party, and a lively crowd is essential to creating that vibrant vibe.
The highlight of the beach is the enormous lagoon-style pool, which overlooks the central portion of the beach. Similar to the Oasis Lagoon on Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Hideaway Pool features a swim-up bar and a DJ booth, creating a lively and energetic ambiance. Complimentary lounge chairs are available by the pool, but for a more exclusive experience, guests can rent one of the 10 poolside cabanas, which come equipped with private lounge chairs, an L-shaped couch, and a minifridge. Cabana attendants are also available to provide drink service at the push of a button.
The beach area itself is located in a small bay, sheltered from the ocean waves by a rock wall. In addition to the complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, guests can relax in beach hammocks and even in the water. The beach is easily accessible from the Perfect Day at CocoCay tram stop, and along the way, there are picturesque spots for taking photos with the ship in the background.
Hideaway Beach offers several dining venues and bars, ensuring guests have access to food and drinks throughout their visit. The central Hideaway Bar is a swim-up bar accessible from the lagoon, as well as a regular open-air bar on land. On the other end of the beach, overlooking the bay, is On the Rocks sports bar, which offers comfortable seating and table games for entertainment. Two smaller beach bars also serve refreshing drinks to guests.
Dining at Hideaway Beach is complimentary, with two main dining venues available. The Hideaway Hut is the primary dining venue, where guests can order a variety of dishes such as ceviche, coconut shrimp baskets, burgers, salads, and funnel cakes. The menu differs from the other dining options on CocoCay, offering a unique culinary experience. Slice of Paradise, located near The Hideout, is a pizzeria and bar serving three types of pizza and empanadas. Guests can enjoy their meal while overlooking the waves.
Speaking of The Hideout, this exclusive area is accessible only to guests who rent a cabana. The Hideout features larger cabanas and an undulating plunge pool, offering a more secluded and intimate experience. Packages for The Hideout, including cabana rental and day passes for the entire party, range from $1,699 to $2,699.
Overall, Hideaway Beach provides a vibrant party atmosphere for adults looking to relax and enjoy their vacation. It reminded me of the Bimini Beach Club, accessible to cruisers on other lines that stop at the island, such as Virgin Voyages and Carnival Cruise Line. The beach offers a combination of beach, pool, and dining options, creating an all-day destination for guests. Whether it’s worth paying extra for access to Hideaway Beach depends on personal preferences, such as the desire for a more elevated lunch option, a child-free environment, and the convenience of accessing pool and beach amenities without moving from your lounge chair.
Hideaway Beach is likely to be more popular during peak cruising seasons when ships are at maximum capacity and thousands of children are on school break. However, during the offseason, when it’s easier to find a spot on Perfect Day at CocoCay away from kids, it may be less crowded. Regardless, Royal Caribbean has successfully created a fantastic party beach on its private island, accommodating two megaships at the same time and providing plenty of room for everyone to enjoy their vacation.
In conclusion, Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay offers adults a fun and lively beach experience, with a range of amenities and dining options to cater to their needs. Whether guests choose to relax by the pool, unwind in a cabana, or indulge in delicious food and drinks, Hideaway Beach ensures a memorable and enjoyable vacation for all.