Royal Caribbean is set to open its long-awaited adults-only beach, Hideaway Beach, on its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. This 8-acre oasis offers a variety of amenities, including sandy shores, lounge chairs, beach swings, hammocks, a pool with a swim-up bar, private cabanas, a sports bar, and a pizzeria. Guests will have to pay for day passes, which range from $39 to $89 per person. Compared to the more exclusive Coco Beach Club on the island, where the daily fee is around $200 per person, Hideaway Beach offers a more affordable option for adults looking to escape from kids.
Visitors can also purchase access to the even more exclusive Hideout on Hideaway Beach, which features additional cabanas and a heated infinity-style plunge pool. The Hideout offers a higher-end experience for those seeking a more luxurious and secluded beach experience.
During a preview cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas, I had the opportunity to visit Hideaway Beach. Although I couldn’t stay long due to traveling with my young daughter, I was able to tour the adults-only beach club area. Here are my first impressions of Hideaway Beach, along with some photos to give you a taste of what to expect on your next visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Hideaway Beach is located on a small bay and can accommodate close to 2,000 people. Despite being an adults-only beach, it is not meant to be an isolated and peaceful oasis. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley described it as a place to party, and a lively crowd is necessary to create that vibrant atmosphere.
The highlight of Hideaway Beach is the enormous lagoon-style pool that overlooks the central portion of the beach. Similar to the Oasis Lagoon, which is open to all guests on Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Hideaway Pool features a swim-up bar and a DJ booth. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing spot, you won’t find it here as the pool area tends to be loud and lively.
Complimentary lounge chairs can be found around the pool, but for a more exclusive experience, you can rent one of the 10 poolside cabanas. These cabanas come with private lounge chairs, an L-shaped couch, and a minifridge. Cabana attendants are available to bring you drinks, and you can easily request service by pushing a button.
The beach area at Hideaway Beach is situated in a bay protected from ocean waves by a rock wall. In addition to lounge chairs and umbrellas, guests can relax in hammocks both on the beach and in the water. It takes about five minutes to walk from the Perfect Day at CocoCay tram stop to Hideaway Beach, and along the way, you’ll find great spots for photos with your cruise ship in the background.
Hideaway Beach offers several dining venues and bars for guests to enjoy throughout the day. The Hideaway Bar is a swim-up bar accessed from the lagoon, while On the Rocks sports bar overlooks the beach and bay. Two smaller beach bars also provide refreshing drinks. Meals at Hideaway Beach’s dining venues are complimentary, and the menu at the Hideaway Hut differs from other CocoCay eateries, offering options like ceviche, coconut shrimp baskets, burgers, salads, and funnel cakes. Slice of Paradise is a pizzeria and bar serving various types of pizza and empanadas.
For guests seeking a more exclusive experience, The Hideout on Hideaway Beach is accessible only to those who rent a cabana. The cabanas at The Hideout are larger and front an undulating plunge pool with dedicated in-water loungers. This area is slightly more secluded and provides a quieter space away from the main pool party.
Whether it’s worth paying extra for access to Hideaway Beach depends on your preferences. If you value a more elevated lunch option, a guaranteed lack of children, and the convenience of accessing pool and beach options without moving your lounge chair, Hideaway Beach might be worth the additional cost. It may be more popular during peak cruising season when ships are at maximum capacity with many children on school break. However, during the offseason, when it’s easier to find a spot away from kids on Perfect Day at CocoCay, it may be less of a draw.
Overall, Royal Caribbean has created a fantastic party beach on its private island, providing plenty of space for everyone and allowing the cruise line to bring two megaships to port simultaneously. Hideaway Beach offers adults a fun and lively beach experience with various amenities and dining options. Whether you’re looking to relax in a cabana, enjoy a swim-up bar, or simply soak up the sun on the sandy shores, Hideaway Beach is a great addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay.