Royal Caribbean's adults-only beach at its private island offers an enclave for those seeking a kid-free beach day.
Hideaway Beach is an extra-cost section of Perfect Day at CocoCay that is available to guests who are at least 18-years-old and willing to pay the admission fee.
The area is more than just another beach without kids. It is a rather large expansion that includes some of the best features of a private island day experience in one spot.
If you're thinking of trying Hideaway Beach, here's what you can expect and if it's worth the extra cost.
Hideaway Beach overview
Hideaway Beach is an adults-only area located on the south side of CocoCay. It's accessible by complimentary tram service or by a short five minute walk.
Hideaway Beach has a capacity of around 1,800 guests and it's made up of three areas:
- Beach
- Infinity pool
- Cabanas
One thing that you will notice upon entering is how large the area is. The beach is cove shaped and runs the width of the entire section. It's certainly among the largest beaches you'll find at Royal Caribbean's private island.
There are chairs and umbrellas throughout the beach, and if you venture to the far end of the beach, there are even in-water palapas, hammocks, and swings.
The pool area includes a swim-up bar with DJ that plays party music throughout the day. Royal Caribbean wants this area to be fun and lively, and you'll find the party atmosphere in the pool throughout the day.
One key difference between the pool at Hideaway compared to Oasis Lagoon is this pool is heated.
There are day beds in the pool, which are available to whoever claims them first.
Admission to Hideaway Beach includes:
- Access to the beach and pool
- Complimentary in-water hammocks, resort-style loungers, and umbrellas
- Food from Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise
There are two types of cabanas you can rent for the day, which includes admission for up to six guests. The Hideaway cabanas are located closer to the pool, while the Hideout cabanas are more of a VIP cabana with private pool.
Hideout cabanas cost more, but offer more exclusivity.
What is the cost of Hideaway Beach?
Royal Caribbean charges an admission fee to enter with variable pricing depending on the ship and time of year you visit. You can expect to pay around $49 per person to enter, but prices could vary up to $20 in either direction. Your best bet is to pre-purchase admission before your cruise to avoid the venue selling out.
Prices for a cabana will vary just as much, but here is a general ballpark of pricing:
- Hideaway cabana: $899 - $1,699
- Hideout cabana: $1,899 - $2,699
To purchase a day pass or cabana, you can do so via Royal Caribbean's website before the cruise. While you could but it onboard the ship, the price will almost certainly be higher and there's a good chance it will sell out before the cruise even begins.
Remember that you can cancel and rebook prior to your cruise if the price drops.
Dining and food at Hideaway Beach
Admission to Hideaway Beach includes food at two complimentary restaurants.
Hideaway Hut is essentially a plussed version of the Snack Shack found elsewhere on CocoCay. Royal Caribbean took the base menu there, and added more options to provide added value.
In addition to the favorites from the Snack Shack, you'll find coconut shrimp basket, fish sandwich, and ceviche.
The other restaurant you can dine at is Slice of Paradise, which offers pizza and empanadas.
While there's pizza on your cruise ship, there's no pizza elsewhere on the island, so this is a new option.
There are a few varieties of pizza to try, and it's available by the slice. Fresh made empanadas are also available.
The food in Hideaway is very tasty and also very quick. I think the idea is being in Hideaway means enjoying a fun day in the beach and pool, and Royal Caribbean wants to enable guests to be able to get something to eat and return to the fun quicker.
If you have a cabana booked, food can be delivered to your cabana from the same restaurants you can walk to in Hideaway. Every cabana has a cabana attendant that visits your cabana regularly to bring food or drink you might want.
The food is included, but drinks cost extra. If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, your benefits work in Hideaway Beach and you'll be able to enjoy those benefits in the cabana too. Ditto for Diamond Drink vouchers.
Hideout cabanas can also enjoy bottle service.
Is Hideaway Beach worth it?
Hideaway Beach is much more than just another beach on Perfect Day at CocoCay that caters to just adults. It encapsulates arguably the best island experience to date.
At its heart, Hideaway Beach is about picking a place just for adults. While Royal Caribbean cruise ships are family-friendly ships, getting a break from the kids might be a nice change of pace for a segment of the population. I think there's other people that would prefer the amenities offered at Hideaway Beach regardless of the fact there's kids or not.
In spending the day at Hideaway Beach, it's clear that Royal Caribbean has cherry picked the best things from around Perfect Day and incorporated them into Hideaway. It has the infinity pool from Coco Beach Club, the DJ and swim-up bar from Oasis Lagoon, the Snack Shack, and of course a beautiful cove.
Speaking of the DJ, there's a lot of music in the Hideaway. You can expect a live band performing at On The Rocks bar, DJ music at the pool, and piped in music around the beach. If you're looking for a quiet beach day, the Coco Beach Club might be a better fit for you.
If a cabana is in your budget, they are a wonderful way to enhance your day. The added service, reserved seating, and shade provided is a nice upgrade.
The upgraded food choices is also a nice touch. While you wont confuse the food here to the Coco Beach Club, you're also paying significantly less.
As a parent of school-aged kids, an adults-only area was never high on my wish list. But I have to admit the amenities in Hideaway Beach are so compelling, I'm contemplating how I can take my wife and leave the kids with someone else because the experience is so fun.
I love the heated pool, swim-up bar, and beautiful beach cove. There's less seaweed at Hideaway than at other beaches too.
If there's one thing I don't care for that much, it's the DJ and the loud party music that is played throughout the day. Based on how many people were in the pool and dancing along to the music, I recognize this is a "me problem" and I'm probably in the minority. Nonetheless, I had a great time because of the upgraded nature of this area.
If you can book admission for under $50 per person, I think Hideaway Beach is worth booking. Royal Caribbean has hit a home run with combining some of their best ideas in one area. The fact it's adults-only is secondary, that's how good the area feels.
