Villa Kokos is not inside a resort. It stands in a real village on the north-east coast, fifty metres from the beach, with families living on either side. That is the best thing about it, and it asks a little more of you than a hotel would. Here is everything we would tell you over the phone.
A local SIM makes everything easier. Ask the team and they will get you a Tigo or Vodacom card with credit — it is the difference between full signal and none.
The sun here is closer to vertical than you are used to. Stay in the shade between half past twelve and three, and start the week on a high factor before dropping it.
The villa runs on a 35 kW generator and a 20,000 litre tank, so nothing ever stops. Even so, water is scarce on the island: use the air conditioning and the taps as if they were.
The house sits among family homes, and the village is Muslim. Swimwear belongs at the pool and on the beach — a shirt and shorts are enough anywhere else.
The reef comes close at low tide and sea urchins sit in it. A pair of rubber shoes costs nothing and saves an afternoon.
Buying from the sellers on the beach is part of the day. Agree the whole lot first and settle up once at the end, rather than paying piece by piece.
The team handles reservations, special requests and anything you would like arranged on the island before you arrive.
