Tucked away from the tourist stampede of Station 1, Coco Rimas St. Vincent Resort feels like stumbling upon a secret hideaway that your Filipino tito (uncle) might have told you about in hushed tones. After watching countless resorts come and go on this little island paradise, this boutique property has quietly earned its stripes as one of Boracay’s best-kept secrets.
The Real Story Behind Coco Rimas
Located in the calmer Bulabog area, Coco Rimas sits where the wind patterns create perfect conditions for water sports enthusiasts, yet remains blissfully removed from the karaoke-fueled chaos of the main beach strips. The resort’s name itself tells a story – “Rimas” means “rhyme” in Filipino, and true to its name, everything here seems to flow in perfect harmony.
What sets this place apart isn’t just its location, but its commitment to that elusive balance between comfort and authenticity. The owners, a Filipino-foreign partnership, have managed to create something that feels both local and international without falling into the trap of being either too rustic or sterile.
What You’ll Actually Experience
The Accommodations
The rooms here won’t win any Instagram awards for over-the-top luxury, but they nail what matters most: comfort, cleanliness, and character. Each accommodation feels more like a well-appointed friend’s guest room than a cookie-cutter hotel space.
- Superior Rooms:Â Perfect for couples who want space to breathe without paying resort prices
- Family Suites:Â Ideal for those traveling with kids who need separate sleeping areas
- Garden Cottages:Â The local favorite – private, surrounded by tropical plants, with that authentic Boracay vibe
The Pool and Common Areas
The pool area serves as the resort’s social heart, where you’ll find yourself naturally striking up conversations with fellow travelers. It’s sized just right – big enough for proper swimming, small enough to maintain that intimate resort feeling. The surrounding deck gets the perfect afternoon sun, making it ideal for that post-beach relaxation session.
Location Advantages (And a Few Challenges)
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| 5-minute walk to Bulabog Beach (kitesurfing paradise) | 15-minute tricycle ride to White Beach |
| Quiet neighborhood, perfect for rest | Limited walking distance to restaurants |
| More affordable than beachfront options | Need transportation for nightlife areas |
| Authentic local atmosphere | Less English spoken in immediate area |
Insider Tips from a Local’s Perspective
Here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you about staying at Coco Rimas:
- Transportation hack:Â Ask the front desk to arrange a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) instead of a tricycle for beach trips – it’s faster and cheaper
- Food discovery:Â The small carinderia (local eatery) two blocks away serves the best longsilog (Filipino breakfast) on this side of the island
- Beach strategy: Use Coco Rimas as your Bulabog base for water sports, then head to White Beach for sunset – you get the best of both worlds
- Timing matters:Â The resort’s garden cottages get natural air conditioning from sea breezes in the late afternoon – perfect for siesta time
What Works Really Well
The staff here deserves special mention. They operate with that Filipino hospitality that feels genuine rather than scripted. Need a last-minute island hopping tour? They’ll connect you with their cousin who runs boats. Looking for the best local massage? They’ll send you to their neighbor who’s been practicing hilot (traditional Filipino massage) for decades.
The resort’s maintenance standards consistently impress. In a tropical climate where things deteriorate quickly, Coco Rimas keeps everything functioning smoothly. The Wi-Fi actually works, the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a dying helicopter, and the water pressure won’t leave you rinsing shampoo for ten minutes.
Areas for Improvement
No place is perfect, and Coco Rimas has its quirks. The breakfast offerings, while fresh, lean heavily toward Filipino preferences – great if you’re adventurous with food, potentially challenging if you’re expecting extensive Western options. The resort also tends to book up during peak seasons faster than you’d expect for a place that doesn’t advertise heavily, so spontaneous bookings can be tricky.
Some rooms face the road, and while Bulabog isn’t as busy as the main tourist areas, early morning jeepneys can wake light sleepers. Request a garden-facing room when booking.
Who Should Stay Here
Coco Rimas works best for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences over glossy resort amenities. It’s perfect for:
- Water sports enthusiasts who want easy Bulabog access
- Couples seeking a quieter Boracay experience
- Families who prefer space and local atmosphere over beachfront location
- Return visitors ready to explore beyond White Beach
- Budget-conscious travelers who won’t compromise on cleanliness and service
Common Questions
Can I walk to grocery stores and ATMs from the resort?
There’s a small sari-sari store within walking distance for basics, but for proper groceries and ATMs, you’ll need a short tricycle ride to the main road. The resort staff can point you to the nearest Palengke (market) for fresh fruits and local snacks.
Is the resort suitable for elderly guests or those with mobility issues?
The property is mostly single-level with minimal stairs, making it quite accessible. However, the path to some garden cottages involves uneven natural stone walkways that might be challenging for those with significant mobility concerns.
How reliable is the internet for remote work?
The Wi-Fi is surprisingly dependable for Boracay standards, especially in the main building and pool area. Some garden cottages have weaker signals, so mention if you need strong connectivity when booking.
What’s the policy on bringing local guests or friends to the resort?
The resort welcomes day visitors for a reasonable fee, especially for pool use. They’re quite accommodating about local friends joining for meals or hanging out, which reflects their community-oriented approach.
Coco Rimas St. Vincent Resort represents something increasingly rare in Boracay – a place that grows on you rather than overwhelming you at first glance. It’s where you’ll find yourself planning your return visit before you’ve even checked out, not because of flashy amenities, but because of how naturally it fits into the rhythm of island life. In a destination where authentic experiences are becoming precious commodities, this little resort reminds you why Boracay captured hearts in the first place.
