Couran Cove Island Resort

Should have checked the recent reviews. This section of the island is in strife with Electricity and Gas being switched off and the locals of the Cove living off generators or just leaving the island. It’s a sad situation for them. Most of the features listed in the booking ad were not in use. - No Cafe - No Watersports - No Fitness Centre - No Park - No Bowls - Only 1 place to eat with very limited choice - worse of all, the pool was not in use. We were told that the pool was out of order only 24 hours prior meaning there was no time to notify us. We were able to later find out from a local that the pool was out of use for a week and they believe it will not come back into use and that this was the beginning of the end. Many of the units there are up for sale and there are regular break ins caused by Drug issues. We tried to leave on the same day only to find out the 4.30pm Ferry was not on that day (Saturday) then left the next day. We just got our refund. The only restaurant shut at 7.30pm and we were in the room by 7.15pm counting down the hours to leave. Even though there seemed to be wifi, it wouldn’t connect. I asked one of the kitchen stuff about this and he said, “I thought there was never any wifi” The next morning the next morning the Ferry was an hour late. We noticed distress from another person who was going to miss a flight. This once beautiful resort is now a run down waste ground of what is used to be. It can’t have long left at this rate.

All the facilities were closed. Staff did not know much. It was so bad we asked Expedia to move us. Couldnt get food. Couldnt do anything as nothing was open. Walking tracks closed. It was awful

The resort was in a very dilapidated condition.

I honestly don’t really know where to start. Firstly, the facilities are abandoned. Not rundown, but abandoned. There were rusty spikes in the children’s playground. There was poo all over the pool (which the ducks loved using). In the first apartment we were in, there was black mould on lamps and the toilet didn’t work. We asked for a (paid) upgrade and the new place was better, until I discovered mould on one of the pull out mattresses. There was almost no food options. There was no communication from staff about availability of food or facilities. We had to wait twenty minutes for service at the bar (while watching a bartender stack wine glasses) to be told that what we wanted was unavailable. No fresh fruit on the island, and ludicrously expensive for what was there (think $4 for a single serve of weetbix). We left two days early. The receptionist didn’t care that we were leaving early, she just wanted to be rid of us. If you’re thinking about going, keep in mind that it isn’t just old fashioned facilities that are a bit aged. These facilities are like Pripyat on the goldy, or like what happens when millionaires discard their expensive assets but still allow foolish patrons to book thinking that ‘it couldn’t possibly be that bad’. It’s bad - trust me.

We liked that the property had great pool options for young and older guests. Main resort area and accomodation was wheelchair friendly however of three wheelchair toilets, only one was open. The room was clean and big, however no housekeeping and no wifi. Ferry driver Matt was nice and helpful. Rundown and unkempt facilities, only one place to dine for dinner with tiny & pricey menu with desserts listed but not available for the whole stay, broken hire equipment with long wait periods for some items, staff available were nice but VERY understaffed, long waits for takeaway lunch (30 minutes just in queue), no information or communication on how to hire equipment or extra activities - had to seek this out ourselves, no access to activities listed on website such as massage, buffet, spa and more.

Be prepared for this to be the most expensive crap hole you’ve stayed at. The resort is seriously falling apart around you - paths in disrepair, rotten wooden railings, rusty bikes, kayaks with holes. The cabin we stayed in the flames from the gas cook top kept going out so needed a watchful eye to make sure we didn’t get gassed out. Rust marks on the sheets. Water damaged floors. The photos do not match the reality. The meal prices are exorbitant for the quality you actually receive, the wait times for ordering meals and drinks can reach anywhere up to 30 minutes just to order and then 30-45 minutes for the food to arrive. They did not have any desserts listed on the menu, only ice creams ($5 for a paddle pop) Cans of soft drink are $5. Coffee lines in the morning were ridiculous, with only one staff member taking the orders and making the coffee. Be prepared and Take your own snacks and drinks - ignore the rule of not taking your own alcohol, they don’t seem to really care. We did have the experience of watching influencers the resort had hired for advertising opportunities, Take cash as they charge $1 every time you use eftpos. Don’t bother tipping. Service is not worth it.

Beautiful island staff were amazing and rooms are great

The area is beautiful, nice contact with nature , but the facilities are all run down, staff were rude and unhelpful , specially receptionist , amenities broken in the room, room dirty. This place has potential but needs to be looked after. No activities for kids. No transport offered to and from the room, no biggies to be rented out. Seu difficult to get around with kids .

I had read previous visitor reviews, so I was expecting facilities to be not maintained and aged. When I arrived I was pleassantly surprised. The resort offered a budget resort style experience that we loved. It was easy going and great for kids. Our one bedroom lagoon view apartment was a generous size and clean, although the kitchenette was very small and difficult to cook in due to the minimal benchspace for food prep. We didnt eat at the restaurants because we had been advised that vegetarian options were low so we brought all our food with us. The pool was fabulous! Kids loved it. And the bike hire allowed us to explore the island areas on sealed roads without cars or traffic. Overall, It felt like a relaxed, easy going holiday in a SE Asian resort back in the early 2000's - I loved it!!

Apartment was terrible dirty with dead cockroaches in the cutlery drawer and their feces all over the place. The dining table is in the balcony and was full of birds pup as well. The property and facilities are outdated and useless. The restaurant is short on offering and there’s only one working the others are closed permanently Going to the beach is an adventure as there’s no transportation or pram or wheelchair possible way to get there I can keep going…

The property is very unique, we had a wonderful stay. The staff were super friendly - especially Lorana - they had some great bars, stunning setting, lovely wildlife with friendly kangaroos and a relaxed atmoshere. Parts of the resort could do with a bit of love, but the great atmosphere made up for that. Some lovely bush walks as well.

we didnt get a. two beedroom villa as paid for

The cove is a pleasant relaxing venue with plenty of options for activities. Although needing some upgrades in places, it is a beautiful place to holiday in. I would go back again.

Did not like that you did not let us know that their was a ferry to catch then the ferry didn’t have enough seats to carry my family

Perfect place to escape from cities and blend with nature and wildlife. Relaxing and recharging experience. Highly Recommended!

Atmosphere is nice, the dinner is crap and they wouldn’t let me cancel without paying the full night 2 days before I was due to arrive. Second time I’ve been there, won’t be rushing back.

Peaceful beautiful scenic relaxing

Clean, spacious unit with amenities Lovely bike and kayak hiring service Good breakfast Great playing room with tennis table, pool table and PS5 Ok swimming pool, disappointed no spa Sport complex deserted even though huge potential for improvement All in all, we had a great time with kids, but suitable for a short weekend, not for long stay

Didn’t actually stay here due to us not being aware that you can only reach this place by boat (at your own cost) and that water taxis don’t run at night. There was also no safe place to leave your car.

Would have been absolutely amazing when it first opened. Loved being able to cycle anywhere, the staff were incredibly friendly and the amenities that were still open were great. The downside is the ferry/taxi cost in getting there if you don’t have your own boat and you’re basically stuck with what you brought (the convenience store is just a few shelves and mostly closed) or their menu. Will also have to remember to stay indoors at dusk next time as the mozzies were plague proportions - but we still want to go again :)