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If you’re the kind of cruiser who seeks out peaceful retreats away from the crowds, the main bars and pool areas of Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, may not be your ideal island hangouts.
That’s certainly the case for me. I love to cruise to The Bahamas, but will hike far down a beach trail if it promises a hidden oasis at the end. My favorite vacation days tend to be the ones where I wander off the beaten path rather than stay in the middle of the action.
That’s why I’m excited to check out Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to CocoCay on my next visit to the island this fall.
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The Secret Garden Bar is a new destination for serenity seekers on CocoCay
On July 20, Royal Caribbean revealed The Secret Garden Bar, a brand-new space that just opened on CocoCay, with a social media video that shows passengers exactly how to get to it from the pier.
As the name implies, The Secret Garden Bar is a hidden spot that requires some extra effort to reach, but it looks worth it for anyone needing a break from the high-energy atmosphere of other island areas.
Here’s how to get to it from the Arrivals Plaza:
- Follow the main path past Captain Jack’s
- Take a left at Up Up and Away
- Follow the trail to South Beach
- Keep following the trail until to see the entrance for The Secret Garden Bar
South Beach is about a 12-minute walk from the Arrivals Plaza, so you can expect a similar travel time to get to The Secret Garden Bar.
What to expect at CocoCay’s Secret Garden Bar
Royal Caribbean describes The Secret Garden Bar as a tropical oasis hidden in the middle of the island. Tucked in the trees you’ll find a small garden surrounded by a wooden walkway dotted with cozy reading nooks and pairs of umbrella-shaded chairs. A small tiki bar sits in the middle of it all at the back of the garden.
Visitors can enjoy the new space at no extra charge, and beverage packages can be used at the bar, which serves a menu of classic Perfect Day at CocoCay drinks.
The Secret Garden Bar is even hidden close to CocoCay’s most secluded beach — Cove Beach. This newer beach area is located just past South Beach, making it easy for visitors to hop between the bar and the island’s quietest beach.
Related: A deep dive into Royal Caribbean and Carnival's private islands
Spending a day at Cove Beach and The Secret Garden Bar offers an appealing alternative to paying extra to access CocoCay’s adults-only retreat, Hideaway Beach.
If you’re looking for an upgraded experience, Hideaway Beach is worth the price, according to TravelHost’s Come Cruise With Me Editor in Chief Dan Kline, who visits the island often.
But Kline says booking a CocoCay add-on isn’t necessary to ensure a perfect day.
“You don’t need to spend extra money at CocoCay to have a good time. The free options are more than enough,” he advises.
With the recent additions of Cove Beach and The Secret Garden Bar, that’s even more true in 2026.
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