Stories and facts
While Ghana attracts numerous visitors each year, they often find themselves overwhelmed by the chaotic traffic, bustling markets, crowded tro-tros, and spicy cuisine. However, since its establishment in December 1994, Coconut Grove Beach Resort has been a haven for those looking to escape all that and indulge in some Western comforts.
Over the past eighteen years, the resort has continuously worked to surpass its already fantastic reputation, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied. Though officially rated as a 3-star hotel, once you've experienced Ghana's other accommodations, Coconut Grove Beach Resort will seem more like a luxurious 5-star escape. Some guidebooks even claim that you won't believe you're still in Ghana! Their motto, "memories worth repeating," truly rings true.
The sprawling resort spans 65 acres, most of which is meticulously maintained tropical gardens. A private and pristine beach offers a safe and hassle-free environment for relaxation. It showcases Ghana's beautiful coastline at its finest, with the soothing sound of the waves ever-present. For those who prefer freshwater swimming, a lovely pool situated near the shore beckons with comfortable sun loungers, where attentive waiters ensure your comfort with drink service at your side.
For budget-conscious visitors, day passes grant access to the swimming pool and beach facilities. However, if possible, I highly recommend staying in one of the resort's well-appointed rooms for the night. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a mini-bar, satellite television, Wi-Fi, and hot and cold water. The availability of a hot shower is a simple luxury that many Western travellers appreciate, particularly given the challenge of adjusting to cold showers upon arriving in Ghana.
The Ocean View restaurant takes pride in serving the region's finest fresh seafood, along with a diverse selection of local and continental dishes, allowing guests to savour tastes from home. A recommended favourite, especially for English guests, is the grouper fish and chips, an absolutely divine dish! The well-stocked bar boasts a variety of imported brands at reasonable prices, alongside popular local beers. Tourists favour the Ocean View restaurant for its efficient service, as it maintains a pace that aligns with Western expectations.
Recognizing the limited exercise options in Ghana, Coconut Grove Beach Resort offers an array of recreational activities to keep guests active and engaged. Amenities include two tennis courts, a basketball court, a gym, a meticulously tended 18-hole recreational golf course, and the rare opportunity for horse riding. Horse riding, in particular, is a unique and cherished activity among Western visitors, with eight gentle horses available for beachside rides, offering a delightful escape from the stresses of volunteering or travelling.
In addition to these activities, the resort offers opportunities for birdwatching and the chance to observe various animals kept on the grounds, including a crocodile pond within the golf course, rabbits, and chickens.
While Coconut Grove Beach Resort provides guests with a sense of Western-style luxury, it retains its Ghanaian charm through the warmth and friendliness of its staff—a characteristic that all visitors come to cherish during their time in Ghana. Its reputation for exceptional service has attracted prominent guests, including the Crown Prince of Holland, the Secretary General of the U.N., Will Smith, and ministers of state from neighbouring countries.
For those who wish to explore beyond the resort's boundaries, a short taxi ride takes you to Elmina's town centre, where a variety of tourist activities await. Among them, the must-see attraction is Elmina Castle, the oldest European building south of the Sahara. With its fascinating history, the castle makes for an enriching visit.
If you find yourself in need of home comforts and simple luxuries after volunteering or travelling around Ghana, make Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Elmina your next destination. Here, you can escape the tro-tros, the constant beeping horns, and the banku dishes, and enjoy Ghana in a delightful western-style oasis.
