COCONUT GROVE BEACH RESORT

by April Shacklock.

Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Elmina is the perfect place for western travellers or volunteers who are looking to escape the hustle of Ghana for a while and surround themselves in luxury.

Whilst Ghana attracts thousands of volunteers and travellers every year, they can become overwhelmed and tired of the crazy traffic, bustling markets, crowded tro-tros and spicy food.  Coconut Grove Beach Resort which opened in December 1994, is the perfect place to get away from all of this for a while and satisfy some of your western urges.

Since the resort opened eighteen years ago they have strived to exceed their fantastic reputation to ensure no visitor leaves disappointed. The hotel is rated 3 star, but after travelling around Ghana it will certainly seem like 5 star! In fact the guide books say you won’t even recognise you are still in Ghana! Their motto is, ‘memories worth repeating’, and I can assure you that it is true.

The resort covers 65 acres, most of which is beautifully kept tropical gardens. There is also a private beach which is clean and safe, allowing guests to relax without being hassled. Ghana has a beautiful coast line and this really is a place to see it at its best. Wherever you are in Coconut Grove Beach Resort you can always hear the soothing sound of the waves. For those who do not want to swim in the sea, there is a lovely fresh water swimming pool situated close to the shore which is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers so you can make the most of the African sun in comfort. There isn’t even any need to move off your sun lounger if you would like a drink as the waiter will bring it to you!

If you are on a budget, the swimming pool and beach facilities can be used just for the day for a fee. However, if you can, I recommend you stay in one of their rooms for the night. All rooms come with air conditioning, a mini bar, satellite television, wifi and hot and cold water. It is the simple facility of a hot shower that gets many western travellers excited, as cold showers are one of the hardest things to get used to when they arrive in Ghana.

The Ocean View restaurant is proud to serve the best fresh seafood in the region as well as a range of other local and continental options, so travellers can get a taste of a dish from back home. My recommended dish, particularly for English people, is the grouper fish and chips, it is absolutely divine! The bar is equally as diversely equipped with many imported brands such as Smirnoff Ice for very reasonable prices, as well as the favourite local beers. A third reason that the Ocean View restaurant is a favourite with tourists is its efficient service. Many Westerners find the pace of Ghanaian restaurants very slow compared to their country, however the service in the Ocean View restaurant is perfect!

 

Ghanaian breakfast food tends not to be very popular with a lot of western travellers, so the breakfast at Coconut Grove Beach Resort is another aspect which will help their western guests feel at home again and give them a break from koko. There are many choices for breakfast including; freshly chopped pineapple and watermelon, delicious made to order omelettes, a choice of warm pastries, bread, cereal and fresh juices. You will feel like you’re in an all-inclusive hotel in Spain rather than Ghana!

 

One thing that is still very Ghanaian about Coconut Grove Beach Resort is the friendliness of the staff, this is something that all tourists miss when they leave Ghana. Even the manager is often walking around the grounds checking his guests are comfortable.

Coconut Grove Beach Resort has such a strong reputation for its quality of service that has attracted guests such as the Crown Prince of Holland, the Secretary General of the U.N., Will Smith, and ministers of states from the neighbouring countries! If it’s good enough for them, it’s definitely good for us!

Western travellers often find that they cannot do any exercise when they’re in Ghana as there are very few facilities. Coconut Grove Beach Resort has recognised this and provides guests with the availability of two tennis courts, a basketball court, a gym, an 18 hole recreational golf course which is meticulously tended to, and horse riding. The horse riding in particular is a very rare opportunity in Ghana and is a favourite with Westerners. They have eight tamed horses and it is a great opportunity to forget the stresses of volunteering or travelling with a trot along the beach.   

Other outdoor activities which are less strenuous include bird watching and seeing the various animals which they keep in the grounds including; a crocodile pond in the middle of the golf course, rabbits and chickens.

 

The town centre of Elmina is just a short taxi journey away which has a variety of activities for tourists, that is if you can peel yourself off your sun lounger at Coconut Grove! The main attraction is the Elmina Castle which is the oldest European building south of the Sahara. The castle has a very interesting history and is a worthwhile visit out.

 

So if you’ve been volunteering or travelling around Ghana and you are in need of some home comforts and simple luxuries then make Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Elmina your next stop. We promise you will not see a tro-tro, hear any beeping horns or have to eat banku during your stay. Coconut Grove Beach Resort allows you to enjoy Ghana in a western style!