Last Updated on October 5, 2024 by Marybeth
While “extreme” and “relaxing” will never live in the same sentence in our world, we found it fascinating that this is an actual thing. It happened in England, this Extreme Relaxing Competition. Good for them, to put so much importance on relaxing that it’s become a contest…. But whew, that sounds like pressure! Ready, set, RELAX!!!
Relaxation is the #1 goal for a huge percentage of travelers. Time scarcity – feeling like the minutes are flashing by and there aren’t enough hours in a day – is so real in our daily lives, taking a break from our must-do list is essential. This has been proven by science: time may feel different depending on our surroundings. When we’re relaxing in nature time can stretch longer. Our thoughts are better able to glide between past, present, and future, giving us a more balanced perspective on the passage of time.
We’ve found an almost otherworldly place for your essential escapism. A landscape filled with natural beauty, a genuine tropical habitat enclosing the sweetest Casita for you travelers seeking an unforgettable stay. More details in a minute; first let’s talk about location.
Vero Beach, on Florida’s east central coast, may not seem ‘lesser known’. Noted for its uncrowded beaches, golf courses, natural sanctuaries, boutique shopping, and family-owned restaurants, Vero Beach is beloved as a more peaceful town than other more bustling Florida vacation towns further south.
Did you know there is a historic downtown area of Vero Beach? Most of us just head to the beach, but right across the bridge on the mainland is a quaint main street. Built in the boom years of the 1920s, this walkable downtown is filled with “historic buildings, local gems, and tasty bites,” – from Visit Indian River County. Events like DownTown Friday, the upcoming Downtown Freaky Friday, along with Coffee with the Mayor, car shows, live music, and more are happening in historic downtown. Visit Main Street Vero Beach for more info and schedules: @mainstreetverobeachfl.
A short drive from the historic main street area of Vero Beach is The Coconut Casita.
STAY
Award-winning Coconut Casita, designated a Top 25 Airbnb by Condé Nast, Most Romantic Airbnb by Bob Villa, and a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation… this place could sound a bit famous. So many awards! Can regular people stay here too?
We’re here with a resounding yes. More than that: The Coconut Casita will wrap itself around you in a way you may never have felt before. With its meandering pathways and delightful discoveries around each bend, its interior infused with colorful personality and calm vibes… talk about welcoming. This abode and well-tended ‘jungle’ is made for long evenings and lazy mornings. You will simply soak in the extraordinarily peaceful energy, and relax. As extremely as you’d like. (There. I did not use those two words in the same sentence!)
The Coconut Casita is a cozy getaway for four guests, with two bedrooms. The open plan living, kitchen and dining encourage languid hangout time together, and the bedroom retreats will see you snoozing past your usual waking hour. The toe-to-toe twin beds in bedroom #2 have me fiercely wishing we had a long enough room, at our house, to replicate!
Find more fun photos and videos: The Coconut Casita on Instagram.
Living, cooking, gathering spaces
A sweet, poignant story is part of the Casita’s history. The owner’s mother lived here, able to be independent, yet her daughter was close by in the main house. This touched me especially as I’d always wished for a similar setup for my parents as they grew older. What a beautiful way to remain close to your parent, yet you each have your own space and life.
Linda, owner and our host, says when she walks into the Casita she can still feel the peace of her mother’s presence. She and her mom were so close, and together they put so much sweat equity – and love and laughter – into the property. The 1-acre garden was basically mud, pine trees, and some scraggly oaks, that they wrangled into something beautiful. As Linda says, “Our work together was soul-fulfilling, and it feels right to share her legacy with guests.”
The tropical gardens
Swimming pool
Guests are encouraged to use the large, inviting swimming pool. My travel team – two of my three grown children – was nestled in so contentedly each morning, I had the pool to myself. I swam mom-laps: slow and steady, not getting my hair wet. I am that kind of mom. Embarrassing? The kids weren’t there to see it.
After expending so much energy I actually lounged in the sun for a bit – yes, with sunscreen – but with no book and no device, immersing myself in a chrysalis of calm.
Fun fact about this swimming pool: the guy who owned the house before the current owners was a Navy Seal who taught scuba diving lessons in the extra-deep pool.
The Barn Bar
Perhaps the most enchanting discovery you’ll find (head west on any pathway) is The Barn Bar. Once housing a pony and a horse, you’ll see their chew marks on the barn doors. Now this super-cool outbuilding offers more seating, outside under cover, and inside a cozy room with a fridge – another place to lounge. This was the tack room in its former life. And there’s a bar!
And back inside the Casita, some fun design and decor details I want to share with you:
This vintage juicer leads to the evening of our most entertaining event: making mocktails together. For us this was a mother-daughter-son trip, and as I like to call it, “Mae’s last hurrah.” Mae’s 2nd daughter was due to be born in a little less than a month when we stayed at this tranquil hideaway. While Mae was so happy for the break from family life with a vibrant four-year-old, we all recognized how rare (and how fun) a trip with close family can be.
And, as pregnant Mae wasn’t drinking, naturally, Max and I joined in and whipped up a gorgeous non-alcoholic Hurricane. There was so much hilarity I could barely breathe. Max did a great parody of a serious mixologist, and fake-wrestled with the juicer. Who knew you could have so much fun without alcohol?
An Asian Moongate, pictured above, is symbolic of birth and renewal, representing the cyclical nature of life. As we walked underneath this Moongate, our good fortune to be together felt both beautiful and moving. During this hushed pause, as new life was blooming, we experienced an almost transcendent serenity. (Soon to be broken, in the best way possible!)
The story of this Moongate is extraordinary: the structure was found on the property, and Linda’s youngest son spent three days digging through 60 years of roots. The curved metal came up in two pieces, which a welding company put together. During this process, the original metal tag and serial number were discovered, and the Moongate’s original function was the payload fairing of a ROCKET SHIP!
Many people have walked through and had their own “Moongate Moments” of clarity, peace, luck and health. Come experience your own Moongate Moment at The Coconut Casita.
Standout details that made a big difference for our stay:
- Artful lighting everywhere you can change with your mood: all lighting is regulated with dimmers or touch dimmers. Wall sconces, rattan with raffia trim shaded pendants, vintage chandelier high above, floor lamps placed just where you need them, tiny light strips placed along the cathedral ceiling beams.
- Small but distinctive details like the mini ribboned bouquets of dried herbs looped around the spa robe hangers. The bathroom itself: tropical Polynesian island vibes, deep greens, rattan, vintage island art, Public Goods bath products.
- Washer and dryer in the Casita.
- So many fascinating books! Art books, design books, recipe books, local info, classic and fun fiction. Encouraging us to leaf through, pause, think, tap into our own creativity.
- The use of patterns, shapes, textures in the pillows, throws, art, and found objects.
- Multiple extra blankets, sheets, down-alternative pillows. Everything you need for deep sleep or just all-day lounging.
- The complimentary goodies in the fridge!
PLAY
Plan a beach day. Your host at The Coconut Casita has provided beach towels, umbrella, beach blanket, and snorkeling gear. The beach is just 5 miles from your home base.
Experience the vintage main street and surrounding neighborhoods, a 5 minute drive from the Casita, where you’ll find plenty of places to play: i.e. dine, drink, stroll, picnic, and shop!
Historic Downtown Vero Beach
More restaurants, shops, and gardens to put on your list, as recommended by our host, and by us:
Digg Gardens. Not downtown but worth the 15 minute drive.
Filthy’s Fine Cocktails and Beer
Around town
Surrounding the downtown main street is the Osceola Park Historic Residential District, one of the first subdivisions added to the town beginning in 1915. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you history buffs and cottage lovers will enjoy strolling the lovely shaded streets.
One more reminder, found on the back wall, to book your stay at this captivating Casita:
Adventure is worthwhile. – Aesop.
… As long as it’s combined with relaxation. – Beaches, Bars, and Bungalows travel team.
Book your stay at The Coconut Casita on Airbnb
The Coconut Casita on Instagram
Our stay at The Coconut Casita was hosted, and as always, our opinions are our own.
