Peace of Mind

By Cat Hartwell

Two kilometers away from the main drag of Playa Dominical exists a little getaway known only to the very plugged-in and well-informed traveler. Local Dominical residents also hold this little secret close to hearts, because they know that it is here, at this special little place, that they can congregate daily and tap into a little bit of paradise and a lot of relaxation.

Coconut Grove is a small resort offering cozy beachfront cottages run by two Americans that have permanently retired to their favorite town in Costa Rica. Over the years, they have built the resort by themselves piece by piece. In addition to the cottages, Coconut Grove has an oceanfront swimming pool and a gazebo fully stocked with barbecue equipment and hammocks to lounge around on. The owners, Richard and Diane, love the Grove so much that they have built their own home right in front of the property, and it functions as both the reception area and the hub of all activity. The couple is known to throw a pretty hip party from time to time, and friends from far and near gather to enjoy their beautiful, idyllic estate.

Coconut Grove offers more than just lodging and a place to congregate. A couple years ago, Diane envisioned a place where both locals and guests at the Grove could practice yoga in the mornings and enjoy other physical activities all day long. Soon after, the open-air yoga studio at Coconut Grove was built. Offering sunrise yoga and Pilates classes throughout the week, the studio is the perfect place to enjoy the pure natural splendor that the Grove has to offer. Built by Richard and a couple of local men, the coconut wood and thatched roof perfectly fits the aesthetics of the resort. The classes are taught outside where yogis and yoginis can peacefully watch the waves crash a hundred yards away. Sometimes, an iguana wanders by or a flock of butterflies flitters past.

Yoga classes are taught every Monday, Tuesday and Friday by Jennifer Smith, a yogi who has been teaching for seventeen years, while Pilates is taught on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Popular with both locals and guests, the classes are intermediate to advanced, and because they are held on “Tico time” they can last anywhere from an hour and fifteen minutes to over two hours, depending on the teacher’s state of mind. After classes, locals tend to gather and catch up over coffee and snacks, while guests meander over to the pool or beach for some more relaxing. Whether staying at Coconut Grove or elsewhere in Dominical, an early morning class here is the perfect way to start a day in this South Pacific town.