About Us: The Coconut Beach Hotel, Canoa, Ecuador

In The Very Beginning

The Coconut Beach Hotel in Canoa, Ecuador, was built by a Swiss expat back in 2000 and holds a bunch of great stories, many of which we are still uncovering today.

The Next Generation

Shortly after it was built, the vision of creating a peaceful getaway “Right on the F’n Beach!” was born. A group of friends purchased the Coconut in 2008 and the vibe was set for them to have an amazing place to stay in Canoa, far enough away from town to make their own noise. These owners laid the groundwork and paid the dues to make this place what it is today, planting dozens of coconut trees along the way.

Our Turn!

We officially became the proud new owners as of 03/03/2023—a date that feels like more than just a coincidence.

In numerology, the number 3 represents creativity, optimism, and growth—qualities we aim to bring to this special place.

Taking Ownership

The previous owners had moved on with their lives about five years ago, leaving the hotel in the hands of various volunteer managers. By the time we arrived, one dedicated family was still managing the property. Originally, we planned to bring in our own team, but after meeting with the family, we realized they were already part of the heart and soul of the Coconut. We felt they were meant to stay, and so they continue to be an important part of the Coconut.

After spending our first night in the hotel as owners, we knew big changes were needed to turn the Coconut into our dream destination. We began designing the future of the hotel with the help of talented architects and designers from Quito and Manabi to combine the best tech from the city with the knowledge of those who live on the beach. We wanted Gilligan’s Island but with way better cocktails! Then we met a contractor who could keep pace with our vision.

Why Ecuador and Why the Coconut?

Since "B.C." (before children), I had a dream. It started as a vague idea, the kind of thought that pops up when you're stuck digging holes for work, or worse, sitting at a desk, wondering if there’s a better way to live. When my wife Trista and I started raising our family, we traveled the world searching for what we thought could be our "Garden of Eden"—a place where work was just taking care of ourselves.

We visited places like Nepal, Thailand, the British Virgin Islands, Hawaii—beautiful spots, each with its own unique magic. But every time, we returned to Utah, raising our three kids in the same house for over 20 years. Even though we let go of the house twice, something kept pulling us back.

We dreamed of a place where we could grow our own food year-round and focus on tending our home and land instead of working for someone else. To get good medical care at an affordable price. We knew it had to be out there.

Ecuador wasn't even on our radar until about 2015. A friend of ours was selling her property near Canoa and offered us seller financing, which was critical for making a dream like this happen. But we were still hesitant. Could this be the place?

After living in Hawaii, the bar was set pretty high.

Then came the rising costs of healthcare, insurance, and food in the USA, and it started to feel like Ecuador might be worth a look. Plus, we heard whispers that even some of the holders of America’s top secrets had chosen Ecuador as their retirement spot. That was enough for me to get us planning our first trip.

Right before we were set to go, in 2016, a massive earthquake shook the region, devastating much of Manabí, including Canoa. We put our plans on hold, unsure if it was the right time. Years passed, and it wasn’t until 2020 that we finally made it, thanks to cheap flights and the near disappearance of tourists during the pandemic.

We had a list of three potential properties to see along the coast, and we spent a lot of time in Canoa, staying at Canoa Suites while looking at these properties. The town of Canoa immediately felt special. There was a laid-back energy and a closeness to nature that we hadn’t found in any of the other places we’d visited. Canoa Suites caught my attention for being something I could see myself doing. It really is the perfect place to stay in Canoa. The owners are second to none. They helped us con todo! Now, the bar was set REALLY high.

But, frustrated with Ecuador’s real estate paperwork and the slow process, we left without buying anything. The dream was still out there, waiting.

In 2021, I went back on a solo mission with a friend who was also hunting for his next adventure. We drove the entire coastline of Ecuador, from south to north, stopping at every paragliding spot along the way. By the end of the trip, we both agreed—Canoa was our favorite place by far.

I returned with my wife a few months later, determined to find the right home. We looked at more properties in Canoa and even put in an offer on one that seemed perfect. But, as fate would have it, we were outbid.

Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise.

The Poker Game that Changed Everything

One night, back at Canoa Suites during their traditional Monday game night, I found myself sitting across from the owner, playing poker and venting about how difficult it was to find the right place with terms I could actually meet. He listened to me for a while before casually mentioning, "Why don't you buy my buddy's place next door?"

I smiled, thinking he was joking, but a few hands later, it felt like the universe was dealing me a winning hand. By the end of the game, I had a verbal agreement to be the first to put in an offer on a hotel that wasn’t even officially for sale. With a stone-cold poker face, I said, “All in.” I had no clue what it cost or what it should cost yet, but I knew it felt right. When you know, you know.

The next morning, I had to explain to Trista that we might have just bought a hotel… without seeing the rooms first.

When we walked through the gate of what would soon be ours, we didn’t see flaws or things that needed fixing—we saw potential. The coconut trees swayed in the breeze, stretching toward the beach, and we knew we had found it: our Garden of Eden. I was so excited I forgot, again, to even look at the rooms. I didn’t even know how many there were. I just knew I wanted this property.

The structure, I figured, could always be rebuilt, but the land, the location—that was the winning hand.

The Present: Turning Our Dream Into Reality

Since that fateful poker game, we’ve poured our hearts (and retirement funds) into The Coconut Hotel.

Our first goal was to breathe new life into the infrastructure. We cleaned out and upgraded the water systems, added rain capture and filtration, and dug a well for watering the plants. We replaced and improved the septic and plumbing, and upgraded the electrical systems to handle the new demands (gringos need AC, after all!). We even installed high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.

And then, the pool! We wanted something special—a centerpiece where groups could gather and relax after a day in Canoa. The pool features a heated jacuzzi that can overflow into the pool, LED lights, and real fire torches to set the mood at night. Feeling thirsty? Of course, we built a bar right next to it. We serve everything from mocktails and coffee dessert drinks to cocktails with a punch.

We also added handicap-accessible restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, so you only need to go back to your room to sleep. We’re working on a world-class kitchen to invite top chefs to cater for events, but for now, you can relax in the new, HUGE lobby while your food is delivered from town. Forget about cash—everything is cashless, so just sign and relax.

With new security features and an upgraded entrance, the hotel is now ready to host more guests more comfortably than ever before. Con Todo, Canoa, at The Coconut Beach Hotel.

The Future: More Than Just a Hotel

Our vision is not just about providing accommodation, but creating a place where people can come to celebrate life, art, and themselves. We plan to host events like shamanic medicine ceremonies, yoga retreats, surf and paragliding competitions, and more. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a family vacation, The Coconut Hotel offers you the chance to rent the entire property and truly own your experience.

We’re also building 6 new modern condos next to the hotel. These will be for sale, so buyers can live in them or rent them out through our management service. The funds from these sales will support the ongoing renovation and maintenance of the hotel, ensuring that the magic of The Coconut lasts for generations.

With the right people on board and a solid plan, we believe The Coconut Hotel will become the most amazing destination in Manabí. We’re building a place that feels like home, but with all the adventure and beauty of the Ecuadorian coast right at your doorstep.

Follow along to watch the progress or find out how you can be a part of "The Coconut Beach Hotel"!