The ‘Coconut Casita’ is a tropical oasis Airbnb vacation rental in Vero Beach, Florida. I stumbled upon their page on Instagram and was drawn to the dreamy garden spaces and bohemian inspired interior design. Their space is Florida vibes at it’s finest!
The owners of the property were kind enough to give us some insight into their property and Airbnb hosting. Keep reading to hear the rest.
Tell us a little background about yourself. How did you get started in the short term rental space?
We ( my husband and four kids, since grown) have called this ‘hacienda’ home for almost twenty years now. It is comprised of our 4bedroom home, a barn that housed two horses and a two bedroom guesthouse.
We were blessed to have my spunky and lovely Mom live with us in the guesthouse for 15 of those years. Together we created the 1 and 1/3 acre ‘jungle garden’ a labor of love to say the least! When we bought the compound the yard was mostly mud and pine trees.
The year after my Mom passed at a beautiful 89 years old we decided, on a whim, to list the guesthouse ( Coconut Casita) as a short term rental. We thought we may get a few guests here and there… little did we know it would turn into a booming business.
How long have you been a host and how many properties do you own and operate?
We have been hosting on Airbnb for almost 6 years now. Currently this is our only property… but have toyed with another unique ‘fish camp’ property in the past. I still think about that one that got away.
Are you a full time short term rental host or is this a side hustle?
Both my husband and I work… (healthcare and tech industry) So the Coconut Casita has been a time consuming but wonderfully creative fun side hustle.
Did you design the space yourself? Tell us a little bit about the process.
I curated the design of the Casita from leftover kids surfboards 😅… some local art , but mostly it is inspired from places i have lived and travelled to… as well as the beautiful and tropical corner of the world we are currently living in.
Growing up in Switzerland and Mexico as well as extensive travel to many corners of the world has exposed us to so many different and truly soulful cultures that i love to share in the books and art in the Casita.
What are the features of your space that attract guests the most?
Guests regularly tell us they love the ‘feel’ and warmth of the Casita and how it creates a sense of belonging. They also comment on the ‘magic’ of the jungle garden which affords some moments of peace and solace and exploration. It does not hurt that we are also minutes from the quiet and often uninhabited beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
What has been the biggest challenge during your hosting journey?
The biggest challenge has been juggling our jobs as well as doing most of the work a short term rental entails. But have figured out a good system.
What has been the biggest reward during your hosting journey?
The biggest reward by far has been meeting the friendly warm inspiring and respectful folks that we have hosted. In a world of often division, hostility and unrest… it has been a pleasure to open our guest house to strangers of all backgrounds… and have many of them leave as friends.
Where can people find you?
Website: coconutcasita.com
Instagram and Facebook @thecoconutcasita
