Tag: beach

A Girls Trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A Girls Trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Where We Went for Ease & Relaxation

This was my second time in Costa Rica. I traveled over the President’s Day holiday for a 5-day trip with three full days. We booked through Costco which was actually the best thing ever if you want reasonably priced, a beautiful location, and zero thinking or planning required while on vacation.

Perfect weather all week. 90s and sunny (think UV 12).

My friend and I went into this trip with one intention: to relax. We didn’t want plans. We wanted sunshine and ease. And we got exactly that.

Once we figured out we needed to snag pool chairs early, we slipped into our routine and made friends with other guests and our bartender Halbert.

Day 1:

  • Fly into Liberia from MSP — 5-hour direct flight
  • Customs — took 2 hours from landing
  • Drive — 1 hour 45 minutes to JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
  • Check in
  • Change into swimsuits for a quick swim and sun session
  • Sunset and drinks on the beach
  • Dinner at a casual resort restaurant

Immediate exhale.

Day 2:

  • Workout at the resort gym
  • Breakfast (included in stay and very good)
  • Grab pool chairs (first full day was a beach day for us)
  • Lunch at the pool grill
  • Beach walks and ocean swim
  • Watch the sunset
  • Dinner at the resort restaurant

Simple. Easy. Exactly what we came for.

Day 3:

  • Grab pool chairs (early bird gets the good spots)
  • Workout at the resort gym & walk on paved trails
  • Breakfast & coffee
  • Beach walks and ocean swim
  • Lunch from our pool chairs
  • Make friends at the pool
  • Make friends with Halbert (bartender) free drinks appear
  • Accidentally wore aloe instead of sunscreen all day… whoops
  • Watch the sunset
  • Dinner at the resort restaurant

The sun in Costa Rica is no joke. Label your sunscreen.

Day 4:

  • Grab pool chairs
  • Beach yoga (included in the resort package)
  • Breakfast & coffee — discovered the make-your-own smoothie bar in the downstairs breakfast area (why did we find this on day four?)
  • Beach walks and ocean swim
  • Lunch from our pool chairs
  • More time with Halbert — free drinks and upgraded chairs
  • Shuttle to Tamarindo from the resort (~30 minutes)
  • Stopped to see monkeys on the way
  • Walk around Tamarindo
  • Dinner at Namu — right on the beach, live music, great drinks and menu
  • Watched the sunset over sailboats
  • Walked around town
  • Shuttle back to the resort

Tamarindo was fun and lively, but noticeably busier. More vendors. More bugs. It made us appreciate staying in Guanacaste even more — the beach there wasn’t crowded, no one was selling anything, and we had zero bug issues.

Day 5:

  • Workout at the resort gym & walk on paved trails
  • Breakfast & coffee
  • Depart for airport (~2-hour drive)

Notes + Things I’d Tell You:

  • Book through Costco.
    • Ocean + pool view room is worth it.
    • Two beds + balcony.
    • $25/day food credit.
    • Shuttle included to and from the resort.
    • Flights, resort, and transportation all bundled.
    • Low maintenance. No thinking required.
  • Stay in Guanacaste if you want ease. The beach is quiet and peaceful compared to Tamarindo.
  • Resort dinner food (aside from breakfast) isn’t amazing. It gets repetitive and expensive. That said, we were shocked our total food bill for the week was under $200 for two people. (Shoutout Halbert for sneaking me free drinks.)
  • Breakfast included at the resort is great.
  • 90s and sunny all week.
  • Save your chairs early or you’ll end up on the outer beach rows.
  • Water from the machines at the resort is safe to drink.
  • Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime was my go-to. But a skinny marg or Paloma absolutely slaps in 90-degree sunshine.
  • Mind your breakfast when eating outdoors. A bird stole my omelet one morning. Nature is humbling.
  • Label your sunscreen vs. aloe. I cannot stress this enough.

All in all, this was the perfect, easy girls trip. No pressure to explore. No itinerary to follow. Just sun, saltwater, workouts, long conversations, and early nights.

Pura Vida remains a state of mind.

Thank you sun, beach, and fresh air for bringing me back to life. 🤎

San Diego: Sunshine, Salt Air, and So Many Steps

San Diego: Sunshine, Salt Air, and So Many Steps

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

What good things might come your way this week?

For me, it was the trip I booked during the winter blues back home in Minnesota—an escape to San Diego during the last week of April that gave me sunshine, fresh perspective, and more than 20,000 steps a day.

I stayed in Pacific Beach, just a short walk from both the bay and the ocean, which made it easy to start every morning with a beachside stroll and end the day chasing sunsets. The weather was mostly in the 60s with a mix of light rain and overcast skies. It cooled off at night, so a jacket was essential, but the final day brought full sunshine and that classic San Diego glow.

And I had the best tour guide: my cousin Nora, who’s lived in San Diego for a few years and went to college in California. She knows all the best spots and neighborhoods worth wandering—and lucky for me, she loves to walk as much as I do.

From coastal hikes to local coffee shops, vibrant neighborhoods to hidden trails, this city gave me space to breathe, reset, and move. I followed the sun, found new favorite spots, and left with sandy shoes, tired feet, and a full heart.

Friday: North Park → Pacific Beach → Little Italy

Saturday: PB → Little Italy → Escondido → Sunset Cliffs

  • Morning coffee from The Grounds in PB
  • Walk along the bay and ocean
  • Strolled the Little Italy farmers market and art fair
  • Brunch at Coco Maya – Instagram vibes, good mimosas, and rooftop
  • Spent the afternoon sipping wine in Escondido
  • Watched the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
  • Dinner and drinks back at North Park & Pizza

Sunday: Yoga → Coronado → Torrey Pines → La Jolla → Ocean Beach

  • Yoga Sculpt at Yoga Box
  • Walked Pacific Beach and grabbed coffee from The Grounds
  • Explored Coronado – saw the famous hotel, walked the beach
  • Drove to Torrey Pines for a hike with a view
  • Said hi to the seals in La Jolla
  • Checked out Ocean Beach
  • Dinner at OB Noodle House
  • Sunset at OB Dog Beach

Monday: Final Strolls & Slow Moments

  • Walked the PB bay and ocean
  • Back to Lovesong Coffee for one last Bee’s Knees
  • Yoga Sculpt at Hot Box
  • Smoothie from The Mad Beet
  • Beach walk and a slow, sunny pool afternoon

Until Next Time, San Diego

San Diego, you were just what I needed.

From ocean breezes to mountaintop views, early morning coffee runs to golden hour hikes, every step reminded me how healing it is to move, explore, and breathe in something new. I came looking for sunshine and ended up finding a reset—one trail, one neighborhood, one coastline at a time.

There’s something magical about a place that encourages you to walk a little further, linger a little longer, and pay attention to the beauty all around you. I’m heading home with sandy shoes, sun-kissed skin, and a whole new list of favorite places—but more than anything, I’m heading home feeling lighter.

Until next time, San Diego. I’ll be back for more.


British West Indies: Grand Cayman Recap

British West Indies: Grand Cayman Recap

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

March 2024

It’s a British West Indies travel type of winter. This month, Grand Cayman. 

Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands. It’s a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. The three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are in the western Caribbean about 272 miles south of Cuba, 450 miles south of Miami, Florida, and 272 miles northwest of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands is a famous tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, excellent diving, water sports, and snorkeling excursions. It is also popular for cruise ships. 

Things to do:

  • Snorkeling: Endless snorkeling! There’s easy access to snorkel right off the beaches or you can take a boat out to a larger reef. Turtles and a lobster were among our most exciting sightings. 
  • Starfish Point: Take a boat or drive out to see the starfish at Starfish Point. You can hold the starfish, just be sure to always keep them in the water. Beware of jellyfish in the water here. 
  • Stingray City: This is a total tourist destination, but when else can you swim and be surrounded by stingrays? Only accessible by boat. We did a four-hour private boat tour that brought us to see Stingray City, snorkeling, and Starfish Point. Our boat driver helped us to pet the stingray, give them a kiss, and get a nice back massage.
  • Rum Point: Drive to the north side of the island for the best beaches. Gorgeous waters, beautiful homes, and nice sand. Grab food and drinks at the restaurant and take advantage of the free chairs and swimming area. Walk down the beach for the most epic sandbar. We wandered out multiple times to float and spotted a few stingrays. This is also a good spot to snorkel but does get busy with boats. Fish can be seen from the beach. It’s a good spot for paddleboarding or kayaking too. Well worth the 45-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach area. We loved it and went two days. 
  • Walking: There’s plenty of beach and sidewalk to be walked on island. Seven Mile beach is walkable along all the big hotels and provides gorgeous views. Caymana Bay is a good place to walk if you prefer sidewalks, window shopping, and marina views. 
  • Beaches: The main activity in Grand Cayman is the beaches, obviously. My favorites were Rum Point and Public Beach. Good swimming, floating in the waves, and plenty of snorkeling. 
  • Yoga: I happened upon a lovely yoga studio, One Heart Cayman, and fell in love. I attended three of the 6 a.m. classes. It was a great way to start the day. I’d went to the Baptist and Ashtanga style classes, both unique and challenging in their own ways. The studio was also heated to about 94 degrees, which I loved. The instructors were great, and I enjoyed practicing with the locals. 
  • Shopping: Although there are a few shopping areas like Caymana Bay and George Town, Grand Cayman seems to be better known for the beach and food scene. There is a craft market in Caymana Bay on Wednesday, although it was sparse. A lot of jewelry stores, harder to find a t-shirt. 
  • Eating: Grand Cayman has a good food scene. I wasn’t disappointed with any of my meals. The grocery stores also have all the options you could need for a week.

Beaches:

  • Seven Mile Beach: The hot spot in Grand Cayman. White sand, clear blue waters. This is where all the big hotels are located. Great for walking and beaching. Note, yes, it’s said to be seven miles, but if you want to walk the entire beach, be prepared to walk through water and over rocks. 
  • Cemetery Beach: This beach is literally next to a cemetery. Easy beach access and snorkeling. Decent for walking. No chairs, just bring a towel to lay on. Walk past the cemetery to access. Free parking across the street.
  • Public Beach: A great beach with rental chairs, white sand, and blue waters. It’s very busy where the rental chairs are located, but it’s easy to walk down the beach to less crowded areas. We spend a lot of time floating out with the waves. It was fun! I think this is part of Seven Mile Beach. 
  • Rum Point Beach: My favorite beach in Grand Cayman. Located about 45-minutes from Seven Mile Beach area, but 100% worth the drive (or boat ride). Stunning water. I can’t even describe it. So clear. Great overall vibe. Free chairs, just support the restaurant. Enjoy long beach walks admiring the water, houses, and wildlife. Also a great spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.  
  • Spott’s Beach: This beach is on the way to Rum Point. It’s worth stopping to check it out. It was too wavy for our liking, but it is pretty. 
  • Governor’s Beach: We didn’t spend any time here, but I did walk past. It’s located in the middle of Seven Mile beach. It looked like there was parking but no chairs. 

Food:

The food scene in Grand Cayman was delightful. There were plenty of options for everyone. It was less common to find food located on the waterfront. The grocery stores also have everything you could need for a week of vacation. As typical, expect “island” prices to be higher. 

  • Piccolino’s: The daily coffee spot. Excellent Americano’s. Good protein bars too. This was open at 7 a.m. daily and a three-minute walk from our VRBO. By the end of the trip, the baristas knew my order and would have it started by the time I got to the counter. 
  • Ms. Piper’s: This location wins for best vibes. Cute, charming, and lots of pink. I enjoyed the chickpea salad with chicken. Located in Seven Mile Beach area, close walk to our VRBO. Delightful. 
  • Agua: This goes down as a top ten restaurant for me. It’s located in Caymana Bay, I’d recommend reserving a table outside. The cauliflower wings are a must for the appetizer. I had the Mahi dish. The presentation and taste were 12/10. 
  • Casa 43: Excellent tacos, good prices, tasty drinks. This is a must go. Very casual. Quick service. I had the shrimp taco and the most amazing cauliflower taco. 
  • Saltwater Grill: Very nice place. Good patio. I was happy with the Mahi Mahi dish and glass of wine. A dressier vibe. 
  • XQ’s: Nothing special to write home about, it was just next to our VRBO.
  • The Rum Deck: This is located at Rum Point. Grab food and drinks here and you can use the chairs! I enjoyed the quinoa salad. 
  • Jessie’s Juice Bar: Good green smoothies. Located in Caymana Bay. Cute vibe. Organic lovers dream. 
  • Gelato & Co.: What’s a trip without a sweet treat? Located in Caymana Bay. Can’t go wrong with a scoop of gelato. 
  • Scoops Cayman: Another spot for a sweet treat. Located on the main Seven Mile Beach road. A small selection of flavors, still tasty. 

Things to know:

  • Drive on the left, give way at roundabouts
  • Cayman Dollar, places will charge U.S. dollar
  • English language
  • March is the start of busy season, Christmas is busy too (apparently)
  • Good sunshine, warm (80’s), and a few short rainstorms
  • U.S. style outlets
  • Tap water is safe to drink, and tastes very good
  • Chickens everywhere
  • Jellyfish are in the waters, more common in the northern part of island
  • Rent a car to explore more beaches and access more places
  • One week is enough time on the island
  • Pack your snorkel 

Travel:

Getting to Grand Cayman is an easy Caribbean destination. It’s about a four- and half-hour direct flight from MSP to GCM. Customs moves quick. Security was simple. Car rental was a quick walk from the airport, no shuttle needed. It’s the easiest to access island I’ve visited to date.  

Accommodations:

We stayed in a VRBO at Sunset Cove on Seven Mile Beach. Our VRBO was excellent. Easy check-in, clean, water view, beach access, pool, bar, and had all the supplies (plenty of toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.). 

The beach had a good, sheltered area for swimming, plenty of chairs, and a stunning sunset view. It was great snorkeling right off the beach too. However, the beach was not the classic white sand, blue waters you’d hope for in the Caribbean at our location. 

To get to the walkable, white sand, blue water beaches, we had to walk about one mile then enter the nicer part of Seven Mile Beach. It worked out fine, as we had a car and could drive to other beaches when we wanted. 

Other than the pickiness standards for beach, it was a great stay. 

Overall, Grand Cayman wins for easiest Caribbean travel destination, in my book.

Good beaches, warm weather, and plenty of water activity.

Guide to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Guide to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Beautiful by Nature

January 2024

Another year, another island. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos did not disappoint. Perfect weather, excellent food, good shopping, and endless white sand and turquoise water beaches. 

Travel:

Embarking on your Providenciales adventure offers flexibility in travel options. While direct flights from MSP can be costly, American Airlines provides reasonably priced flights to the island, and Delta offers a convenient Saturday direct flight back to MSP. Anticipate a potential wait of about an hour in customs upon arrival, unless opting for a fast pass. Plan for a total of two full days dedicated to travel, suggesting an optimal stay of 6-8 days depending on your preferred activities and budget. If you’re staying outside of the Grace Bay area, it would be good to rent a car. Note, driving is on the opposite side of the road. 

Accommodations:

We opted for an AirBNB at Northwest Point Resort, with a stunning beach view. However, it came with a slight trade-off- approximately a 30-minute drive from the bustling Grace Bay Area, our primary hub for most of the trip. Notably, there were no restaurants within a convenient 20-minute drive, making it essential to plan ahead for meals and activities. If tranquility and seclusion are your preferences, this location is perfect. Just be prepared to exercise patience and careful planning if you intend to explore restaurants and other beaches. An added perk was the entertaining spectacle of numerous windsurfers gracefully navigating the waters, providing a delightful scene to enjoy during our stay!

Beaches:

Providenciales unveils some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited. The crystalline turquoise waters and velvety white sands redefine the coastal experience to a whole new level. Each beach carries its unique charm:

  • Northwestern Point: Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of our Airbnb, this beach exuded a serene ambiance. While perfect for a leisurely stroll and known for its tranquility, it’s not the ideal spot for swimming due to the winds. We enjoyed long quiet walks to the national park and pulling conch shells out of the sand. 
  • Grace Bay Beach: A personal favorite (obviously), Grace Bay Beach stole my heart with its pristine white sand and inviting turquoise waters. Ideal for swimming and buzzing with activity, we found ourselves returning to this spot multiple times.
  • Bight Beach: Offering a different yet equally enchanting vibe, Bight Beach boasts picturesque beauty with slightly more waves than Grace Bay. Rumors of excellent snorkeling opportunities right off the beach added to its allure.
  • Sapodilla Bay Beach: Nestled near Chalk Sound, Sapodilla Bay Beach lured us with its breathtaking scenery and inviting waters. While we didn’t stay long, it appeared perfect for a refreshing swim, bustling with activity, and offering a rent-a-chair style experience. However, note that amenities like public restrooms were scarce, replaced by numerous tent vendors contributing to the atmosphere.

Eats:

This may be a first, but I had no complaints about any of the food we had in Providenciales. 

  • Lemon 2 Go: A cherished haven with the friendliest baristas, Lemon 2 Go became our go-to coffee spot. Beyond exceptional coffee, their green smoothies, protein bites, and breakfast offerings were delightful. The staff’s kindness is reason enough to visit – don’t forget to grab a t-shirt! Ask for a drink punch card on your first visit; trust me, you’ll fill it by week’s end. We spent hours on their front patio. 
  • Beans & Leaves: Another popular coffee shop. While enjoyable we found ourselves visiting Lemon 2 Go more frequently. 
  • Da Conch Shack: Situated right on the beach, Da Conch Shack promises good vibes, delectable food, and impeccable service. Look at their website to find out which night they have live music. The rice and peas were a hit. 
  • Cocovan: A unique lunch spot housed in an old airstream van, Cocovan impressed us with their fresh carrot juice and grilled mahi mahi tacos on a lettuce wraps. Conveniently located near Grace Bay Beach public access.
  • Bugaloo’s: Off the beaten path, but near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay, Bugaloo’s emerged as a favorite. The avocado shrimp salad was a culinary masterpiece – a delightful 10/10 presentation and easily one of the top five meals of my life.
  • Pelican Bay: Adjacent to Grace Bay Beach public access, Pelican Bay not only offers a great lunch but also provides restroom access. As per our friends, it boasts the best daily happy hour deals starting at 5.
  • Giggles: Satisfy your sweet cravings with Giggles’ ice cream and gelato, though a bit pricey at $27 for two single dishes, the taste makes it worthwhile.
  • Island Scoop: Another ice cream spot, Island Scoop, offered tasty treats.
  • Thursday Night Fish Fry: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Thursday Night Fish Fry – a must-attend event featuring vendors, food stands, drinks, and music. Indulge in delectable lobster and a refreshing mojito; the festivities kick off at 5:30, and arriving a bit earlier is recommended, especially if you’re driving.
  • Castaways: Located on Grace Bay Road, Castaways invites you to unwind during their happy hour from 3-6, with a tempting 30% off on drinks.

Stores: 

Providenciales offers many shops from boutiques, to surf shops, to local art shops. The main shopping was in Grace Bay area. 

  • Island Organics: A haven for enthusiasts of natural products, Island Organics beckons with a tempting array of all-natural skincare, essential oils, locally crafted goods, and more. A visit to this store feels like an exploration of pure indulgence, and you might find yourself wanting one of everything. I wanted to take the entire store home. 
  • Beach Monkey: Dive into the world of stylish beach attire at Beach Monkey, your go-to spot for trendy swimsuits and chic cover-ups. Elevate your beach wardrobe with their curated selection.
  • More: The shopping adventure doesn’t end here. There’s a plethora of additional stores awaiting your exploration in Grace Bay, promising an array of unique finds and local treasures. 

What to pack: 

Effortless packing is the key to a seamless beach vacation, and having navigated through numerous moves in my twenties, I’ve mastered the art of traveling light. With a consistent weather of around 80 degrees throughout the week, here’s a curated list of essentials:

  • Footwear: Say goodbye to tennis shoes for the entire week – a first for me! Opt for beach walks and sandals. I recommend the comfort and versatility of plastic Birkenstocks.
  • Swimsuits: Pack a collection of swimwear, most of my days were spent in a swimsuit and coverup if going into town or out to eat. 
  • Exercise Clothes: If you’re inclined towards fitness, pack 2-3 sets of exercise clothes to ensure you don’t miss out on any wellness routines.
  • Casual Wear: Include 1-2 sets of jean shorts and tanks for leisurely strolls around town, an alternative to wear over your swimsuit.
  • Dinner Attire: Bring 1 nice outfit for those evenings when you plan to dine at a more formal setting.
  • Pajamas: Ensure a good night’s sleep with 1-2 sets of comfortable pajamas.
  • Skincare Essentials: Prioritize skincare with a comprehensive selection including sunscreen, aloe for post-sun care, hydrating lotions, and indulgent sugar scrub. Embrace the radiant glow even under the Caribbean sun!

Other Notes:

  • Weather: Consistent 80-degree sunshine, although occasional winds.
  • Driving: Drive on the left with a right-side steering wheel, encountering numerous roundabouts but no streetlights or stoplights.
  • Language: English serves as the primary language, ensuring smooth communication.
  • Outlets: Power up effortlessly with American-style outlets.
  • Recommendation: Opt for accommodations along Grace Bay Beach, eliminating the need for a rental car and enhancing the beachside stay.
  • Currency: American currency, acknowledging the expected expense associated with island living, albeit slightly pricier than other Caribbean destinations.
  • Snorkeling: Don’t forget your snorkel gear! Explore the underwater wonders off various beaches, a missed opportunity I regretted.
  • Driving Distance: The island spans a 30-minute drive from end to end, with a rush hour around 4-6 or 7 p.m.
  • Safety: The island is very safe, but exercising common sense.
  • Location: Part of the British West Indies (BWI). Many visitors from Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
  • Cleanliness: Very clean island with the occasional dog or goat sighting. 
  • Airport: Brace for a bustling airport experience, as flights seem to converge simultaneously. Patience is key.
  • Groceries: Multiple grocery stores on the island. We frequented the Graceway IGA which offered most essentials.
  • Water: Our Airbnb host said the tap water is fine for her as a local but recommended bottle water for drinking.

Things we didn’t get to:

  • Boat tour of other islands in TCI
  • Kayak in the mangroves 
  • Snorkeling off the beach or by boat
  • Visit beaches in bay areas near Chalk Souns
  • Walk rescue dogs at Potcakes Place K-9 Rescue

The big question:“would you go back?” 

1,000 times yes. Easy travel destination. Great weather, good food, excellent swimming. To be specific, I would go every three years and explore new islands in between.

For more pictures, check out the “TCI” highlighted on @gifted_with_grace.