Recently, with the establishment of diplomatic relations between Honduras and the mainland, many friends who love to travel are eager to plan a trip to Honduras, explore this familiar and mysterious Central American country, I will introduce you to Honduras travel guides in the future, if you are tired of hearing the word "Maldives" and want to find a place off the beaten track and beautiful scenery? So, let me take you on a tour of this real "paradise" - Roatan Island!. Golden beaches, emerald waters and landscapes ranging from rainforests to mangroves to mountains, make this island a fascinating place to return. And for backpackers, the low prices are even more enjoyable. With Kimpton opening its first Honduras hotel in Roatan later in 2023, it's expected to attract more and more attention. Before that, follow our travel guide and come to Roatan for an unforgettable trip to Central America!
Things to do in Roatán
Surrounded by the world's second largest coral reef, Roatan Island's main activity is, of course, a close encounter with the ocean. Here you can join snorkeling, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat trips with outdoor vendors such as Hyde Tours and Las Moskitia Eco Adventures to see the abundant underwater life and beautiful coral reefs up close. For something even more special, visit Cayos Cochinos at Las Cascadas Lodge, an isolated archipelago with some of the healthiest waters in the country, with jewel-like tropical fish and turtles.
In addition to marine activities, Roatan has a wealth of cultural experiences waiting for you. The small town of Punta Gorda on the northeastern tip of the island is an example of Garifuna culture, with Sunday street parties filled with local music, dancing and food. Of course, if you're someone who likes to challenge yourself, Las Cascada Lodge's rappelling tour of the waterfall is definitely worth checking out. After your journey through the rainforest, you will descend from the waterfall along the rope for a thrilling thrill. And if you prefer a calmer experience, float through tranquil mangrove tunnels with a local guide and learn about Roatán's fascinating ecosystem and natural history. You can also visit Gumbalimba Park for an up-close encounter with local capuchins, macaws, sloths and iguanas.
Taste authentic cuisine
Honduran cuisine blends seafood, indigenous, Spanish and Caribbean flavours. One of the most popular dishes here is baleada, a plump filling wheat flour tortilla served with a variety of toppings such as mashed beans, cheese, cream, and more. Baleadas is a very popular breakfast item that you can taste at Calelu's West End cafes and grocery stores. In addition, there are hearty seafood soups and chicken with rice and other delicacies for you to choose from.
If you're looking to enjoy a meal under a beautiful sea view, Romeo's Restaurant in French Harbor is the place for you. Italian and Caribbean cuisine is served here, allowing you to enjoy delicious tastings while enjoying the enchanting sea views. The Yurumei Sports Bar and Restaurant in Punta Gorda offers authentic Garifuna specialties such as the full-bodied conch soup sopa de caracol and the spirit gifity made from vanilla rum. The food here is freshly caught by local fishermen.
In addition, Azul, the main restaurant of the upscale Blue Roatán resort in West Bay, offers the best of Roatan culinary experiences. The chefs' carefully designed menu includes a variety of high-end Caribbean delicacies, such as conch carpaccio and lobster with coconut cream.
Stay in a comfortable stay
Although Roatan is small, there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from backpacker budget rooms to five-star resorts. Among them, Pico Bonito's Lodge & Spa is a typical place to stay full of nature, with spacious cottages surrounded by lush gardens and cocoa trees, and magnificent mountains as a backdrop. Each cottage has a private balcony and hammock for you to enjoy the view. In addition, the resort has its own hiking trails and spa, which offers pampering treatments using organic ingredients grown in the on-site garden.
The Ibagari Boutique Hotel is another option full of charm. The hotel's open-air lobby features local artwork and wooden furniture, while the infinity pool offers stunning sea views. Deluxe rooms feature balconies and deep soaking tubs for a luxurious stay. The on-site restaurant, Luna Muna, serves delicacies such as king crab dumplings and beef tenderloin with mushroom risotto.
In summer 2023, the award-winning Grand Roatan Resort will become a Kimpton Hotel after a major expansion, offering 126 renovated guest rooms and 7 new suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea with plunge pool. For now, guests can still look forward to suites with outdoor showers and private terraces surrounded by bougainvillea, as well as the stunning Kao Kamasa Spa. Inspired by the indigenous Pech culture, the spa offers treatments such as obsidian palmstone massage, as well as temazcal (sauna).
Also, during your trip to Roatan arrange a cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies. Many resorts and restaurants offer these experiences, where you can make delicious dishes to take home and share with friends and family.
In conclusion, Roatan is a resort full of natural beauty, rich culture and cuisine. Whether you prefer tranquil beaches, eco-adventures or culinary experiences, this is a place to make memories unforgettable.