#infinitybay

Why Roatan?

For me, I needed a quick tropical getaway. Not Hawaii, not Mexico….The preference was somewhere international, exotic, and off the beaten path.  Roatan, Honduras was the perfect destination to start off this new year. Just look up the pictures and you’ll see how amazingly beautiful this place is.  Roatan is most popular for diving and snorkeling as there are plenty of reefs and fishies to check out.  Not a strong swimmer?  You can always relax on the beach (or at the bar) with a Monkey La La (their specialty drink)……or if you’re the out doorsy type – there are plenty of zip line courses, parks to explore, and other water activities to partake in – kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, scuba snorkeling, parasailing, and etc.  Tons of options to cater to your liking, but there’s nothing wrong with just chillin and taking in the scenery and sunsets as there is no other place like this.  Below is a glimpse of what the Bay Islands has to offer…

Weather – In January, it’s hot and humid..Typically in the high 70’s/80’s. It is rainy season…so plan your activities accordingly. In terms of how to pack….pack light and bring bug spray! They take US currency, so bring small bills…and most restaurants also accept all major credit cards (some restaurants may charge additional fees).

Where to stay?

There are two areas that are the most visited in Roatan – West End and West Bay.  I can only speak on these locations.  To explore the rest of the island, renting a car is recommended.  At minimum – 6 days would be enough time to explore the island (provided it’s not raining!)

West End

This area of the island has plenty of hotels that are more affordable.  A little more kick back and  less crowded.  In my opinion, West End has more dining options that are better vs West Bay.  There are areas for you to swim/snorkel but if you’re looking for more of a beach vibe – West Bay may be more of your cup of tea.

Villagio Verde is a great place to stay.  There are four bungalows on the estate tucked away from the West End. Very tranquil and quiet…each unit had a porch with a built in hammock where you can just relax and read a book. There’s also a swimming pool to go for a dip or do some star gazing. Tony and Zilla are awesome hosts and very informative if you need recommendations.  This place is about a 20 minute walk to the West End strip or a 5 minute cab ride ($3pp each way).  Cab is recommended after sunset as it is pretty dark on the road and people tend to drive like crazies…so be careful!  To get to the beaches of West Bay, you can catch a 15 minute ride via their water taxi which operates from sunrise to sunset.

Eateries

The Landing – One of the favorite spots that we went almost every day. Try their shrimp burgers, mahi sliders, pulled pork, and curry dishes.  So good! For dessert, get their banoffee pie – Bananas drenched in chocolate syrup and condensed milk with a shortbread crust.  On Saturdays, they have a sweet brunch line up with all you can drink mimosas for $20 (you’re entree included)! To top it off, this is located right off the beach with a gorgeous view to catch the sunset.  

Coconut Tree – This place has a sports bar/restaurant vibe. It’s a great place to check out if you want to catch up on your home team (Go Dubs!).  A dish that I want to highlight here is their shrimp dish..it’s deep fried with hint of coconut….served with a sweet pineapple/coconut chutney.  Yum!

Roatan Oasis – If you want a nice dinner, this is your place. This is tucked away off the main road to West End. Reservations are highly recommended.  Dishes to try: Start off with their braised shortribs/brie wontons with balsamic truffle glaze, curry shrimp rogan with rice for your main entrée, and end it with the snicker cookie bar/vanilla ice cream dessert.  

Anthony’s Chicken – This is where the locals eat.  They offer plenty of options from breakfast to meat plates off the grill.  The Jamaican Jerk chicken served with crispy plantains, red beans/rice, and salsa was very tasty and filling.  Roatan’s staple is Baleadas (thick tortillas)…which they use to make their chicken quesadillas with. Price point here is inexpensive.  You can get a BBQ plate for under $5 (additional for seafood).

Creole’s Rotisserie Chicken – Highly rated and recommended by all travelers…so had to see what the hype was all about. The place is only open Tues through Sat – so time it accordingly.  Their chicken is super tender and juicy but you can’t leave without getting a slice of that coconut pie! FYI – They’re closed Sundays and Mondays.

Por Que No? – Stumbled upon this place by the water taxi dock. By the name of it…you wouldn’t think it was a German place?! Got their Cordon Bleu – Panko-crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese.  Other options include: breakfast pastries, schnitzel sandwiches, and spaetzel.  Grab a smoothie as well and take in the view along with the humming birds that post along their deck.  

Mayan Chocolate Factory – If you need to bring back something special, this place has pretty good chocolates infused with chili, passion fruit, coffee, and etc.  They also have specialty jams and bottles of Roatan Rum to bring back to your loved ones. Most importantly, it’s a great stop if you have a sweet tooth. The chocolate banana cream pie though….very decadent and rich!

West Bay

West Bay is the perfect place to get your rest and relaxation on with white sandy beaches and warm crystal clear ocean water.  You can also do some snorkeling as there are reefs 100ft out. They have two water taxi docs that will take you to the West End, which we used fairly often to grab some grub in the West End.  The beach tends to get super crowded when the cruise ships are in town…so be prepared for that (usually comes in Tues-Thurs).  

Infinity Bay Resort & Spa is where we stayed during the last part of the trip. It’s a nice resort with an infinity pool located off the beach…definitely worth splurging on. Each room has its own patio, equipped with a kitchen and is very spacious.  Breakfast buffet is included daily. *You can find some rentals on VRBO for a lil less.

Restaurant options are limited and a little bit more expensive given their prime locations.  

Vintage Pearl – Menu changes daily and they only have a 3-course prefix menu.  It’s a cute place for wine and dinner.

Magiamo’s – It’s a deli/market for you to grab a quick bite or to stock up on snacks and beverages.

Celeste’s Island Cuisine – Didn’t get to try their food but people where raving about their key lime pie and I could see why.  No too tarty or too sweet…just perfect.  

Highlight of the Trip

Little French Key is a small secluded island just to get away from the West Bay beach crowd. This is a MUST...if you are visiting Roatan.  There’s a package you can book that will include transportation to/from LFK, your meal, and the water activities.  Other add-ons include zip lining (recommended if time permits), spa, horseback riding, and etc. Definitely worth spending a full day here as it doesn’t get too crowded (with the exception of when the cruise ships docks)…so Sunday would be the best day.  Plenty of beach chairs to help get your tan on as you enjoy the gorgeous ocean views.  There’s a swim-up bar and restaurant on-site fully equipped with a karaoke machine to get the party started.  This was my favorite part of the trip!

Book directly through this website and they’ll pick you up at your hotel and take good care of you!

Other places we didn’t get to see but worth looking into:

·       Gumbalimba Nature Park – Zip Line and Animal Park Tour

·       Pirates of the Caribbean Copy Tour – Zipe Line Tour

·       Cayos Cochinos Island – Another remote island that requires advanced reservations…30 minute boat ride from Roatan. Make sure it’s a legit tour company you’re booking with as you don’t want to get stuck out at sea.

·       Roatan Rum Company – Sample all their flavored rums and cakes. Great ocean view.

·       Coxen Hole – If you want to experience a “day in the life” of living life as a local…check out some of the neighborhoods (more inland and away from the cruise docks and airports).  There are plenty of local eateries/street food stands I wanted to try.