For travelers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure tour without sacrificing the comfort of an optimal luxury accommodation, the answer is Honduras.
Whether on Roatan, with its turquoise waters and a wide variety of activities both on land and sea, or in Tela, which houses the largest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, Honduras offers endless attractions for explorers and a collection of boutique and luxury hotels, making it the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds.
"What makes Honduras an excellent destination for adventure travelers is the variety of landscapes it offers," said Emilio Silvestri, director of the Honduran Tourism Institute. "Travelers can choose between diving in the Caribbean waters of Roatan and then relaxing in a private villa, or hiking in the region's largest rainforests, observing all types of birds and animals, and then going to rest. a luxury spa hotel. In Honduras, you do not have to choose between one thing and another. And the most important thing is that these properties have been developed in a sustainable manner, respecting the landscape that surrounds them, allowing us to assure you that the natural qualities that make our country so unique continue to be the central element of all our attractions, "he added.
Intimate Boutique Hotels in Roatan
Roatán is one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, known for its crystal clear waters and for hosting the southern part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Divers, kitesurfers, kayakers and more will enjoy this dynamic island. Punta Gorda, located at the eastern end of the island, is where the Garífuna live, the largest ethnic group in Honduras. Here, guests can experience the Garífuna culture, its cuisine and customs.
After the day adventures, guests can go to rest at one of the many luxury hotels on the island, such as the Ibagari Boutique Hotel. Built in 2017, this boutique property promises a stress-free life, staying true to its name meaning "life" in the dialect spoken by the Garífuna. The hotel offers a private beach and a beautiful infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as "Dip & Sip" sessions, where they can create their own art using recycled bottles while enjoying cocktails and the Caribbean breeze. The hotel's restaurant, Luna Muna, is considered one of the best on the island offering specialties such as lobster ravioli, tuna toast and beef with risotto. Also in West Bay, Xbalanque opened its doors in 2013 and since then it has maintained a reputation as one of Roatan's luxury hotels. This five star property offers five oceanfront villas, including a unique villa to enjoy the outdoors, with open kitchen and a private pool, a private villa with direct access to the hotel path, several terraces and a dining area interior Exterior. Guests can enjoy quiet walks along the trails that surround the hotel or visit the hotel's pagoda, perfect for relaxing or meditating.
Luxury in the Venice of Honduras
Located in front of the Honduran Atlantic coast, Guanaja is the most virgin of the islands of the Bay of Honduras. Bonacca, a small key near the main island, has been nicknamed the Venice of Honduras due to the channels that cross it and has more than 45 dive sites. Guanaja offers a mountainous landscape, several freshwater springs and two waterfalls, the only waterfalls on the islands of the bay.
Travelers looking for a unique and luxurious escape, away from civilization, will find the ideal place at Villa on Dunbar Rock. The locals say that the small key was used as a berth for the famous pirate Blackbeard. The resort has eight suites with private balconies, a rooftop bar, a swimming pool and a private helipad. For diving enthusiasts, "La Roca" offers access to diving boats and the possibility of creating customized diving adventures by choosing which dive sites and ruins they want to visit.
Biodiversity meets luxury in Atlántida
Tela offers a quiet place to escape to the mainland on the north coast. The region is home to the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, where guests pass through a bamboo tunnel to observe exotic birds. The Jeannette Kawas National Park offers jungle landscapes and Punta Izopo National Park where visitors can kayak alongside trees that are home to howler monkeys.
Indura Beach & Golf Resort, located in Tela, is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, and is the most luxurious resort in Honduras. It has a unique pool that welcomes guests while they check-in. The Maina Spa, one of the most popular in the country, offers Honduran-inspired home treatments such as coconut peels and Mayan cocoa massages. Golfers in search of a tropical setting can play on the 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player. Located east of Tela near the city of La Ceiba, The Lodge and Spa at Pico Bonito, offers the perfect blend of nature and luxury in Honduras. The lodge is located on 400 hectares of tropical forest, between two rivers with miles of private trails and impressive waterfalls. Guests can enjoy nearby excursions such as the Manatí Refuge, white water rafting, botanical gardens and much more, as well as guided tours of the surrounding tropical jungles.