Hidden Honduras: Kimpton Grand Roatan
Honduras for a beach vacation?
I know, I know. Hear me out!
The brand new Kimpton Grand Roatan is one of my favorite new hotels I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this year. At only a 2-hour flight from Miami airport, it’s super easy and quick to get there and is the perfect long weekend escape. Roatan is an island just off the coast of Honduras and is big enough to have plenty to do, but off-beaten-path enough that you won’t find huge crowds vacationing here. The only time you’ll find any kind of crowd is when the cruise ships stop in for the day. Roatan sits below the hurricane belt, so it’s also a great option for a tropical beach vacation from June to November to avoid most of those storms.
The Reef
Roatan borders the second largest barrier reef in the world (next to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia) and is a premier snorkel and scuba diving location. One of the best parts about the Kimpton is that it sits just steps from the reef - no boat is required for snorkeling. Simply pick up your gear from the aquatics center and hit the reef! Reef safe sunscreen is also available at the pool and beach! I would highly recommend having Jay, one of the local guides on property, take you on a guided swim. He’s been working on the reef for years and knows it and the wildlife super well. The wildlife here is just stunning and some of the most active snorkeling you’ll find in the world - thousands of small colorful fish, even sea turtles!
The area here is super protected so the water never gets too rough, unlike reefs that are in the open ocean. If you take about a 5-minute swim off the beach, you’ll arrive to the drop off where it goes from about 20 feet deep, down to 80+ feet. This is where you’re likely to see some of the larger species like eagle rays, nurse sharks, and tuna which frequent the area. If snorkeling isn’t your speed, they also have clear kayaks available!
Other Activities
In addition to the spectacular water options, Roatan also offers land activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, golf, ATV riding through the jungle and more. The Kimpton also offers a free shuttle to West End, a charming little town with lots of local restaurants and shops to explore. My favorite of these shops was The Roatan Chocolate Factory - a locally-owned company that produces sustainably sourced chocolate. Their cacao comes from the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) on mainland Honduras which is home to numerous endangered species. This area has had trouble in the past with illegal cattle ranching and logging activities. To help support the local economy, the Roatan Chocolate Factory hires locals to harvest the cacao beans to give them an alternate source of income. Not only is this good for the local community, but wild-grown cacao is considered to be the most environmentally friendly. This area is one of the few places in the world where cacao grows naturally and does not require a greenhouse. At the shop, classes are offered from bean to bar where you’ll be guided through each step in the process of making your own chocolate bar. In addition, the sales of their chocolate also support wildlife conservation!
Accommodations
The Rooms: The Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa was beautifully designed and offers several different types of accommodations to suit all styles. The property is spacious, but intimate and offers everything from stand-alone bungalows to spa suites to oceanfront villas. Even the entry-level ocean-view rooms are incredibly spacious and the views of the reef are spectacular. The rooms are more contemporary, but very comfortable and well stocked. Unlike most hotels where you receive a traditional room key, the Kimpton gives you a stylish boho-chic bracelet that acts as your room key (not an eyesore wristband).
Dining: On property, you’ll find four unique dining outlets each with their own flare. The menus rotate so there is always something new and delicious to try. The quality and freshness of the food and cocktails is just outstanding! With our benefits your breakfast is also included and although it’s a buffet - the choices are endless. Tons of pastries, fruit juices, smoothies, fresh local fruits, and the standard hot items, PLUS made-to-order eggs and items from the griddle, and even some local specialties like baleadas and pupusas. It was definitely one of the best buffet breakfasts I’ve had. Lunch and dinner are no exception either - everything is super fresh and cooked to perfection with most ingredients being sourced from Roatan or mainland Honduras. You’ll find lighter more casual fare down by the beach like some killer tacos.
Spa: They also have the Kao Kamasa Spa which you could easily spend a full day at. The spa is inspired by the cultural traditions of the local Pesh culture and features all-natural local ingredients in their products. (I’m seriously obsessed with the all-natural bug spray that actually works!) Once you’re finished with your treatment there are multiple different relaxation areas. Inside you’ll find a hot plunge, bubble hot tub, salt soak pool, and cold plunge. If you venture outside, there is another full-sized pool and two observation/relaxation decks that overlook the reef. The one is actually a big hammock - perfect for reading a book!
Sustainability: All of the staff at the Kimpton, with the exception of 6 members in leadership, are local to Honduras and the owners also have a foundation set up to support the local communities so you can really feel good about where your money is going! The staff are just wonderful and really want to get to know you so that they can make your time with them special. In addition to most of their food and products being sourced locally, they also offer reef-safe sunscreen at the pool, have a desalinization plant on property, and are actively working to create a composting and recycling program.
Telos Travel Booking Benefits:
✨ Guaranteed 2:00 pm late check-out
✨ Breakfast included daily for two at hotel restaurant
✨ $100 USD Hotel Credit
✨ Upgrade to next room category (subject to availability)
✨ Bottled water and fresh fruit / snacks in room upon arrival
✨ Turn down service
The Kimpton and Roatan is a great barefoot luxury destination for couples and families alike, that are looking for a mixture of adventure and comfort. It’s easy to get to and offers plenty of activities or relaxation depending on what you’re looking for.
When you’re ready to book your next adventure, fill out our contact form and we can get started!
