Roatan is famous for diving, snorkeling and tourism... but you can also take a piece of Roatan home with you too! Special, hand-made items that are ONLY made and sold here! Today, I check out a few "ROATAN ONLY" items that you may want to consider next time you're here!
Even though it's rained almost every day for the past 30 here in the Bay Islands, there's been pockets of that famous sunshine that makes Roatan simply incomparable! Today, we awoke to a bright, clear tropical day…. and it's amazing!
If you've been to Roatan and flew in by air, you are quite familiar with the incredible coastline the Island boasts with it's deep bays (bights), shallow reefs, and ever changing water colors….. well.. today, I got to go up once again and see it…. woo hoo!!! A great friend of mine from Chicago flew down to stay with us at The Mansion and took me for a scenic tour of Roatan in his airplane…
There's lots to see and do on Roatan and renting a car, a scooter or taking a guided tour are great ways to learn about the history and future of our small Caribbean Island!
It may not be your cup of tea.. but here in Roatan, we islanders are welcoming the cooler weather brought on by first a tropical storm which passed us by, and then a "norther" which has been sitting on top of us for about 3 days now. But what's it going to be like tomorrow and into next week??? Hhmmm….
Tropical Storm Matthew is on his way…. check flight schedules… batten down the hatches Mateys!!!
Every once in a while I like to interview peeps off the cruise ships about their experience on Roatan… and today the EPIC is in.. so tons of sun worshipers are adorning West Bay's picturesque beach and enjoying the 86º waters of the Caribbean!! Is it me or are the bathing suits getting smaller and smaller? Anyways.. watch what some visitors to the Bay Islands have to say today….
As we move into September in the tropics many hotels are offering some super deals for low season! The Mansion at Costa Tesoro has slashed prices for October/November bookings! Now is your chance to experience what it's like to be a Rock Star!!!! Visit Roatan, get huge savings… and enjoy the finest we have to offer… www.CostaTesoro.com
So you move here with Fido and you're really not into the Alpo, Purina and the other junk that's full of 'fillers' for your pets… Well.. Alan and Sandra have been here for a couple years now imported premium dog and cat foods to the Island!! They operate Island Dogs Life out of their home in Sandy Bay….In addition, they both donate their time and resources for some great Island causes...
Whether it be a Church group, a community organization or a bunch of friends getting together with a "cause", Roatan is host to many humanitarian efforts year round. Last night, I caught up with these wonderful ladies with big hearts… on the beach… and here's what they had to say...
There were no parades. There was sun, sand and surf. There were no soldiers in uniform. There was an all-you-can-eat BBQ with live Caribbean music. There were no reciting of the "Declaration of the…". There was people of all countries joining in the celebration. There was unity. There was pride.
If you've been to Roatan by Cruise Ship in the last 15 years.. chances are high you docked at the terminal in Coxen Hole… but since being sold to Royal Caribbean back in 2007 for a reported 19 Million dollars, RC has put another 20 mil into infrastructure, re-design, enlarging and building more shops and things to do. Located just outside Coxen Hole, on the way to Flowers Bay, I have to say that this port is my favorite. The staff and security speak english, they are friendly and the prices are reasonable. Check it out…
Like a page out of Disneyland, Carnival's new $62M facility located here on Roatan's south shore is truly an amazing development! Restaurants, shopping, a chair lift and more! Check it out...
Among the dozens of mediocre restaurants lining the streets of West End town, there are a few standouts that are sure to bring pleasure to the senses, and the pocketbook! The Argentinian Grill has been around for more than 7 years now and continues to be one of the top eateries on all of Roatan! Tonight, we journey to West End with clients John and Lizeth Fowler from Kentucky! See how we rate tonights performance...
June 1st officially marks the beginning of the 2010 Hurricane season here in the tropics… and although Roatan is NOT IN THE HURRICANE CORRIDOR, we do occasionally get the odd one.. about every 24 years on average. This year, US Meteorologists are predicting a "higher than usual" activity season based on the diminishing El Nino phenomenon over recent months. This means the usually strong shear winds blowing in the Atlantic (where 90% of Tropical Hurricanes form) are weakening, thus perhaps allowing the strengthening of Atlantic storms… I guess we'll see, right?
Let's face it… Roatan can get sweltering. And when it's 95º with no wind.. it's unbearable to think of jogging our physically exerting yourself outdoors… the only thing I want is a hammock in the shade, a good book and a cold bevy… But there are some alternatives… Roatan now has 3 large fitness centers complete with full weight machines and free weights, Yoga and Taekwondo classes and of course, the Squash Court at Costa Tesoro--all air-conditioned and comfortable.. so there's NO EXCUSES not to stay in tip top shape! Today, Peter Silseth, Manager of Radio HRGS here on Roatan, joins me for some Squash… the game, not the vegetable!
There are many special individuals on the island of Roatan who's "mission", "ministry" or who's heart is dedicated to helping others. They give freely of their time, money and abilities to assist the less fortunate here in the isles. One such person is Valerie Nelson - a Canadian with a mission! Learn more about the difference Valerie is making in hundreds of children's lives… starting with Crab Racing!
More than 3 years in the making, The Mansion at Costa Tesoro is now open as Roatan's finest 5 star place to stay! Located right on the beach in West Bay, this amazing Bed & Breakfast offers exclusive getaways to discerning vacationers who seek the ultimate Caribbean experience! Only 6 luxurious rooms nestled in over 8,000 square feet of Mexican-inspired masterpiece! Indoor squash, saltwater swimming pool, swim up bar, kid's playground and full fitness center are just some of the amenities available. Golf packages and Spa services are offered in addition to deep sea fishing and outer island tours. Go to www.CostaTesoro.com for more information...
Less than 15 years ago, French Harbour, Roatan was THE spot to be seen, to get provisions, bank and socialize! Most of the larger, influential island families lived there and it remains quite similar to that today. As the major sea port for Roatan, French Harbour hosts the shipping fleets, fishing fleets and much of the pleasure craft available on the island today. Come along as I ride through the original town...
Since taking over the reigns of the country the end of January, President Pepe Lobo is sending a message that he means business in curtailing the outbreak in violent crimes. The bad guys are on the run and with the help of Oscar Alvarez, Minister of Security, Lobo is intent on putting them behind bars. Since the majority of violent crimes (murders, assassinations) are the handy work of 2 men on a motorcycle who make speedy getaways, Alvarez took away this avenue a couple weeks ago. Take a look at how...
Like anywhere in the world, Roatan has it's problems with crime. Petty thievery, assaults and even murder happen on the Island and the local police -- under-funded, under-paid and over-worked -- struggle continuously with the inept Honduran legal system to put the bad guys behind bars.
But one group of Gringos is changing the face of law enforcement in the Bay Islands. Private citizens have banded together to support the good guys and make it harder for the criminal element to go about their terror. Enter www.RoatanCrimeWatch.com - a place to document, communicate and review crime as it happens, before it happens and learn more about 'hot spots' all over Roatan. Today I meet with RCW's founder, Ilias Scott, and learn more about this movement…
The Roatan's Women's Club is a group of women, both ex-pats and locals, who are committed to helping out the island's needs. From monthly luncheons to evening fund-raising events, the RWC has been going strong on Roatan for more than 10 years! It's a great way for women new to the island to get plugged in! Find out more from one of the Co-founders, Shelley Lynch...
Good Friday is the anniversary of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and is remembered by many Christians in different ways. Although a somewhat solemn occasion, it is also a day of celebration… for many, it's the day our Savior gave his life for all of us, so that we could experience Salvation!
For those on the beach today in the sweltering 96º heat, today was a festive day of music, dancing and drinking… See what our cameras captured today…
It's only a week out of every year! The beach fills with beach goers, families and partiers alike. Vendors flock to sell their wares. BBQ stands, beer gardens and more! It's a big change for us that live here and really, it's a nice change! Watch the action as I tour the beach!
Tents and beer stands… check! Tourists and souvenirs… check! Garbages and porta potys… check! First Aid stands and lifeguards… check! Looks like plans are taking shape here in West Bay for the Island's busiest time of the year!
This is it! The biggest holiday in Latin America! Easter Week! Holy Week! Semana Sante! Today marks the beginning of a holiday week here on Roatan! Many from all over Central America flock to Roatan's beaches… and West Bay will be packed by weeks end! I'll give you an update daily so you can see how the crowds progress. The big day is Good Friday. Then, by Sunday night… they all go bye bye!
Amidst the dust, eclectic buildings, water trucks and music one can see the pure beauty of West End, albeit "rustic beauty" however. This funky little village is home to Rastafarians, backpackers, tourists and locals alike who fit into the Bohemian lifestyle. It bustles, hustles, bobs and weaves with the tide, the weather and the time of day. West End is a great place to visit, dine, shop or dive. Now you can see for yourself what so many love about Roatan...
Even though there are set back regulations governing how close you can build to Roatan's high water line, many locals (and sometimes Gringos) disregard the 82-foot rule and often 'pay the price'. Storm surges bring in higher than normal wave action which literally 'moves' the sand from one side of the beach to another. This undermines the beachfront and often washes away foundations, palm trees and other structures. The setback regulation is there FOR A REASON! Come on people! Protect our beaches, will ya?
I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it, shot it, and heard it myself! A real Air Show over West Bay Beach! Pretty cool too. There was WWII looking bi-planes and fighters blowing smoke, doing loops, stalling, and swooping a few hundred feet past my home! Watch this...
