The best kept secret of the Caribbean is getting out!

The island paradise of Roatan, Honduras is receiving more publicity all the time and the reviews just keep on getting better. In our last issue we announced that National Geographic had included Roatan in their list of the ten top destinations for your summer 2011 trip.

Since then, Island Magazine’s July/August, 2011 issue described Roatan as “The #1 island in the world to retire to.” Robert Stephens, writer for Island Magazine, says this of Roatan; “It reminds me of how my dad described Cayman 35 year ago. Villagers making their own medicine. Fruit and nut trees growing wild. An empty hammock in a palapa. And a guy one barstool over is from your hometown.”

In the article, a retired expat from the island admits that, “I intended to go back to the States, but this place wouldn’t let me,” a sentiment that those of us who have chosen Roatan as our retirement home, can definitely relate to.

Also this past July, International Living Magazine included Roatan on their list of “Seven Easy, Affordable Retirement Spots.”

The criteria required to make the list were those that made for a smooth and easy move and transition; proximity to home, the availability of similar goods and services to those found at home, a place where an expat community already exists, making it easy to make friends, speak your own language and learn from those who have “gone before you,” and a place where an expat community is welcome. An “easy” place is one that offers good, affordable healthcare, restaurants, and plenty to do.

On July 9th, in a Yahoo Finance’s publication “8 Great Places to Retire Abroad,” Donna Fuscaldo considers similar criteria when choosing top retirement spots. International Living’s Global Retirement Index was used to compare real estate value, cost of living and health care availability among the top 25 retirement locations, world-wide. Roatan ranked tenth on the GRI index for cost of living (a retired American couple can live comfortably for $1,200 month), but a high 4th for real estate.

In other positive news, the Wall St. Journal announced that Standard and Poor’s raised its outlook on Honduras from “positive to stable.” Improving investor confidence since the election of President Porfirio Lobo last year, stronger ties with creditors, a stronger state of fiscal affairs, and rising external liquidity are the main reasons for the boost in credit rating.

Rave Reviews for the Hungry Kiwi Cafe and Bar

Located on the north side of island, just off the main road, at Lawson Rock, Sandy Bay, the Hungry Kiwi is a welcome addition to Roatan.

A security guard at the entrance welcomed us and directed us to the spacious parking lot. We had heard about the prime rib and roasted lamb, offered on Friday and Saturday nights.

We chose the air conditioned, indoor seating, although outdoor, garden seating is offered also. An impressive wine selection, displayed in an appealing wooden cabinet, greeted us as we entered, and a board on the wall announced the four daily dinner specials.

The appetizer menu included shrimp cocktail, soup of the day, garlic bread, cream cheese and avocado bruschetta and hummus and pita bread served with a chipotle dip.

The dinner menu also offered a New York and rib Eye steak, pork tenderloin, sautéed shrimp, shrimp and chicken fettuccine, curried chicken and shrimp, a fish of the day, and vegetarian pasta of the day.

We chose the prime rib, which included a fresh salad to start, a choice of mashed potatoes, fries, or rice and fresh vegetables. We were both impressed with our meal; all that was missing was the Yorkshire pudding.

The dessert choices included homemade apple, meringue, and coconut cream pie, offered with Honduran gourmet coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, herbal teas or hot chocolate.

She says: “The grounds were gorgeous, but it was a very warm evening, so I was delighted to discover that the restaurant was air conditioned, something not easy to find on the island. Our server was warm, friendly and attentive, but not overbearing and the meal was delicious. I can’t wait to return to try some of the other choices.”

He says: “The quality of the prime rib was a pleasant surprise; it’s something we miss from back home and, until now, have not found available on the island. The lunch and breakfast menus look reasonable and appealing, so we’ll definitely be back. A good, old fashioned, home-style breakfast is not always easy to find on the island, either.”

The Hungry Kiwi has a Facebook page, where you can find the latest information and read reviews. Check out the Hungry Kiwi website also at www.hungrykiwi.com/

Just a reminder that credit cards are not accepted, YET!

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Pristine Bay and the Black Pearl to host Central American Golf Championship

In our spring issue, we announced that the stunning Black Pearl Golf Course at Pristine Bay was open for public play. “Pristine Bay and Roatan are ready to welcome visitors seeking our tropical weather and first-class service,” claimed Mario Toriello, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Pristine Bay.

This proved to be true when the announcement was made in July that Pristine Bay will host the 69th Central American Golf Championship, on its Pete and Perry Dye-designed Black Pearl Golf Course, February 25-March 3, 2012.

Planning and preparations are underway for the tournament, which will be the first time the Central American championship will be held in Roatan. However; it is not the first tournament to be held at The Black Pearl since the opening of all 18 holes December 1st, 2010. Pristine Bay’s Facebook page has a wealth of information on past and future events.

Pristine Bay is expecting roughly 200 competitors, spectators and press members, from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama to attend the invitation-only tournament.

The Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay will be partially open in time for the tournament, with 30 rooms and 11 villas complete and available for tournament guests. When complete, the “Caribbean” architecture hotel, designed and managed by Lancaster Group from Houston will offer 60 standard hotel rooms and 30 villas some of which offer private pools.

Property is selling like wildfire at Pristine Bay, phase one construction is 90% sold out with 16 of the 18 villa suites sold, as well as 32 of the 34 larger villas and 61 of 69 lots. Phase two lots are already on the market with 5 of 43 sold. The phase two villa suites will be on the market by the end of 2012. Construction on the Beach Club amenities including the 18,000 square foot infinity pool is also well underway.

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