Country Article / Postcards

Your Permanent Honeymoon Hideaway

Date: 07/12/2004

The island of Roatan, with its barrier reef, crystal clear waters, and white-sand beaches, is quintessential Caribbean. Right now, you can buy real estate here at prices far below those on other Caribbean islands--a quarter-acre lot with a spectacular view of the water for $25,000; over an acre in a new development (with a marina, dive shop and restaurant planned) for less than $100,000; and a large, luxurious condo with valet parking and a private rooftop pool for $279,000.

But I'm not writing to you today about Roatan. True, Honduras' largest Bay Island offers you Caribbean sun, sand, and sea…a relaxing lifestyle…and a low cost of living. But the mainland of Honduras offers all these things too…at lower prices.

I've just returned from a trip to the mainland town of La Ceiba, which my husband and I were showing off to some friends. We drove into the rainforest above La Ceiba, taking the road beside the Congrejal river, past waterfalls, rapids, and enormous boulders. When we could hear the sounds of nature you only get deep in the rainforest, we found what will be a lodge.

It only has two rooms right now, in a thatched main building which will be used to accommodate guests. Looking out through the main doors, you see a waterfall running into a natural swim pond, and above that, a trail leading up to several other waterfalls and plunge pools. The owner has etched this retreat into the rainforest without disturbing any of the natural beauty. Apart from the main lodge is a cabin overlooking the river. Eventually, there will be five cabins, all for sale. These would suit someone who enjoys nature undisturbed…the perfect place for a permanent honeymoon hideaway.

The lodge is only 10 minutes from La Ceiba, and not much more than that from an international airport, yet seems a world apart.

If you'd like more information, you can write to me at: honduras@internationalliving.com.

Meantime, watch this space for areas of opportunity on coastal Honduras…

Janine Goben
For International Living in Honduras
E-mail: honduras@internationalliving.com