Testimonials

We never fully appreciated the word “paradise” until we came to Morada Coralina. The tranquility and beauty of this place is truly refreshing and invigorating. It is clear why you love it so much. Here are some thoughts about our stay.

Alex is more than just a groundskeeper; he’s like a concierge! On the night we arrived, he was there to ensure everything was perfect for us. He greeted us warmly and provided an orientation to the house and property. Throughout our month-long stay, Alex visited almost daily to bring us fresh coconuts and apple bananas, always checking if we needed anything and answering our questions about the area. Although this may not be part of his official duties, we certainly felt well cared for. Watching him work, it’s clear he is dedicated and takes his responsibilities seriously, showcasing some horticultural skills with an aim to enhance the beauty of the property even further. He is truly an invaluable asset.

Three boys and their dog showed up on your property several times during our stay. One time, Alex chased them away and informed us that they were hunting iguanas. Another time they came to the house and were asking for drinks of water and some dollars, but we told them this is private property and they needed to go home.

There were occasional power outages, but they brief and never more than an hour. We quickly realized the importance of keeping our devices charged to ensure they could be used when the electricity was out. The Wi-Fi connection was both fast and dependable.

The palapa at the end of the dock is truly enchanting! It's incredibly peaceful and beautiful. Calling it breezy might be an understatement, but that breeze is refreshing on warm days and helps keep the bugs at bay. We learned the hard way that anything unsecured can blow into the water, but thankfully, Alex was quick to rescue a few items that washed ashore! While the casita is lovely, we found the palapa to be the ideal spot to enjoy our time.

Three specific mobile apps have been invaluable for us: Google Translator allowed us to comprehend signs, grocery items, and even the specifics of your microwave, washer and dryer; Google Maps offered precise directions to different places; and a Currency Converter enabled quick switching between lempiras and dollars.

Before we arrived, we read some Facebook posts about the road conditions, but nothing could truly prepare us for the reality. Interestingly, some locals told us that the conditions had actually gotten better! We Americans really are quite spoiled. It didn’t take very long to get the hang of “driving like a local,” weaving around potholes and motorcycles.

Credit cards were welcome in most grocery stores and gas stations, as well as some restaurants. Digital payment with Venmo and Paypal were also accepted at some businesses.  Most places, however, preferred Cash. U.S. dollars were accepted as long as the bills were not torn or worn, and in denominations of $1s, $5s, and $10s only. The ATM at the airport is a good place to obtain lempiras to have the local currency. The Petro Sun and BIP gas stations also had reliable ATMs. There is an ATM at the bank in Oakridge, but it occasionally runs out of cash. Back home, we rarely if ever use our credit card for cash withdrawals, and learned the importance of knowing our PIN!

Many restaurants have tip jars at their counters. Regardless of whether paying with a credit card, Venmo, or cash, we discovered that giving tips in cash (either dollars or lempiras) ensures that the staff receive them immediately.

J&S Bakery is a hidden gem just 4 minutes east of the airport. After passing Orchid Hill Road on the left, it’s the next right turn down a dirt road. The delicious assortment of breads, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and sticky buns made us glad we stopped.

Snapper’s Seafood House, only 15 minutes from the airport in Brick Bay, offers local catches that are expertly prepared using locally sourced ingredients to create authentic Honduran dishes. We enjoyed savory grilled fish and flavorful shrimp and conch dishes with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea from the spacious open dining area.

Eldon’s Grocery Store, near the main entrance of French Harbor next to the Petro Sun gasoline station, was an important stop. We appreciated that this large grocery store was well supplied with a variety of items. We also found a broader range of gluten-free, vegan, and natural items next door at Green Market. We learned that it is important to bring our own bags or a box to carry out our groceries.

Coming from the U.S., we were unaccustomed to having gas station attendants pump fuel for our vehicle! Petrosun in French Harbor and BIP (Bay Island Petroleum) in French Cay were the last major gas stations on the way to Morada Coralina (other than the small dockside G&J gas station in Oakridge, which also serves as a staging area for boat taxis). We discovered that these larger gas stations aren't just for gas. They all have a store with them, not only offering the basic convenience store kind of items, but also serving meals—great baleadas, tortillas and pastelitos made fresh right behind the counter, and oftentimes soup and other plates of food.

We frequently visited the vibrant fishing village of Oakridge on the south side of the island.  For us, a perfect day started at Serve Coffee by the waterfront (open weekdays from 7am to 3pm). The friendly bilingual staff made us feel right at home as soon as we stepped inside.  One of us is a coffee lover, and the other is a self-described tea snob. The expertly roasted Honduran coffee beans are prepared through various brewing methods—Fresh Brew, French Press, or Pour Over—each offering a unique flavor profile, and the specialty coffee drinks are both creative and delicious. The tea enthusiast was delighted to discover a selection of fragrant loose teas meticulously prepared to ensure the ideal aromatic and flavorful cup. Both of us enjoyed the outstanding homemade cinnamon rolls! Plus, we learned that this is a nonprofit shop, dedicated to providing job opportunities and training for women.

Sharing the same building with Serve Coffee is the Salty Dawg (open weekdays from 11am to 7pm), where we discovered exceptional Caribbean cuisine with a Cajun twist. This laid-back waterfront restaurant serves creative shrimp, fish, chicken, and pork dishes bursting with flavor, available for dine-in or take-out. The drink menu includes a nice selection of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails. Their Facebook page gives updates on live music events.

Catch and Cruise fishing charters and tours in Oakridge is a great choice to experience deep sea fishing, fly fishing on the saltwater flats, tour through mangrove canals, snorkeling excursions, and opportunities to swim with rays and nurse sharks.  Patrick, a lifelong resident of Roatan is eager to share his extensive knowledge about the island he cherishes. He tailors each tour to meet the desires his guests, ensuring a personalized and authentic local experience with a guide who feels more like a personal friend.  (His sweet wife April works at Serve Coffee.)

When we needed gasoline, the G&J gas station at the Oakridge boat dock, locally known as Lulu’s, was convenient and quick.

Between Oakridge and Morada Coralina we often stopped at the Mini Super Islamar, the small but well-supplied grocery store with fresh fruit and vegetables.

During our travels to and from Oakridge, we occasionally spotted someone cooking in front of a small yellow building called Comedor Gabriela. One afternoon, we decided to stop by, and even though the owners didn't speak English and we didn't speak Spanish, we managed to communicate and were directed to a cozy round table inside, making us feel like we were guests in their home. Along with the warm hospitality, we enjoyed a delicious and authentically local meal that included beef and vegetable soup, deep-fried chicken, tacos, and plantains—all at an incredibly low price. It was a fantastic experience. Next time we visit, we'll have a bit more courage to explore more of these roadside food stands.

We appreciated the smooth road and short distance from Morada Coralina to Punta Gorda, a community of Garifuna, a unique Caribbean culture with its own language and a history that goes back 200 years. We enjoyed flavorful authentic Garifuna seafood dishes at Wagundan, Yurumei, and Ruty’s Place. We thought Yurumei had the best machuca, a fish soup made with coconut milk and including all the locally caught fish such as lobster, conch, and snapper. We enjoyed our meals at all three restaurants, although the prices at Wagundan were a bit higher than the other two.

Roatan Farmer’s Market in Politilly Bight was a delightful place to visit on Saturday mornings (10 am to 2 pm) for fresh seafood, seasonal fruit, home baked goods, Honduran coffee, and locally made products like coconut oil, salsa, and juices. The fish tacos, coconut bread French toast, and fresh fruit smoothies at the stand across the road were a wonderful treat. The hog plum juice was indescribably delicious!

There are quite a few roadside stands with fruits and vegetables.

When we journeyed further east along the very rugged road, we were rewarded with delicious food and spectacular scenery. At Camp Bay Lodge, we unwound under palm trees beside a beautiful white sand beach, watching kite surfers glide by. Since we bought drinks, we were exempt from the $20 daily beach fee. Dining at La Sirena de Camp Bay, literally situated over the water, was a treat as we savored tasty seafood like lionfish and coconut shrimp, all while colorful hummingbirds danced around our table. Even by Roatan standards, the very primitive baño was a bit unexpected! The Cliffsidesbar and grill was aptly named, located below a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The owners offered generous portions of scrumptious seafood and desserts, along with friendly conversation. Their coconut shrimp was some of the best on the island, and along with a thick and tasty key lime pie, their other delicious dessert was coconut candy with dulce de leche ice cream. We highly recommend all three restaurants, though we found Cliffsides to be a bit on the pricier side.

We enjoyed some outstanding coconut shrimp and seafood tacos at Kristi’s Overlook, a restaurant with a Tex-Mex vibe. The large open air dining room has stunning panoramic views of the south shore.

Although we spent most of our time in the quieter, less touristy east end of the island we did make a couple of visits to the west end. At Sandy Bay, Carambola Gardens offers a serene alternative to the beach, featuring trails that wind through 40 acres of tropical jungle along a gentle mountain slope, providing stunning views of the coastline below. Admission to the jungle gardens is $15 per person, while a one-hour guided tour is available for $25 per person. We participated in The Chocolate Experience for $35 per person, where we not only learned about chocolate-making but also enjoyed a hands-on experience of shelling, roasting, and grinding cacao beans to create our own chocolate treats.

We stopped at The Rusty Fish (West Bay Road, West Bay) and discovered a great source for unique gifts and souvenirs. Decorative items are crafted from recycled materials reclaimed from trash. There is also a great selection of locally made wood carvings, local stone carving, paintings by local artisans and handmade jewelry. The store benefits 60 local families, providing a way for them to make an income and support their families.

Tucked next to The Rusty Fish was Tipicos Maritza, a tiny café that appears to be a favorite among local taxi drivers. We don’t speak Spanish, but the bilingual taxi drivers eating there helped us place our order. The chicken, pork, and beef dishes were authentically prepared, tasty, and incredibly inexpensive.

The Chocolate Factory (West End Road, West End) is a local, small-scale, socially and environmentally responsible chocolate company. During our visit to the upstairs factory, we had the opportunity to watch the chocolate-makers at work through the kitchen windows, while learning about their process. The store features an assortment of chocolate products crafted from 100% organic cacao, along with coffee and chocolate beverages, delectable desserts, and homemade ice cream. Along with some chocolate candy bars, we purchased some raw cacao beans that were the best-tasting ever, and cacao husks, perfect for brewing flavorful tea.

The absolute best experience we discovered was Grace’s Tea Tour in Coxen Hole (next to the airport). This was more than just tea; it was an immersion into the rich history and culture of Roatan. Upon arriving at Grace’s home, we were warmly welcomed and escorted into an outdoor oasis where a beautifully arranged tea table awaited us. Grace introduced us to her sister Mary, and we instantly felt like part of the family with their generous hospitality. Grace showcased a selection of leaves, flowers, and barks from native plants, explaining how they have been used for centuries to provide healing and promote wellness. We enjoyed a variety of expertly prepared teas, from soothing hot blends to refreshing cold infusions, and learned about their health benefits. While also enjoying some delicious island pastries made from local ingredients, Grace and Mary shared captivating stories about their family and the island’s history and culture.  Before we left, they showed us a backyard space nestled among black and red mangroves, where they are growing fruit plants such as bananas, chatas, apple bananas, noni, and coconuts. Registration for the tour is handled through Roatan Marine Park (www.roatanmarinepark.org/service-page/grace-s-tea-tour). It should be noted, the website quotes a fee of USD 80. That is for the required minimum of 4 people. The value of the experience far exceeds the $20 per person fee!

While visiting with Grace, we learned that her daughter, Darling Banegas, is a Massage Therapist. Unlike the pricey beachside massages that we have encountered elsewhere, Ms. Banegas uses genuine bodywork techniques that effectively relieve pain and tension, improve circulation and range of motion, and alleviate stress and anxiety. She skillfully identified our areas of tightness, applied the perfect pressure, and focused her efforts precisely where needed. Her professional and caring approach left us feeling rejuvenated, tension-free, and completely transformed. Appointments can be made by calling 504-3355-3381.

We cherished our Sunday mornings at Iglesia Nueva Esperanza/New Hope Church in Oakridge, with its vibrant atmosphere, warm hospitality, inspiring worship, and impactful sermons. The diverse mix of locals, expats, and visitors truly felt like one big family. We enjoyed having conversations with some of them at Serve Coffee and Salty Dawg throughout the week.

If we didn’t have children and grandchildren back in Minnesota, it would be tempting to visit here more often! Let us know if you have any questions about our experience staying at your marvelous Morada Coralina

- Kerry & LuAnn Raadt