Visiting/living in roatan?

[Sandyall]

My husband and I are planning on retiring somewhere in Latin America. We have visited Columbia, Panama and Costa Rica and enjoyed each place. We took a real estate tour in Costa Rica and found that it was too expensive and there was not enough water recreation opportunities. We have begun reading about Roatan online and really like what we see. We are going to plan a trip there later on this spring to see if it is a place where we could see ourselves.

What should we do? Where should we stay? hotels, restaurants etc.? How easy is relocation? What are the expats like down there?

[Janine G]

Hi Sandy,

I've lived and worked on the island of Roatan for 11 years. For several years, I was the bureau chief in Honduras for International Living magazine and now I am with Roatan Real Estate. I can answer your questions and give you seeveral links to rental agencies, property management companies, attorneys, etc., pretty much anything you want to know.

If you are serious about looking at Roatan, and after 11 years of living here, I'm pretty biased, so I believe that the quality of life is great and professionally I can tell you that now is the time for investment in either a retirement home, second home or rental property. Our market has certainly been affected by the global downturn, but not to the same degree, in fact more people are looking overseas to invest in real estate as part of their portfolio, and now is most certainly a buyer's market.

It sounds like you are contemplating a visit here, and if your timing happens to coincide with ours, we are doing an Investment and Real Estate seminar and tour on August 11th. If you would like to join us at that time, I can send details. It is a 3 day conference during which I will give you introductions to the peopkle you need to know here for all kinds of things from insurance to lawyers and builders and schools. Price is $200 per person or $375 per couple and includes all seminar activities and airport transfers, tours and a few special surprises! We do 2 seminars per year, so if next spring is the soonest you can come, I can put you on our list for next February or March - dates yet to be determined.

I will gladly e-mail with you or call you and offer specifics for your particular needs if you would like to give me contact info and any convenient times to contact you.

Regards,

Janine Goben

[Millaires]

Roatan was not our first choice when we decided to explore Central America 5 years ago. We left California to live on Ambergris Cay in Belize but by chance made a stop in Roatan and never left....The Island is surrounded by an exceptional reef with turquoise waters. All water activities are enjoyed year round. There is a good selection of restaurants for every budget throughout the island. Most Hotels are concentrated in the Western part of Roatan, West End / West Bay. There are some upscale resorts in the middle of the Island, Parrot Tree Plantation, Blue Ocean Reef and more under construction. A new Pete Dye Golf course is due for completion early next year. There are several ways to relocate to Honduras, the easiest, as a " Pensionado " Retiree immigration status. There are reputable attorneys that can facilitate the process. We obtainned a working residency in about 10 Months after retainning the services of a professional. The Expat community is very engaging with people from all over the world. Our favorite activity is the Monthly "Full Moon" parties held in privates homes or resorts. A good source for (hotel /condo / house) reservations on the Island: http://www.Tropicalrez.com

My wife & I both work in Tourisim and R.E Consulting.
Marc & Linda Millaire
Lindamarconsulting@gmail.com
USA Skype 858 926 5209

[colibri]

If you like a laid back lifestyle and are not bent on having everything done
'fast' then Roatan would be a good place for you.

Relocation is fairly easy once you have your residency approved. This process
is best started from where you are so you can get a head start. But before
you commit to a residency here in Honduras, you need to make your visit and
spend some time on the island and see if you like it. It is not for everyone.

I for example like a little more action than Roatan affords over a long term.
you can find plenty of things to keep you busy for a year or so, but then if
you are into seeing the latest movies and getting into things that are not
available on the island, you might get bored.

But if you love a relaxed and easy life without stress or problems or rushing
around and doing things,it may be perfect for you.

The expats I have met here and friendly and good people. I have not met a lot
but I understand there are thousands of them from the US, Canada and Europe.

When you come to Roatan you should take a real estate tour if you may be
interested in buying a property. No obligation, just look at the properties
that are available and get with a real estate agent to show you around.

I recommend http://www.aboutroatanrealestate.com. They have the most
comprehensive and useful real estate website in Roatan and have been in
business for 10 years. Ask for Marci or Alex.

I purchased a property through them and was very happy with the service.
They have everything you need to make a simple and rapid purchase.

I have a condo construction project in Roatan and am looking for buyers
(pre-construction, great deals). Once construction restarts the condos
will be ready in 6-9 months. www.cvroatan.com

Depending on what you are looking for, you can find hotels for about $50
per night for 2 people either in West End or in French Harbor. I stayed
at Gio's in French Harbor and it was fine for about $55 per night.

There are lots of restaurants around the island. You just get your hotel
decided first and then you will find the nearby restaurants. There are
many good ones and some are quite inexpensive.

You also need to take a tour of the island. If you are interested in more
info, I can connect you up with a friend of mine who is a tour guide and
can work out a complete island tour for you at reasonable prices. He can
guarantee you a great experience.

Hope this helps.

Ron Sedlak