Roatan is different now. If you haven't been to the Bay Islands in a few years, the skyline of West Bay beach—specifically the ironshore point where the reef practically kisses the sand—will look a bit unrecognizable. That’s mostly due to the massive evolution of the Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort. It’s not just a boutique getaway anymore. Ever since it rebranded and partnered up with Kimpton to become the Kimpton Grand Roatan, the stakes for luxury in Honduras have shifted.
Honestly, the vibe is polarizing for some locals. You have people who miss the sleepy, quiet bungalows of the early 2010s. But then you look at the infinity pool and the way the glass reflects the Caribbean Sea at sunset. It's hard to stay mad at progress when it looks this good.
The Reality of Location at Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort
Let’s talk about the reef. Most people don’t realize how lucky this specific patch of dirt is. West Bay is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, not because of the sand (which is great), but because the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is right there. At Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort, you don’t need a boat. You don't need a guide. You basically just walk past the beach chairs, kick your fins a few times, and you’re staring at parrotfish and Hawksbill turtles.
It’s the "Iron Shore" location. Being at the very southern tip of West Bay means you have less foot traffic than the middle of the beach where the cruise ship crowds congregate. It feels exclusive.
But there’s a trade-off. Because it’s tucked into the corner, you’re at the mercy of the limestone cliffs. It’s stunning, but it means the resort is built "up" rather than just "out." If you have mobility issues, you're going to want to make sure you're booked in a room that doesn't require a hike, though the staff is pretty quick with the golf carts.
Why the Kimpton Rebrand Matters
When Kimpton took over the management of the Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort, they brought a certain level of "standard" that was honestly hit-or-miss in Roatan for a long time. We’re talking about the "Forgot It? We’ve Got It!" program. You forgot your tweezers or a lip balm? They just give it to you. That’s a level of service that was rare on the island.
The design changed, too. It’s more "tulum-chic" now. Lots of natural woods, woven textures, and high-end finishes that still feel like they belong in the jungle. They didn't just slap white paint on everything and call it a day. They kept the soul of the island but added 400-thread-count sheets.
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What You’re Actually Eating
Food in Roatan is a mixed bag. You can get a $3 baleada on the street that will change your life, or you can pay $60 for a "fine dining" steak that tastes like a shoe.
At the Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort, they’ve leaned heavily into the seafood, as they should. Alathani is the flagship spot. It focuses on Roatan’s heritage—Indigenous flavors mixed with high-end technique. You’ll see things like coconut-infused seafood stews that aren't just for show. They actually use local ingredients.
- The Sea-to-Table aspect: They work with local fishermen.
- The Rooftop Bar: This is the game changer. Vos Cafe & Bar.
- The Cocktails: Expect lots of hibiscus, local rum, and fresh ginger.
Don't skip the breakfast. Seriously. Most island resorts do a sad buffet with lukewarm eggs. Here, the breakfast is thoughtful. But be warned: the prices are "resort prices." You’re not in the village of West End anymore. You’re paying for the view and the imported champagne.
The Spa is the Secret Weapon
Most people come for the diving. Roatan is a diving mecca, period. But the Kao Kamasa Spa at Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort is arguably the best facility in the Western Caribbean. It’s 10,000 square feet. That’s enormous for an island.
They use "Paya" inspired treatments. The Paya were the indigenous people of the Bay Islands, and the spa tries to incorporate their traditional use of herbs and volcanic stones. Is it a bit marketed? Sure. But when you’re getting a massage while listening to the actual ocean—not a recording of the ocean—you won't care.
They have glass-bottom treatment rooms. Think about that. You’re face down in the headrest, looking at the water and the fish below while someone works on your lower back. It's a surreal experience that most travelers don't even realize is an option until they check in.
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Sustainability: Greenwashing or Real?
This is a touchy subject. Building a massive resort on a fragile reef ecosystem is always a risk. The Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort has made some big claims about their eco-footprint.
They have a massive solar farm. It's one of the largest private solar arrays on the island. In a place where electricity is notoriously expensive and often powered by diesel generators, this is a big deal. They also have an on-site water treatment plant.
Is it perfect? No. No resort of this size is. But compared to the older hotels on the beach that are still leaking greywater into the sand, the Grand Roatan is lightyears ahead. They also participate in reef restoration projects. If you’re a diver, you can actually see the coral nurseries they help support.
What Travelers Get Wrong
One of the biggest mistakes people make when booking the Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort is thinking they don't need a car.
"Everything is on the beach," they say.
Well, yeah, if you want to stay in the West Bay bubble. But Roatan is 40 miles long. If you don't leave the resort, you're missing the mangroves of Old Port Royal, the garifuna culture in Punta Gorda, and the eccentricity of the "over-the-water" bars in Camp Bay. Use the resort as your luxury basecamp, but don't let it be your cage.
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A Note on the "Vibe" Shift
The transition from a locally-run feel to a global brand has changed the guest list. You see more influencers now. You see more corporate retreats.
But you still see the families who have been coming for twenty years. The resort has managed to keep a bit of that "Old Roatan" hospitality. The staff—many of whom have been there since the pre-Kimpton days—are the real stars. They remember your name. They know how you like your coffee. That’s the stuff you can’t train into a corporate manual.
Room Selection Advice
If you want the best experience, aim for the Oceanfront Suites. The "Resort View" rooms are nice, but you're looking at gardens and other buildings. If you're flying all the way to Roatan, you want to wake up to the turquoise water.
- 1-Bedroom Suites: Great for couples, huge balconies.
- The Villas: These are the original soul of the property. More private.
- The New Wing: Higher floors, better tech, more "modern hotel" feel.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to stay at the Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort, do these three things to ensure you don't get stuck in a tourist trap:
- Book your diving early. The on-site dive shop is top-tier, but they fill up. If you want to do a night dive (which you should, the "string of pearls" bioluminescence is wild), get on the list the day you arrive.
- Request a West-Facing Room. The sunsets at the Iron Shore are legendary. Having a private balcony for that is worth the extra $50 a night.
- Venture to West End. Take a water taxi from the resort's beach. It’s $5, it takes ten minutes, and it gets you to the local bars and shops where things are a bit more rugged and authentic.
The Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort is a microcosm of where Roatan is going. It's more expensive, more polished, and more international. But as long as that reef stays healthy and the sun keeps setting over the point, it remains one of the most compelling places to stay in the entire Caribbean basin.
Check the seasonal rates carefully. October and November are rainy, but you can get the rooms for 40% less. If you can handle a few afternoon showers, that’s the time to strike. Otherwise, stick to the "dry" season from March to July, but expect to share the pool with a lot of happy travelers.
Go for the luxury, but stay for the reef. It’s the one thing that no amount of renovation can ever replace.