Located on the island of Roatan, a paradise often overlooked, you’ll discover the luxurious and enchanting Ibagari Boutique Hotel. This unique boutique is situated between a pristine white sand beach and lush tropical foliage. Serving up delectable island flavours at their on-site restaurant, chic and spacious suites with breathtaking views, and an effortlessly cool artistic vibe, Ibagari is where tropical dreams come true.

Location and How To Get There 

Getting to Roatan has never been easier, thanks to direct flights from the United States offered by major airlines such as Delta, United, and American .Alternatively, you can fly from mainland Honduras and various other locations in Central America, such as Belize City via Tropic Air. 

From the international airport, it’s a comfortable 30-minute drive to the hotel. To streamline our journey, I reached out to the front desk in advance, and they effortlessly handled all our transportation needs. A kind and courteous Ibagari representative welcomed us at arrivals, guiding us to a private van that whisked us away to the hotel.

Ideally positioned between West Bay and West End, the hotel offers the best of both worlds. Close enough to partake in the lively festivities of West Bay Beach, yet secluded enough for a peaceful hotel beachfront experience where it is not necessary to scramble to secure a sunbed. For added convenience, the hotel provides complimentary on-demand boat shuttles to West Bay Beach and West End. 

Check in Process 

Arriving at Ibagari felt like stepping into a living work of art. The front desk welcomed us warmly as our van pulled up, offering a quick tour of the property. Everywhere you look, art adorns the space, and the intentional design emphasises open-air living with a strong outdoor vibe. My attention was drawn to the large tree that was incorporated into the building’s architecture as we entered the reception area. We were offered a delicious coffee mocktail as we were given a tour of the property. 

Since we arrived prior to check in time, we opted to settle by the beach for lunch while we filled out some paperwork in advance. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable lunch with drinks just a few steps away from the waterfront. It was not long until our room was ready.

Rooms 

With only 18 suites, Ibagari creates an intimate atmosphere that effortlessly blends luxury with a personal touch. I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the Deluxe suites, boasting a spacious covered balcony that offers unmatched views of the Caribbean Sea. The room itself was the pinnacle of modern comfort, tastefully adorned to complement the hotel’s overall aesthetic. The generously-sized king bed proved to be a dreamy retreat, complete with convenient charging ports on each side—a thoughtful touch often overlooked by many hotels. Entertainment was a breeze with the large flat-screen smart TV, easily adjustable for optimal viewing from the bed, equipped with various apps for seamless streaming.

 A standout feature of the room was the electronic blinds, offering the convenience of light control at the touch of a button. With two options—a full blackout blind and a shaded blind allowing in a soft glow—the room catered to different moods and preferences.

In each room there is a  coffee machine and filtered water (of which are replenished daily), alongside a well-stocked mini-bar featuring reasonably priced snacks and drinks. The sleek and modern bathroom presented both a stand-up shower and a tempting bathtub, complete with a door to the outside, inviting you to bathe with a view.

For those seeking a bit more space and privacy, Ibagari offers two-bedroom suites, and the latest addition, Ibagari Homes, introduces luxurious four-bedroom units, providing an extra layer of opulence and seclusion.

Food and Drink 

Luna Muna, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, emerges as a culinary gem and undoubtedly one of the island’s finest dining establishments.

Upon our arrival, as our room wasn’t quite ready, we chose to relax by the beach and order some lunch. Lucky for us, it happened to be a Sunday, and Luna Muna’s renowned brunch menu was in full swing. The experience was nothing short of delightful, with a tempting array of homemade breads and jams to start, followed by our chosen main courses—chilaquiles and conch ceviche with plantain crisps. Sunday brunch also offered an “open bar” option, allowing us bottomless sips of our chosen cocktails such as mimosas and bloody Marys—an excellent kickoff to our stay. Impressed by Luna Muna’s culinary prowess, we found ourselves returning for nearly every meal during our time at the hotel.

Come lunchtime, Luna Muna not only offers its regular menu but also presents a poolside menu with lighter snack options. The diverse lunch and dinner selections, ranging from lobster ravioli to herb-infused fish, caters to most every palate. The extensive drinks menu boasts expertly crafted cocktails that not only taste fantastic but also look the part.

The culinary team proved incredibly accommodating, especially considering my dietary restrictions due to Celiac disease. They went above and beyond, creating gluten-free alternatives like homemade bread for a delightful burger and crafting gluten-free pasta, ensuring I wouldn’t miss out.

For added convenience, you can opt to have room service and dine in your suite for a nominal fee. We chose to have breakfast on our balcony during our final morning which was an idyllic way to end our exceptional stay at Ibagari. 

Facilities

It’s nearly impossible to overlook the breathtaking pool at Ibagari, situated right in the heart of the complex and transforming into a magical oasis come nightfall. As if that weren’t enough, the property boasts not one but two hot tubs, plus a wellness centre for that extra touch of relaxation.

Given its prime beachfront location, Ibagari generously offers complimentary non-motorised watersports to its guests. Whether you fancy gliding across the waves in a kayak, mastering the art of stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing away on a Hobie Cat, the options for aquatic adventure are at your fingertips.

For those keen on bringing a piece of Roatan home, the reception area houses a fantastic gift shop located in the Reception area. Bursting with unique finds from local artisans, it’s the perfect spot to snag memorable souvenirs that capture the essence of your time in this tropical paradise.

Activities 

There are a number of activities that you can participate in during your stay at Ibagari. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of deep-sea fishing, the romance of a private sunset boat ride, the artistry of crafting cocktails, or the zen vibes of a yoga session, the attentive staff at Ibagari is your go-to team for making it happen. Our personal highlight was a lively cocktail class on our first evening—a delightful and interactive experience where we got hands-on in creating a unique concoction tailored just for us.

Be sure to catch some of the weekly festivities where Luna Muna comes alive with live music and a captivating Garifuna dance show, both must-see events that add an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay.

For those with a passion for underwater adventures, the onsite dive shop is a game-changer. Offering the ultimate convenience, you can embark on a scuba diving expedition right from the hotel’s doorstep, setting sail into the depths of the Caribbean without missing a beat.

Service 

From the instant we were welcomed at arrivals to the moment we bid farewell at checkout, the service we encountered at every turn was nothing short of exceptional. Each member of the staff went out of their way to extend a warm greeting upon our arrival and connect with us during dinner service. No request was deemed too trivial, and our transportation needs were swiftly and efficiently taken care of, relieving us of an extra layer of organization—a gesture we truly valued. The stellar service extended even before we stepped foot on the property, with the concierge providing outstanding communication. As soon as our booking was confirmed, we received a welcoming email along with a comprehensive booklet detailing the myriad activities and excursions available to us.

Closing Remarks 

Ibagari surpassed all my expectations, leaving me impressed by both the beauty of the property and the warm hospitality of the staff. The quality of the table fare at the on-site restaurant was impressive. I certainly wish I had the culinary expertise to create some of the fish dishes for myself at home! Without a doubt, Ibagari is currently the epitome of luxury and personalised service on the island of Roatan. I’d come back to stay in a heartbeat.

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You can find out more about my stay on my “Roatan” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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