Ibagari
What started as an elegant restaurant and diving spot turned into the most luxurious resort in Roatan, Honduras. Ibagari Boutique Hotel is a beautiful artistic structure located on the beachfront of one of Roatan’s most exclusive areas, and it has become a favorite vacation spot for the VIVA GLAM Magazine team.
Ibagari means life in Garifuna, which is a language spoken on the Atlantic Coast of Honduras. Each room of the resort was given a different name in Garifuna. For instance, there’s a room called “Garabali” which means wind, and another room was given the name “Uruwa” which means sun. The classy, elemental style of the rooms was unique and created the perfect sanctuary for a truly relaxing getaway.
In fact, Ibagari is the perfect place for an extended stay. There really isn’t anything else in Roatan on the same level as this gem. It is the most exclusive and top-of-the line hotel in Roatan. The hotel rooms in the Igabari are bright, spacious, clean, and artistic. Most rooms have a table and 2 lounge-like chairs set up by a sliding door near the balcony so guests can watch the sunrise or sunset from the comfort of air conditioning. It’s also a great spot to work if you need to. The table is a stump-shaped, wood-like construction that screams modern art, and it is gorgeous. My room had an extremely large bathtub that I filled up to steaming hot temperatures at the end of every day. The beds are very comfortable, and there is plenty of room to make you feel at home. The rooms come with a beach bag and a laundry bag for your convenience and a mini fridge, as well.
The art is something that stands out about Ibagari, making it a unique destination. The walls of the structure are covered in gorgeous pieces. Take an art tour or an art class while you are on the property to learn more about the creative pieces found throughout the hotel lobby and rooms.
Why Stay at a Boutique Hotel?
The advantage of staying at a boutique hotel like Ibagari is that the staff gets to know you personally. They take the time to learn your schedule and your preferences. I never saw the maids or cleaning crew during our stay at the Ibagari Boutique Hotel because they watched me leave and then went in to clean when I was gone. How perfect! At the same time, when I wouldn’t eat a part of my meal, (papaya on a fruit plate- for instance), the staff would remember that I didn’t prefer it and make the meal without it the next time. It was an extremely catered experience, which is why staying at a boutique hotel is so important. And Ibagari really had that aspect down, making me feel special by catering a personalized experience to us.
Currently, the hotel is doubling in size, undergoing a truly ambitious renovation, and it is set to open the new section in the end of 2019. However, while the place is expanding, it’s still going to stay a boutique hotel to keep the intimate, luxury feel. So, the resort will soon be even grander but will still cater the same custom experience. With the expansion, a library will be built on property for those who love reading while relaxing. I think this is a great idea, as I am always looking for good books to read while I’m on vacation.
Luna Muna Restaurant
Luna Muna, the restaurant attached to the resort, is divine. Every night the same table would be reserved for each guest staying at the resort so that they would never miss out on getting a table, despite the restaurant being open to the public. The chef provided true culinary excellency. They aren’t afraid to mix and play with flavors to create truly unique dishes, and there was a large vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free menu, as well. But don’t worry about the noise from there! The restaurant closes at 11pm at the latest, giving you that serene peace and silence to sleep at night so you don’t hear the commotion from restaurant guests all night long.
Activities at Ibagari
Definitely try some of the activities offered through the Ibagari Boutique Hotel. If you’re going to try anything on the property, however, we recommend trying diving. There are 75 dive sites within 30 minutes of the resort, and you can easily do a quick “Discover Scuba Diving” session without getting certified. Or, if you have the time, you can get certified in diving while on your vacation.
Ibagari Boutique Hotel pays great attention to details, as well. While going out into the resort to relax by the beach, take time in the pool, eat, or try an activity, the Ibagari kindly provides bug spray and sunscreen to keep you protected throughout your trip.
While this all seems too good to be true, here’s another thing that makes Ibagari that much greater than any average resort: they designed and built their own water treatment filter. Used water gets recycled into other systems, keeping the resort sustainable and Eco-friendly. Plastic is not used on the resort property- only glass and recycled materials, and they work with a company that recycles, as well. They also use biodegradable straws. So, they are very sustainable. What more could we ask for from a hotel?
All in all, the Ibagari Boutique Hotel provided a genuinely grand experience. It blew my already high expectations out of the water. I recommend everyone take a trip to Roatan, Honduras where they can enjoy their stay at the Ibagari Boutique Hotel.
To book your stay at Ibagari, contact our favorite travel designer Donna Wong at AllurePlus.com or email [email protected].
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