KELLER WILLIAMS ROATAN - AUGUST NEWSLETTER

KELLER WILLIAMS ROATAN REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER

For the love of real estate, KW Roatan brings you listing updates and information that you will need to know when buying or selling property (with a little bit of island life thrown into the mix). This month bid farewell to the Roatan Rotary Club President and talk about why Roatan is the perfect place to retire. And the mighty mango got a mention too!

MANGO FESTIVAL

HO HO HO, tis the season of the MANGO! For many of us, it is just like Christmas, with the gifts being this juicy, delicious, and truly magnificent fruit.

From now through August, the trees are laden with their burgeoning wares, and you will see the ground littered with mangos that may not get eaten by humans but there are plenty of critters that make them their staple diet this time of year too.

Some enthusiasts don’t even wait for them to ripen and eat them green with salt, pepper, lemon, chili, or even vinegar.

Often hailed as the “king of fruits”, these delectable treats are not only delightful on the taste buds but also offer numerous health benefits too. Packed full of essential nutrients and antioxidants, mangos support overall well-being. Way to go, mango! They are an excellent source of vitamin C, promoting a robust immune system and collagen production for healthy skin. The high fiber content aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut. They also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and vitamin A, crucial for good vision. Furthermore, their antioxidant compounds may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases including diabetes and even some cancers.

The Roatan Mango Festival, held on the 14^th & 15^th of July in West End, celebrated these gems in the world of fruit. Chefs, connoisseurs, and just plain ol’ mango lovers served up samplers of the fruit in many fabulous forms: decadent desserts, juicy jams and jellies, scrumptious chutneys, lip-smacking smoothies, deliciously dehydrated, succulently savory, and the list goes on.

As it turns out, incorporating mangos into your diet can truly be a varied, nutritious, and super flavorful choice – so get your mango fix before they disappear ‘til next year!

FAREWELL TO A PRESIDENT - ROATAN ROTARY CLUB

As the sun sets on another term in office, the Roatan Rotary Club bids farewell to its outgoing board members and dedicated leader.

Ana Flores, our very own KW Roatan Owner/Broker, was honored to serve as the President for the past year. She handed over her tenancy with a hint of poignance but reflected on the journey with a mix of pride and gratitude.

In her final address, Ana spoke in the spirit of Rotary’s ethos, emphasizing the core values that define the organization worldwide:

“Together, we have touched the lives of countless people in our community. We have made a difference, whether through our service projects, initiatives, or acts of kindness. Each life we have impacted brings us closer to creating a better world, and that is a privilege we should never take lightly. It is an honor to have been entrusted with the role of President, and I am grateful for the chance to serve.”

Just some of this past year’s key initiatives, that will leave a lasting legacy, have included:

Donation to the Roatan Marine Park’s Open Youth Program – which provides young leaders with a robust foundation in marine and coral biology so that they can have a profound and lasting impact on our oceans’ health and the planet’s future.
Funded multiple school repairs, provision of water, and donation of books to 12 public schools, and assisted through the Rotary Children's Fund in the donation of laptops for 5,500 students from 19 different schools.
Awarded 5 grants of $728K for water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, and community development. One recipient of the donations was Juticalpa, a community on the East end of Roatan, who was provided access to clean, safe drinking water.
Donation to Rotary International’s End Polio Now program to help eradicate polio.
Organized and hosted a dental brigade that provided care to 396 patients.
Organized, hosted, and attended multiple fundraising events.
Increased the Clubs’ presence on social media gaining more followers than ever and increasing the number of members.

These projects, and many more, have played a pivotal role in fostering community engagement from the support of education and healthcare to the promotion of environmental sustainability, and economic development.

They also earned the Club an award for being the largest executor of global grants in Honduras.

The collective board and members’ unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment led to remarkable accomplishments throughout this past year and, no doubt, will continue to do great things in the future.

Ana will remain an active participant in the club and support the new president in continuing to ensure that Rotary remains a driving force for positive change on the island.

“May we continue to inspire and uplift one another, even during the hardest of times.” Ana Flores, President from June 2022 to June 2023.

A TOUCH OF GLASS

Last year, The Resort at Marble Hill’s exclusive eatery, The Restaurant, introduced a captivating series of wine-pairing dinners, each showcasing a specific country theme. With the expertise of Sommelier, Jan Bugher, sommelier and wine manager at Bluebeard, Indianapolis, guests embarked on a delightful exploration of fine wines from the US, France, and Italy.

By popular demand, for this latest event, the guests were guided through some tantalizing and diverse tastes of South America. Each unique gastronomical delight, created by The Restaurant’s in-house Executive Chef, Christian Umanzor, was expertly and thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines carefully chosen to simply complement and enhance.

The evening was hosted by renowned Sommelier and International Wine Trader, Matt Schicker, and the attending avid wine enthusiasts were not disappointed.

The artful pairing of food and wine elevated the whole tasting experience, creating harmonious flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

With his expertise and passion for wine, Matt Schicker took them on a meandering journey from the vibrant flavors of Peru to the vineyards of Chile and Argentina showcasing and honoring each of the wines. The delectable dishes served over five courses told their own story loud and proud.

First Course:

Red Snapper Ceviche (Perú) - avocado, ají, passion fruit leche de tigre

Pyros Chardonnay 2021

Second Course:

Empanadas (Chile) - house smoked brisket, onions, olives, raisins

Los Vascos Cromas Carménère Gran Reserva 2019

Third Course:

Baby Back Rib Sorrentinos (Argentina) - ricotta, English peas, scallions

Caro 2017

Fourth Course:

Churrasco (Argentina - chimichurri sauce, pesto potatoes

Los Vascos LeDix 2015

Fifth Course:

Alfajores (Argentina) - dulce de leche, fresh raspberry compote

Salentein Gran Vu Cabernet/Malbec blend 2013

The guests (including a few of our KW Roatan Team) were able to delve deeper into wine-rich heritage by asking pertinent questions and giving their own observations further enhancing the experience and learning.

So, when is the next event, you cry? Follow updates and announcements @marblehillroatan but you probably need to move quickly to snag a coveted place at the next dinner as there is a posse of wine enthusiasts living here on the island, who certainly won’t be reticent about booking up their spot quickly. Whether you are a wine connoisseur eager to expand your knowledge or simply looking to enjoy an evening of fine wining and dining, these events deliver an unforgettable experience.

ROATAN, READY, RETIREMENT!

The usual 3 Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic are for the young. The older amongst us may be looking at retirement as our next step and Roatan could be right up your alley. Roatan, Ready, Retirement! Could it be your ideal retirement destination?

Are you dreaming of a tranquil and idyllic place to spend your golden years: Look no further than our little island, a hidden gem nestled in the Caribbean Sea. Our picturesque island offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, affordability, and a relaxed lifestyle that makes it an ideal retirement, full or part-time, destination. So just why is Roatan the perfect place to embark on this new chapter of your life?

First and foremost, Roatan's breathtaking natural beauty is second to none. Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs create a paradise-like setting. Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore and basking in year-round tropical temperatures. Roatan boasts a rich ecosystem and is a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore stunning marine life.

Moving beyond its obvious scenic wonders, Roatan is still remarkably affordable, making retirement dreams within reach. The cost of living is considerably lower compared to many other retirement destinations. Options for homes cater to various budgets, from luxurious beachfront villas to cozy apartments.

It also has convenient air connectivity – multiple airlines offer direct flights from some major US cities, so reaching this tropical paradise is easy peasy. The tickets can be pricey, at certain times of the year, but there are deals to be had if you keep an eye out and be ready to swoop to catch that bargain flight.

The island also offers a range of amenities, including good healthcare facilities, and reasonably reliable utilities.

And the communities, oh the communities. Never will you meet such a diverse group of people from all over the world, though prominently the US and Canada and a not-so-small Czech contingent, you will find so many like-minded people from walks of life you could never imagine. You’ll definitely find friends and have lots of fun meeting the “special” ones.

There are plenty of churches to choose from with lots of opportunities for mission or volunteer work.

You can choose your lifestyle: physically active, social butterfly, volunteer, solitude, hectic, healthy, And then there’s the challenge of trying out each and every one of Roatans best restaurants!

So, in conclusion, Roatan is an idyllic retirement destination that ticks so many of those boxes. With its stunning natural beauty, affordability, accessibility, welcoming community, and relaxed lifestyle, this Caribbean paradise offers everything you need. Start envisioning your retirement dream and take the first step towards a life that you deserve.

OPEN HOUSE

$525K

Modernity, elegance, luxury, and exclusiveness, this fully-furnished home, in Ocean Hills, Punta Gorda, is the ultimate in comfort and design. Inside, this 1,953 SF property, there are 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, a kitchen with granite countertops and island, and a perfectly decorated and furnished living room. Host in the well-appointed dining room, perfect for entertaining. The home has spacious closets - everything is completed with stylish and practical details, and all fixtures, fittings and furnishings are high-end.