Seagrape Plantation Resort

Seagrape Plantation Resort is a family-run hotel set on a gorgeous peninsula with a jagged coral coastline. The hotel opened in 1990 and its grounds are lush and full of blossoming heliconia, ixora, ginger, bougainvillea, and hibiscus flowers. Behind the restaurant is a field of fruit trees like coconut, banana, almond, lime, and pear, creating an environment that's almost prefect for unplugging. The hotel is divided into two sections -- the standalone, ocean-view bungalows and the hotel rooms. The hotel area feels like a tropical plantation, with colorful walls and an open-air patio with vaulted ceilings. Only two areas of the hotel have Wi-Fi -- one being the patio, and the second in the lobby across the street from the guest rooms. Navigating the hotel’s sprawling grounds is pretty simple, and is a short, pleasant, walk from most guest rooms to the restaurant or dive shop. Hotel guests are a mix of North American and Central American divers. Most are couples, but the resort is also family friendly (there’s a field with small soccer goals) and gets quite a few tour groups. 

Seagrape is located just outside of West End, along a rocky coral oceanfront with azure waters that feels tropical and secluded. There’s amazing snorkeling and three dive sites directly in front of the hotel. Next to the hotel is a bar and restaurant that serves alcohol, which is handy as the Seagrape serves none. The bar there also has free and quick Wi-Fi. On the way to West End is a grocery store (a five-minute walk) and an Argentinian grill (a six-minute walk). Half Moon Bay Beach, the closest beach to Seagrape, is a seven-minute walk. It’s an eight-minute walk to central West End, which is packed with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. There’s also a pharmacy, laundry shop, and gift shops within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.  West Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, is a 15-minute drive away. The dock for ferries to Utila is seven minutes away on foot, followed by a 40-minute ferry. The jetty for La Ceiba-bound travelers is a 30-minute drive, followed by an hour-and-15-minute ferry ride. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport is 30 minutes from the hotel by car.

The rooms at Seagrape are a mix of Oceanfront Bungalows and hotel rooms. Bungalows are the choicest offerings, with ocean views, private patios with hammocks, and air-conditioned interiors. Expect vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, accent walls painted in bright pastels, and full-length mirrors framed by carved, hardwood turtles. However, these lack TVs. The hotel rooms are a bit tired and slightly dark, despite having vibrant pastel blue, green, or orange walls and wall-mounted TVs (some of which are flat-screen units, but not all). Bed sizes range from kings to twins, and the hotel rooms can fit up to four people. Fresh drinking water and mini-fridges are standard in all rooms. There are no safes, but guests can store valuables in the lobby safe. Irons, hairdryers, and ice can be requested from the front desk. Some rooms will pick up a stray Wi-Fi signal, but there’s no guaranteed in-room Wi-Fi. Fully-tiled bathrooms are a mixed bag at the hotel, but expect big mirrors, stall showers, tiled vanities, and vases with plastic flowers. Only bar soap is included. 

Like many West End resorts, the Seagrape's dive shop is probably its biggest draw. It's a full-service PADI outfit, with courses from Open Water to Dive Master and specialty dives to nearby reef and wrecks. The bowtie-shaped freshwater pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and has amazing ocean views. There’s also a covered seating area next to the pool with additional chairs and tables. Ricky’s Buffet is Seagrape’s breakfast and lunch buffet restaurant. They serve local and international food to mixed reviews and also have an a la carte menu. The restaurant isn’t open for dinner and no alcohol is sold at the hotel. In the lobby, there’s a book exchange, a computer for guests with free printing, and a gift shop. The hotel can assist in arranging tours, snorkeling, car rentals, babysitters, and fishing trips. The restaurant will also prepare whatever guest's catch on their fishing excursions (during the restaurant’s normal hours). Snorkeling equipment can be rented (for a fee) and same-day laundry service is available. Freebies include free purified water, parking, and Wi-Fi in the hotel’s common areas, but keep in mind that the latter is painfully slow. There’s also a generator for 24-hour, uninterrupted power.