This essay is based on a conversation with Sarah Johnson-Harmacek, 33, beverage director at Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa in Honduras, and has been edited for length and clarity.
I'm the beverage director at Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa in the Bay Islands of Roatan, Honduras, and moved here in 2023 from Denver.
I worked in the hospitality industry in downtown Denver for over 10 years. Working in restaurants gave me the schedule flexibility I needed to pursue two degrees. I am also a certified sommelier.
After four years in front-of-house roles in various restaurants, I moved to what was then the Kimpton Hotel Born, where I worked for five years, three of which as the Beverage Manager for the entire hotel.
Denver is my hometown
I grew up in the suburbs just west of the city and moved downtown when I was 19. Denver is home to professional sports, a world-class performing arts center, a vibrant restaurant scene and diverse cultural festivals, but its culture remains deeply connected to the state's natural wonders. Coloradans love the outdoors.
But the secret is out: Over the past decade, the influx of people moving to Denver has impacted transportation, the cost of living, and the sustainability of urban growth.
In November 2022, I attended an internal meeting at Kimpton.
One evening during a social event, I sat down with one of the restaurant opening directors. As I was talking about my travels, my fluency in Spanish, and my desire to emigrate, he suddenly asked me, “Are you interested in going to Roatan?” Without hesitation, I answered, “Yes!”
A month later, we discussed the property and the job details. The job offered me a salary comparable to my job in Denver. I was provided with a relocation package, onboarding support, and work visa assistance. In February 2023, I made plans to pack up and move.
I was excited but also nervous about traveling alone and across the world without seeing anything. I was sad to leave my hometown, friends, family, and work community. But I also felt joy and pride for taking a step of faith.
I got rid of everything from my tiny apartment
I sold, gave away or donated what I could and stored the rest at my best friend's dad's house. I brought 2 suitcases and a backpack here.
Upon arrival, we stayed there for a few months, giving us a comfortable landing spot and time to find permanent housing and transportation. The real estate market is geared towards holiday homes and short-term rentals, but with the help of a local colleague and after diligently combing Facebook groups and classifieds, we managed to find a decent property.
Rent in Roatan is cheaper than Denver, but it varies. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment on a quiet hill in one of the major cities, 15 minutes from work. It's spacious enough for friends and family to come over. Rent is $1200/month and includes cable TV, hot water, a parking space, and a washer/dryer. I even bought a car.
Life is completely different on Roatan
Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa. Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa
In Denver, my days were packed with morning trail runs, errands, matinees at the theater, and dinners with friends at new restaurants. It was not uncommon for me to drive 100 miles each day from one small adventure to the next.
The island itself is only 35 miles long. There are no movie theaters, bowling alleys or shopping malls, just a few discos and a few decent restaurants. My leisure time is slower paced and revolves around scuba diving, reading by the pool, or sunset cruises on the water.
Before I moved, I didn't like the ocean and I wasn't a big fan of seafood, but I overcame my fear of water and its creatures and now I jump overboard on impulse.
When I first came here I was plagued by loneliness and boredom.
I spent many days and nights feeling lonely and asking myself what I was doing with my life and why. However, there's nothing wrong with sitting alone at a bar watching sports and chatting with my neighbors. It took time, but I did make some good friends outside of work.
What I love most about Roatan are the people — their innate warmth and hospitality, their love for visitors and each other, and their true sense of community and mutual care make me never want to leave.
Though the island fever is still there, regular trips off the island have helped me feel better. La Ceiba is just a short plane or ferry ride across the strait, and Miami is an easy direct flight away, with a little nightlife and shopping to satisfy my city cravings. I've also been to San Pedro Sula on the Honduran mainland for work and events, and the food scene there is vibrant.
Moving abroad is hard
There were many cultural differences to overcome: communication styles were different, the perception of time was much more relative, the language and ways of interacting with people were more personal, but the most shocking change for me was the change of environment: from high altitude to sea level, from snow to the beach.
At first the bug bites were terrible, but then my body got used to them and they didn't bother me so much anymore. Regulating my body temperature was also difficult at first, but as time went on I got used to sweating and drinking more water. After a while I also got used to having sand everywhere.
The girl who spent every Sunday at the theater is now eating fried chicken on the side of the road in a faraway village, listening to punta music, and watching the sun sink below a distant horizon. I continue to be amazed at my ability to adapt, grow, and change.
My contract has no set time limit so I plan to stay as long as I have the opportunity to grow my career, maintain work-life balance and enjoy island life.
Have a relocation story to share? Email Lauryn Haas at [email protected].
