Eco Resort on Guanaja?

[mow2000]

I've been having some crazy thoughts lately. Might be the little cube I'm working in which is driving me crazy. The idea is to start a bare-bones eco-camp somewhere in the Caribbean. Guanaja (a neigboring island of Roatan) comes to mind (although I know almost nothing about it at this point). Buy four or five acres with ocean access. Build four or five tent platforms and a very basic main structure with some decent bathrooms and basic cooking facilities. Get some kayaks, snorkel gear, etc. - some nice, roomy, geodesic tents and something decent to sleep on. Solar LED lighting. With a couple of partners the cost wouldn't be too bad. Initially it could be run for several months a year and eventually it could be expanded - or shut down with minimal loss. I could go down for three weeks, followed by partner 2, etc.

Obviously it wouldn't be for everyone but for someone like me this is my ultimate vacation spot. Like I said, crazy thoughts. I'm sort of throwing it out to see what comes back. Anyone have similar ideas or know of other possible destinations?

Happy new year
mark

 

[Scuba-Jay]

Sounds like you have the bug!!! Is this as far as you've gone or do you have a business plan written up?

 

[Doc]

Your thoughts go between an "Eco Resort" and a place where you could go "for several months a year and eventually it could be expanded....I could go down for three weeks, followed by partner 2, etc. "

You'll have to decide what it is to be. A resort or your getaway. Land could be rented on Guanaja quite reasonably. Buying it? Another question entirely- but could be a good investment!

Getting there and back can be costly and time consuming- you might be better off picking a more remote place on Roatan where at least you have air transport on a regular basis. An "Eco Resort" such as you describe could be moved aroun the Caribbean- your established clientelle would likely follow yo you to the "next big thing".

Self sufficiency in planning such things as solar powered low wattage lighting (LED's you reference)- just understand that in this environment, even plastic rusts. Everything you set in motion instantly enters into a state of decay, the jungle and ocean will try to take it over and return it to stasis. The thought of leaving for a few months and expecting anything to be there or operational when you return is a fantasy.

Comfortable sleeping? This is what hammocks are about. They do not rot. Otherwise- the best alternative to regular bedding (that attracts insects) are water beds. Guanaja- what about potable water and waste water treatment that is Eco oriented?

Read "Don't Stop the Carnival" and rent "Mosquito Coast".

I think it's a great idea, but nothing you can do part time. Bring lots of money. Then some more.

 

[mow2000]

Thanks for the thoughts. The idea (no business plan yet) is that the land would be an investment. The "camp" (let's call it a camp instead of a resort) would be open for, say, a month or two per year initially. Profit wouldn't be a motive initially.

Food would be whatever is locally available - possibly prepared by a resident of Guanaja (real home cooking!). Fair wage - at no profit to the "camp". Hey, it's my fantasy and that's what i want

From a quick look at a real estate website it appears that oceanfront land in Guanaja is extremely reasonable (maybe because there are no roads, services, potable water and sketchy air service?).

I spent a week camping on the East end of St. John about ten years ago. They had solar showers (bag of water) and pit toilets. I did have a wood platform for my tent and a gas stove which made life a little easier but overall it was a rough existence. Real showers and toilets are very desireable - everything else you can skimp on to an extent.

The logistics are a problem. What to do with the equipment and gear for ten months a year? If a good, solid permanent structure is built then it could be stored there (would it then be stolen or vandalized?).

I could also see weaving in some interesting seminars on jungle and marine biology, survival, meditation, physical fitness, etc.

I guess this is pretty close to what i picture as my ideal vacation (on my budget). I can't seem to find it so why not do it myself?

 

[lagonia]

I just joined this thread today. My family and I, a total of 10, have made the decision to do pretty much what you described in your post. We identified the exact pieces of land we want. We've put a complete business plan together and are now planning our escape from memphis. Depending on how fast we can sell our homes and office building we're "outta here".

I would like to speak with other like minded people. We may be willing to take on some partners. Call me at 901 507 5299

 

[Knuspar]

damn you all .. im envious

No chance in hell i can convince my girlfriend to grab our daughter and move with me to a exotic place and dive forever

So unless im dumped by my GF, ill just hang in this thread and keep dreaming ! And even if im dumped, i couldent move that far away from my daughter =/

 

[hopefulist]

I hope you folks make it work - we just returned yesterday from a trip that included a week and a half on Guanaja and loved it there but what you're describing is more our style than the stays we had at Bo Bush's Island House and Graham's Place which are more upscale (esp. Graham's) than what you describe but both wonderful destinations. The obvious problems of theft and rot when you're away combined with lack of infrastructure and the current air transport crisis could prove difficult but not terminal. There are quite a few expats living there and they gather at Bo's and at Graham's on the week-ends; it was interesting hearing their stories of building and living there. Keep us posted!

 

[lagonia]

I've been fortunate to have travelled all over the world living for extended periods in some very exotic out of the way places (during my single years without wife and children). We've also done extensive travelling since marriage, but I have to say that Guanaja has stolen the hearts of every member of my family like no other place on this planet. The joke in our house is that it must be the water. We are so comitted to this move that we have put all our real estate holdings (all in Memphis, TN) up for sale at truly bargain prices just to expedite the move. We could go ahead and buy the land we've found now but I have serious concerns about owning improved property out of the country and not being there to oversee it. In addition, I feel guilty about leaving my wife and kids to sell off our stuff in Memphis while I prepare our new lives on Guanaja. SO, if anybody is looking for some really good real estate deals get in touch with me or check at our web site at lagonia dot com.

 

[itsjustme0770]

Smart not to not be on site while the building is going on. I've done it and its an adventure. Maybe we'll make the run over to Guanaja if the weather is good during our next trip. Haven't made the trip, but would like to.