I’m quite often asked, “What is the most unique place to visit on Roatan?”
Without hesitation I have to say, “Hole in the Wall!” The Restaurant–not to be confused with the dive site.
I admit that during my first year on Roatan, the tiny Island nestled in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Honduras–I heard about Hole in the Wall, but I didn’t get a chance to experience it for myself. After all, to get there, you first had to drive to Jonesville Bight, farther east than I had ever been. For those of you who have been to Roatan, yo’re having a good chuckle–the entire Island is only 37 miles long. From Jonesville you have to take a boat to Blue Rock. I’m not to crazy about boat rides. I know! I live on an Island and I don’t like going on boats–go figure.
The lure of all you can eat steak & lobster at a Sunday Brunch finally enticed me to endure whatever was necessary to get there. The drive from Sandy Bay to Jonesville, offers tropical scenery that no magazine can do justice. Climbing the ridge, getting glimpses of the Caribbean Sea through the jungle. Once you reach the top, the road carries you through a world once reserved for pirates and explorers. Palm trees sway with the rhythmic, salt tinged breezes. Both the north and south shore competing with each other for which one offers the most intense ribbons of shades of blue.
As we drive, I take in the glory’s of Roatan, letting my mind wander to the feast ahead. I’ve always enjoyed Sunday Brunch, even when it meant driving on traffic clogged, nondescript city streets to get there. Even when it meant that once I was in the restaurant, I would count on them to offer a pleasing decor, knowing that outside only offered a concrete curbed parking lot to look at. This obviously wasn’t going to be the case at Hole in the Wall.
From the main road, (yes, there is only one on Roatan) high on a ridge, we encounter the stone wall sign announcing Jonesville. The journey to the shore now mi-anders along curves and bends, leading to the village. Brightly painted homes, perched on rough honed stilts dot the shoreline. We drive until we can go no further–from here we will go by boat. Others are gathering at the pier, they too are here to experience Sunday Brunch at Hole in the Wall. 
There is a nice looking yacht–perhaps that is what we will board. Ah–no! We are waiting for something else. From a not to distant shore, a spec on the horizon grows to reveal (what I will call, even though I am totally wrong) a row boat with an outboard motor humming like a lawn mower. The captain of this vessel–a boy all of 9 years old! He deftly guides his ship to the dock, and then assess the waiting crowd. Taking command as any good captain should, he announces that only 6 people are allowed to board, and points at who that will include for this trip, and where they should sit. (If you are not chosen, never fear, the next boat is on its way, with another Captain of approximately the same age.)
My concerns about boat travel are quickly alleviated when I see that we are not going out to the Caribbean Sea, but rather just traveling across the bay, at most a five minute ride. And besides with such an experienced Captain, I have nothing to worry about.
Bob (the owner) waits at the dock to greet his latest arrivals and to offer assistance to exit the boat.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From there–to the bar to put in your drink order.
I try the Rum-Punch. The parrot hasn’t decided yet what he wants.
Drink in hand you now are ready to take time to admire the decor, An interesting collection of items that either washed up on shore, or were donated by visitors.
Perhaps you’d like to add your “I was here Hancock” to a table top, wall, post, ceiling–wherever you’d like.
Todays feast will include all you can eat lobster tails, melt in your mouth Honduran tenderloin, real mashed potatoes, slow cooked beans, crisp coleslaw, home-made bread, and tart & sweet mango cake for dessert.
All served buffet style.
The trick is to start hanging around the bar when you see them lining up the plates and cutlery on the counter. Once Bob blows the conch shell–it’s time to eat!
The closer to the bar you are when he does that, the better chance you have of being first in-line.
Bob, Harry and Dwayne taking a much deserved break!
For more information on Hole in the Wall, visit Hole in the Wall They are open seven days a week. Sunday Brunch (as I call it) is available Fridays and Sundays, and Bob calls it an, “An all you can eat until we run out of food BBQ.”
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Genny Ross-Barons moved to Roatan, Honduras in 2007 where she shares a cabana with her husband and island dog Mona in Sandy Bay, Roatan.
She spends her day-to-day life and ‘positive initiatives’ on Roatan, sharing untold stories through her blog ‘Life & Writing, on Roatan’
