Cayos Cochinos, Honduras Island Cabins

I was a bit worried about a week on an island with nothing to do but swim, read, relax, repeat but It was wonderful. Our cabin was clean and comfortable, the food was good, and Jose, Franci and Darrell took care of everything. The snorkelling was spectacular and there were far fewer bugs than on some of the other Bay Islands. A wonderful spot for a holiday.

I spent most of a week at Cayos Cochinos and enjoyed every minute of it. José and Franci (the caretakers) were really helpful, even going as far as to loan me some of their clothes when my luggage didn't arrive. Franci is a wonderful cook and I really enjoyed the meals that she prepared, as well as sitting around with them in the evenings watching movies on my iPad. Daryl was extraordinarily helpful when my flight was delayed, looking up alternate flights for me and rearranging the transportation and hotel when I arrived much later than expected. He then worked for days with the airline trying to find my bags and eventually going with his wife to buy me some necessities when it was clear I would not receive my luggage. When I left early to avoid the potential of bad weather affecting my flight home, he booked a new hotel for me and refunded the night on the island. He also served as my translator on an almost daily basis. I can't say enough good things about Daryl, his wife, José and Franci...

As for the island, it's smaller than it looks in the picture and only one end of it. But I felt like it was more than enough space and I was able to wade over to an adjacent (uninhabited) island. There are plenty of hammocks everywhere, and the most beautiful humming birds buzzing in the trees. Everything was kept very clean, although leaves did somehow make it in to my cabin when the wind blew hard so I got to do a little cleaning of my own. The cabin had a bedroom with a full-size and twin bed, a lounge area, and a private bath. The bed was comfortable but I did miss having a hot shower some days. Most days there was a nice breeze that kept the bugs at bay, but do take bug spray for the sand fleas. I kept the windows open every night, and spent the days snorkeling and laying in the hammock. I dove one day with a dive shop from a nearby island, and it honestly wasn't any better than the snorkeling right from the dock.

The island was very quiet, and very restful. I'm hoping to go back again sometime soon with my kids to see how long it takes them to realize there is life without a cell phone. It took me no time at all--I left mine at home and my iPad never did get a signal. But Daryl to the rescue again, he sent my mom a note to assure her that I was alive and well and loving life on Cayos Cochinos....

Our family of six (children ages 18-25) selected Honduras for our bi-annual vacation. We stumbled across this location and it turned out to be one of our favorite vacations ever. If you are looking for a 4-5 star, multiple restaurant, convenience-of-home resort, this is not the place. If you desire an oasis in the middle of the Carribean, where you can enjoy authentic Hondurean meals, people and beauty, then you have found the place. We met two American couples (we are Canadian and there are only four buildings to stay on the island and we had two). When we all departed by chance on the same day, there was little looking back - just silence and quiet tears as we all knew we found a very unique place in Central America.

Starting with the service of the owners Daryl and Nancy, you will receive unparalleled insight, support and friendship. The advice (and logistical support) we received ranged from transportation to/from the airport, the location to stay in Sambo Creek (Villa Hellen's) where you will catch an early morning (calm waters) boat to the island and ideas around food and visiting other communities in the region was incredible. Daryl even arranged a conference call to confirm plans and provide ideas prior to our departure from Canada.

On the island, be prepared to snorkel for hours, sleep in one of the many hammocks, watch the incredible sunrises and sunsets and let your daily stresses be blown away by the never-ending breezes.

We stayed 10 days. On a very small island it did not feel too long. Take Nancy and Daryl's advice to visit the local area by boat ($15/pp) and we recommend to visit the local school. Buy a drink to support their community or even plan to stay the night in their small hotel (1-2 star but incredible).

In terms of meals we chose to have dinner prepared by the cook/caretakers (Francis and Reyna) Highly advised! We had food shipped to the island for breakfast and lunch. We liked the flexibility. The other couples chose to have breakfast & lunch provided. We advise to bring extra cash to assist local artisans and to tip two beautiful people in terms of the caretakers (who have a small child by the name of Mario).

Overall - even the pictures don't do justice to this location (we take bi-annual vacations to Africa, Mexico, Coata Rica et al). It's a gem for anyone wanting to get away from it all!

Final note: not once were we concerned re security! Take Daryl's advice re taxis etc from the airport (drivers were great)