With visitor numbers dropping in Cancun and airlines already axing flights to Tulum, it seems the once-untouchable Caribbean hotspots tourists used to flock to year after year are finally losing their luster.
Who would’ve guessed that overtourism and gentrification would eventually catch up to these hugely popular destinations?
As we head into 2026, it’s lesser-known destinations that are ready to take center stage, and if you happen to be seeking an unspoiled island yet to be ruined by the masses, the offbeat Roatán in Honduras should be at the top of your bucket list:
The Quieter End Of The Caribbean
About 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras, a small Central American country on the Caribbean, Roatán is a slice of paradise that’s just starting to make a name for itself in the travel industry.
It may not be impressive in size, but it lays claim to some of the most beautiful beaches, protected reserves harboring rare wildlife, and the kind of authentic, unspoiled culture you can no longer find as easily in a resort-dominated region.
Roatán is not your typical Caribbean island getaway.
For starters, it doesn’t have a highly developed Hotel Zone in the way a place like Cancun does. Hotels on the island are much smaller, often boutique-style and rustic, and they tend to reflect the island’s laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
Boutique Hotels Right On The Beachfront
The main ‘resort zone’, if you could even call it that, is West Bay Beach, a beach spot with insanely-clear water, powdery sands, and the tall palm trees that make for the classic Caribbean postcard.
It is where the landmark Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa is located. A typical high-end resort experience, with a modern spa, all-inclusive deals, and direct access to the beach, it costs $425 on average per night.
For a mid-to-upper tier alternative, Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort has beachfront pools, right on West Bay Beach ($200), and for those on a budget, La Placita Inn is a cozy, more intimate guesthouse a short walk from the sand strip ($134).
One Of The Top Caribbean Destinations Of The Year
Roatán is making headlines this year as it positions itself as one of the most desirable Caribbean islands.
In 2024, it welcomed over 1.7 million cruise passengers, making it the most-visited cruise destination in Central America, and as the Tourism Bureau reported earlier this year, the outlook for ship visits in 2025 was ‘very strong’.
The latest numbers are not yet in, but the fact that Meliá Hotels is making landfall in Roatán is a further indication that demand is at an all-time high.
This December, the renowned hospitality brand will take over the Media Luna Resort & Beach Club, now rebranded as Sol Roatán Media Luna Resort. It is located on the southern coast of Roatán, away from the busy West End, and it offers easier access to the less-crowded Camp Bay.
Crowd-Free Beaches For Miles
As gorgeous as they may be, West Bay Beach and Camp Bay are not the only must-see sites in Roatán.
For those who enjoy snorkeling, Blue Channel boasts crystal-clear seas, colorful reefs, and a diverse marine life.
Looking to get lost in nature and shut off the world for a couple of hours? Head to Carambola Botanical Gardens, a vast reserve with jungle trails and panoramic lookouts.
Keen on experiencing a quieter side to Roatán, away from the hustle and bustle of West End Village and its bars and dive centers? East End has hidden coves, laid-back fishing villages, and a more local vibe.
For something really one-of-a-kind, hop on a kayak tour through the Mangrove Tunnel, a maze of narrow waterways shaded by thick mangrove canopies, originally carved out by locals to make getting around the area easier.
Fly Nonstop To Roatán (RTB) From The United States
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