Love is Blind: Celebrating 10 Years in Roatan!

As we dive into our 10th year of business, I can’t help but reflect on this incredible journey. A decade really makes you pause and think, “wow, I actually did this!”

They say love is blind, and I found this to be true when blindly following my adventurous spirit to Roatan Island, Honduras, in 2015. Little did I know just how much love this tiny island had in store for me. Love for the island, for a thriving business, for a vibrant lifestyle, for a man, and finally – love for my son.

Back in Time: Roatan, Honduras in 2015

What began as a whimsical dream on a sun-soaked beach in 2015 has evolved into my lifestyle. I traded the hustle and bustle of New York for the ultimate island adventure. Who would’ve thought I’d swap my career to build a hotel in a place that many had never heard of? 

But everything fell into place like the perfect puzzle. The property I found was meant to be, and the connections I forged created waves of ease. With a friend’s help, we designed beach suites that embraced the island’s beauty, using fallen coconuts to mark where to place them.

Back then, Roatan still felt undiscovered. The island was less developed, and travelers embraced the thrill of the unknown. In the early years, I poured my heart into keeping the business afloat. My living room transformed into a check-in area, while my back porch doubled as a dining room. The bungalows had screens for windows, and running out of water seemed to happen more often than not. Yet year after year, more guests came to visit and enjoy the Blue Door.

Love is Blind, But Fate is Clear: The 2020 Pandemic

Then came 2020 – a rollercoaster ride I never expected. Stuck in Miami, I watched as my business plummeted. But in that challenging time, I also gained clarity. I realized I had shelved my own need for love while chasing success. And just like that, fate intervened once more. 

I met Antonio right before the pandemic hit – completely shutting down the island.  My initial meeting with the award-winning photographer sparked a connection, and like something out of “Love Is Blind,” we spent the next few months getting to know each other solely through messages and video calls. When the island finally reopened, we reunited…and he moved in on our very first date.

From there, life has only gotten better. For the past four years, Antonio’s meticulous eye for detail, passion for wildlife, and kind-hearted nature have transformed the hotel into a true reflection of “us.” He’s taught me that patience is vital, family comes first, and Italian food is the absolute best!

In March 2024, we welcomed our son, Avi. This was my moment to step back and embrace family life. So, I took a seven-month hiatus while my incredible team of twelve ran the hotel with love and dedication. Those months were a precious gift I’ll always cherish.

Looking Ahead After A Decade of Growth

What started as a bed-and-breakfast in 2015 has transformed to a bustling boutique hotel – yet our core remains unchanged: we offer a warm, authentic island experience in the place we adore. Love may be blind, but I’ve learned that leaning into the bold choice of trusting it can open the (blue) door to a life full of adventure, expansion, and deep connection.

As we celebrate our tenth year, we’re also thrilled to share some exciting updates! All of our beach suites have been beautifully remodeled, now featuring king-sized beds and a touch of luxury. We’re also running more snorkeling tours with Blue Reef Explorers aboard the Jesse James. And keep your eyes peeled for our appearance on a popular Netflix show airing on February 14th! …can you guess which one it is?

Ready for your own island adventure?

BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter

Puerta Azul Over The Years