Little French Key USED to be one of our favorite spots to visit in Central America. We once saw it as a little slice of paradise where time moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, the sand feels just a little bit softer, and the drinks are poured a little stronger. It was the perfect little escape for couples, families, and large groups.
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Where is Little French Key?
Firstly, Honduras has 3 bay islands off of its north coast; Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. During our 2016 visit, we discovered our favorite place in the world. Just off the coast of Roatan is a small private island oasis called Little French Key. Making it an itty bitty island, off the coast of another island… sound remote enough for you?
Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is LFK. At least, that’s what they want you to believe. Underneath the surface, it’s actually a haven for drama, scandal, corruption, and everything we try to escape while on vacation.
The property is frequently in turmoil- turmoil the managers refer to as “hostile takeovers”. These take overs sometimes include militia with machine guns, sieges by the government, arson, periods of time where there is no electricity or running water. Little French Key has become a mess.
Probably the saddest part of all of this is the fact that there are innocent animals involved in this drama. Little French Key prides itself as being a sanctuary for rescue animals. These “rescues” end up being exploited and frequently sedated so that they remain calm while tourists pose for pictures with them.
Little French Key embodies everything we stand against. It’s a shame that such a gorgeous property has succumbed to such drama and corruption. We’ve visited the island 4x, and have such wonderful memories there. We, however, will not be returning.
We caution you about visiting Little French Key, at this time. The park closes without notice and is not issuing refunds to people who have prepaid for their trip.
Big French Key
Next to Little French Key is another island called Big French Key. It has similar tranquil vibes without all of the machine guns, drugged-up animals, corruption, greed, fire, etc.
This is where WE will be visiting on our next trip to Roatan.
While You’re in Roatan…
Updated: 4/15/22
2 replies on “Little French Key in Roatan, Honduras – Why We WON’T Be Returning”
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