My journey to Heaven- Little French Key, Honduras - Travel #11

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to Heaven on earth, Little French Key in Honduras. Little French Key is a tiny private island off the coast of Roatan, Honduras. Roatan is an island of itself in the Caribbean located about 65 kilometres off the northern coast of Honduras. It is situated between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, and is the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands. Roatan is the most desirable destination in Honduras for anyone looking for the perfect tropical escape. It is lined with white sandy beaches and hugged by stunning coral reefs. It is the ideal destination for the adventure and outdoors lover with the perfect setting for diving and snorkelling. Roatan is a long, narrow mountainous island. It is surrounded by a huge reef system, part of the Mesoamerican reef which boasts the largest marine biodiversity in the world. It is part of the second longest barrier reef in the world, only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The reef extends itself from the Bay Islands in Honduras on the south end to the Mexican islands of Contoy, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to the North.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

Little French Key just off the coast of Roatan

The private island of Little French Key just off Roatan

You can get to this tropical island by taking a direct flight from the United States, Canada, South America and select destinations in Europe. Another popular way to get to Roatan is by cruise liner. This of course is my chosen mode of transportation. These days, just being on a cruise ship is a holiday in itself. They are luxury floating resorts that transport you overnight to a new destination, no unpacking, no dragging luggage and no getting lost, always my choice. I travelled on the Carnival Sunshine to Roatan. While on board, I heard a lot about the snorkelling, diving, ATV tracks, zip lining and chair lifts through the rainforest however, it was when someone told me that they're favourite place on earth was an island just off Roatan. A place called Little French Key. I had not heard anything about it up until this point. He told me that it was a private island sanctuary that is home to rescued animals from all over Honduras. Rescued from abuse situations like circuses and trade shows. Being the animal lover I am, this sounded like heaven to me and I couldn't wait to get there. I had to agree, this became my favourite place on earth.

The sail in on the Carnival Sunshine

Little French Key is located in French Harbour on the south shore of Roatan. This private island paradise houses an Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre with an array of native and exotic animals. These animals have been rescued mostly from circuses or poor conditioned zoos. They now live with 24 hour specialist care from a trained team of professionals. They are cared for, loved and treated with the utmost respect. The small island is the private home of a very kind entrepreneur and his family, who have created an all- inclusive resort atmosphere with equal parts luxury and adventure. The owner firmly believes in making a connection to creation and in his own words, “It is often that we need to play our part in the cosmic plan and do our best to make the place better than we found it.” No truer words have ever been spoken, I fell in love with the spirit of this island.

My cruise ship docked in Mahogany Bay, there is a short walk through a shopping village before you get to the taxi ranks, once there, it is a 10 minute journey. If you are docked at Coxen Hole then it is about a 35 minute taxi ride. Getting around Roatan is very easy, the main language spoken is English and even though the currency is the Honduras Lempira, the US dollar is frequently used as currency. Daily excursions are available as well as overnight stays in their resort. The island resort offers lots of fun activities to suit every age and fitness level including , snorkeling, zip-lining, jet-skiing, and more.

Ferry tickets to Little French Key

ferry ride over

Arrival

The area was first settled by a Frenchman pirate and was thus called Frenchman Cay, later abbreviated to French Cay. The small island Little French Key was bought by its current owners only 20 years ago but they have sure created a utopia for animals and humankind alike.

One of the ideas behind Little French Key was to create an ecologically friendly place that could embrace and encapsulate the culture, history and flavours of Roatan and share it with visitors from all over the world. To disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. The island gets its electricity from a wind turbine with zero carbon footprint. They collect all the rainwater from the roofs for daily usage and irrigation and even their sewage system is a Piranha, bio-digested closed loop system with zero discharge into the ocean. Recycling bins are all over the tiny island as well. Talk about keeping a balanced ecosystem, I feel as though this one island could almost undo all the damage the rest of the world has done to our planet.

Private island paradise

As you can see there is much to be loved about this place but for me the most heart-warming aspect of the island is its Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. The owners have put in a massive effort to seek out and rescue animals in desperate need. They have an array of monkeys, birds, a sugar bear, a jaguar and even a lion. These animals have been rescued from the brinks of death. They were victims of extreme prolonged abuse and finally can live out the rest of their days in happiness and peace. They have access to clean water, fresh food, free roaming space, professional medical care and all the love and attention they deserve. I have always wanted to set up my own animal rescue sanctuary and I am now finally well on my way to setting up my own one. I can only hope to create something as amazing as they have here at Little French Key.

Cheeky Monkeys

Monkey business

Corey having fun

Sugar bear cuddles

Corey's favourite animal is the Sugar Bear

On the island they call this little guy, a sugar bear. I am pretty sure there isn't an animal called a sugar bear, a sugar glider maybe but whatever he is, he is the cutest, most cuddly guy ever. I am pretty sure it was love at first sight. Apart from hanging out with the animals which I obviously spent most of my day doing. You can catch some sun on one of the many beach lounge chairs, go swimming in the crystal clear warm calm waters or get your fill of delicious fresh local cuisine at one of their 4 restaurants. The waters around the island are so calm as there is a coral break a few kilometres out meaning all the waves crash on the corals out at sea rather than onto the beach, not good if you planned on surfing though. The island is pegged as one of the worlds desired places to get married and I can definitely see why. Tropical private island with restaurants, swim up bars and exotic rescued animals, what more could you want. If my future husband is reading this, I want to get married here please or at least get proposed to here so I can have the best photos.

Relaxation time

Corey and I

Simba the Jaguar

Lawrence the Lion

Raymond the Toucan

Of course with everything, even when you try your best to do the right thing, someone will always try and criticize or discredit you. Unfortunately even Little French Key has had its share of controversy. The owners have rescued many animals like monkeys and Mr sugar bear who roam freely around the island. They have also rescued big cats like a Jaguar and a Lion, these animals have been rescued from a travelling circus where they were beaten, starved and forced to perform tricks. The nature of these cats have been compromised and they cannot be left to roam freely around the island so they are kept in enclosures that are spacious, clean and have everything they need. They are even taken out several times a day for swims, walks and runs. Despite they're dark pasts these animals have made an incredible bond with humans built upon trust and love. The criticism behind this is that they are kept in enclosures and are walked with leashes on. Now as an animal lover and activist, I understand the concern, however, these animals have been born in captivity and have no natural skills of survival, to release them into the wild would be a death sentence. I have been to this place and it is no zoo, it is a sanctuary and there is a substantial difference. These animals are looked after as best as they can be and I can say that they are genuinely happy. In 20 years, there have been zero animal attacks or incidents, I think that says enough especially working with rehabilitating abused animals. I was so intrigued by Simba and his story and how much he has adapted to island life. He actually enjoys swimming. Most people aren't brave enough but Corey and I were and we were lucky enough to swim with Simba while he enjoyed his afternoon exercise. None of his behaviour is forced, if he doesn't want to go for a swim, he will go for a walk instead. This had to be the single best experience of my life, where else can you be this close to an exotic cat. Cherished memories forever.

Walking over for a swim

Swimming with Simba the Jaguar

Corey's turn

Chilling on Simba's post

Before leaving this incredible place, Corey and I had to go back for more cuddles, this time with an adorable baby. The Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation centre does not have a forced breeding program, the monkeys are free to mate as they like and as you can see they are creating a healthy community of monkeys here on the island.

Back for more cuddles

Corey getting in last cuddles

I couldn't leave heaven and my new favourite place on earth without a souvenir. From the moment I first set eyes on these masks especially the Toucan one, I just had to have them. They are made on-site by a local craftsman and artist. As you can see from the photographs the talent and dedication that goes into work like this. I love buying things that go straight back to the person who did the hard yards, cut out that retail middle man. They are absolutely gorgeous and sit proudly on the wall of my living room, a constant reminder that heaven does exist.

Hand-made masks that I took home

As my time here in Little French Key comes to a close, I recommend everyone take a trip at least once in their life to reconnect to the earth here. They do a wonderful thing for the animals and any donations especially for a not-for -profit go a long way. We only have one planet and one shot at this life, lets help preserve it for future generations as best we can and leave it a better place than when we found it. Never pass judgement on a place especially a sanctuary before going there and seeing first hand.

Until next time Little French Key

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Little French Key, Honduras, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!