UNESCO has declared the Garifuna culture and language as World Heritage intangible asset. The Garifuna language has linguistic influences from many different languages, including Spanish. When the Garifunas arrived at the Caribbean Coast of Honduras in 1797 and established themselves here they called their new home “Indura”. Basically, they took the name Honduras, where the H is silent in Spanish, replaced the “o” for an “i” and erased the “s”. Thus, Honduras in Garifuna language is “Indura”.
{%CAPTION%}
Indura Golf & Beach Resort
This was the source of inspiration when naming the Indura Golf and Beach Resort in the Bay of Tela. It sits between the Garifuna villages of Tornabe and Miami. It is also right on the finest Caribbean beaches in mainland Central America. Indura is Deluxe resort that is managed by Hilton under the brand of Curio Collection, which is equivalent to their most deluxe branding. The complex currently offers 60 junior suites in 15 separate buildings. Each building has a total of 4 units it two stories.
{%CAPTION%}
Each junior suite has a spacious terrace with majestic views of the Caribbean Sea or the local gardens. The buildings are interconnected with elevated trails over the beach that meander through the tropical gardens. The complex has a luxurious restaurant with air conditioning, as well as several different bars. Although the restaurant was luxurious, the prices were quite reasonable, and the food was OK! One of bars is right on the beach, and the others are in the lobby and the pool area.
{%CAPTION%}
The quality of attention from the staff was a pleasant surprise. They always wore a big smile and made sure we did not need anything. There is also a large percentage of Garifuna staff on the grounds. It was good to see that they have indeed given the local communities the chance to get the proper training and have a job here. There were several cooks, waiters, bartenders and even supervisors that were obviously Garifuna. I imagine that most of them were from Tornabe.
The Championship Golf Course by Gary Player
Without doubt, one of the biggest assets of Indura is the championship golf course. It is a designer course by Gary Player and has a total of 18 holes, it is par 72 couse. Indura guests have access to the golf course at discounted prices. However, you do not need to be a guest at the hotel if you want to play golf. To visit the golf course and play a round of golf, you need to make reservations in advance. These can be made at telephone +504 2437 0013 ext. 21003. You can also do so by email at golfshop@indura.hn.
{%CAPTION%}
At the time of my visit, there is promotional fee available, because the back 9 holes of the golf course are closed and being restored. It is best to call ahead and find out what prices and promotions are available. You will pay for your services at the Golf Shop in the Club House. There you will pay your green fee, get your golf cart, and meet your local caddy. Golf clubs are available for rent if you are not traveling with yours. The Club House also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a couple of great tennis courts in case your buddy does not want to play golf and would prefer to play tennis.
If you are into golf, this is one golf course in Honduras that you should not miss! Playing golf is one of many great experiences that Atlantida has to offer. Although there is a total of three golf courses in Honduras, two in Tela and one in La Ceiba, the only championship 18 hole golf course in the one at Indura.
