Sarah Johnson Harmacek, the 33-year-old beverage director at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa in Honduras, has a fascinating story to tell. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah made the bold decision to move to Roatán in 2023, leaving behind her hometown and everything she knew to embark on a new adventure in a tropical paradise.
With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sarah worked her way up in various front-of-house restaurant positions in downtown Denver while pursuing two degrees and becoming a certified sommelier. Her hard work and dedication eventually led her to a position as the beverage manager at Kimpton Hotel Born, where she spent five years honing her skills and expertise in the industry.
Denver, with its vibrant cultural scene and outdoor activities, held a special place in Sarah’s heart. However, the rapid growth and influx of people moving to the city in recent years had started to impact the quality of life, prompting Sarah to consider new opportunities elsewhere.
In November 2022, Sarah attended an internal conference at Kimpton where she met a corporate director who offered her a chance to move to Roatán. Without hesitation, Sarah accepted the opportunity and began making plans to relocate to the tropical island. In February 2023, she packed up her life in Denver, sold or donated most of her belongings, and set off for a new chapter in her life.
Upon arriving in Roatán, Sarah faced challenges of loneliness and boredom as she adjusted to her new surroundings. The island life was vastly different from the hustle and bustle of Denver, with a slower pace and limited entertainment options. However, Sarah found solace in the warmth and hospitality of the local community, which made her feel welcomed and at home.
Despite the cultural differences and environmental changes, such as adjusting to sea level after living at high altitude and dealing with bug bites and humidity, Sarah embraced her new life wholeheartedly. She discovered a love for scuba diving, overcame her fear of the ocean, and formed meaningful connections with people both at work and in the community.
While the transition to life in Roatán was not without its challenges, Sarah’s resilience and adaptability shone through. She found joy in the simple pleasures of island living, such as watching the sunset over the water, exploring new culinary experiences, and taking time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded her.
As Sarah continues to grow in her career at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa, she looks forward to the opportunities for personal and professional development that lie ahead. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be considering a bold move or a fresh start in a new location, showing that with courage and determination, anything is possible.
