I am a tree hugger. And proud of it. Last winter we visited the island of Roatan for the first time and found lots there to embrace.

Roatan is part of Honduras and sits 40 miles off the north shore of the mainland. Located roughly midway between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator the island has a tropical climate. Needless to say,  I enjoyed seeing the impressive trees that go along with that distinction.

Species of Pandanus (like Screw Palms), Ficus (like Rubber Fig and Golden Fig), and Pinus Oocarpa (a type of pine tree known as Ocote which is the national tree of Hondoras) were fascinating to me, not to mention photogenic.

However it was the Ceiba Pentandra tree, also known as the Kapok, that stole most of my camera’s attention and my heart. For me the roots of these gentle giants often give the impression of hugging you right back. They can grow to a height of more than 200 feet and their base can be as much as ten feet across. Have a look at my husband standing by the one in the two photos below to get a perspective of the size.

The ancient Mayas believed that a giant Ceiba tree – the Yaxche, the tree of life – stood at the centre of the earth connecting 3 worlds – the roots reaching to the underworld, the branches arching up to the sky and the heavens, and the middle where we humans live.

Whether they are connecting with other worlds, or your own inner self, a stroll among these towering lifeforms is a profound experience.

If you like you can see more photos of Roatan here