Roatan Honduras is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, unrefined travel destinations God ever created. Located in the Western Caribbean, a mere 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras and a short two hour and twenty minute flight from Houston, Roatan's future is undoubtedly bright.-My 25th trip to Roatan has been no less special than my first. The friendships I've forged over the last four years are stronger than ever and the island I've grown to love has proved to be quite resilient in spite of last years political drama. Keep in mind when visiting Roatan that most of the activity on the island takes place geographically center, west. The east side although incredibly beautiful, is for the most part, undeveloped. West Bay and West End are the most notable areas on the island and the two areas that offer the most lodging and dining choices. There are however, several gems out east.Getting There
My only choice for direct travel to Roatan is Continental Airlines. Continental was one of the first airlines to believe in the future of Roatan and the first major U.S. based airline to fly non-stop there. I've flown other airlines and taken other routes, but I always come back to my friends at Continental. Not only are their planes the newest but their entire staff understands the true meaning of customer service. You may also reach Roatan via Delta Airlines out of Atlanta or New York and American via Miami. You may also fly Continental via San Pedro Sula, Honduras. There you connect to a usually non-air conditioned twin engine puddle jumper and Roatan will be the second stop. The tickets are substantially cheaper, but for some it will be a real nail biter.
Where to Stay
Compared to the ease of my air travel decision, lodging takes a bit more thought. With no American flagships yet to take up residence on the island, cost and quality are all over the map. For the die hard diver there's Anthony's Key, or Fantasy Island and for the luxury traveler theirs Infinity Bay. Anthony's Key is one of the oldest resort on the island and is geared towards the die hard diver. Fantasy Island, also one of the oldest resorts on the island is in much need of a facelift, but die hard divers love it. Infinity Bay on the other hand, is the finest, newest resort destination that lies on the
gorgeous West Bay Beach. With full size kitchens and all the amenities, these condos offer all the comforts of home. Now offering a 50% room discount for a limited time, Infinity Bay is an easy choice. The condos at Infinity are also for sale, but act quickly, there are less than two dozen left! (Contact my good friend Tommy Bauer for info! roatantom@yahoo.com) -Also on West Bay Beach, BananaramaDive. I've stayed there well over a dozen times and for the diver or non-diver there are activities for all ages. They are a Padi Five Star Dive Center.-Also on West Bay Beach, Foster's West Bay, another lodging spot I can recommend with confidence. -There are also numerous places to stay in West End. Here you'll find a more densely populated area with its unpaved roads, multiple dive outfits, and numerous bars and restaurants. If you decide the vibe in West End is more of what your looking for, you might want to check out both Casa Calico and Sueno del Mar Diving Resort. -I would suggest that you utilize the wealth of information and reviews at www.tripadvisor.com to further educate yourself and read reviews about lodging options on Roatan.Renting a Car
Should you decide to rent a car while on the island, Coral Rent a Car is my only choice. Ive tried almost all of them over the last four years and these guys definitively know how to take care of business. While most all of the rental agencies on the island put a pre-authorization hold that may be up to 5 times of your total estimated rental charges. Coral typically only takes up $500 of your credit line. This type of customer service comes in extremely handy when your trying to travel on a budget. Coral is extremely conscientious of your vacation schedule and offers both pickup and delivery service to your desired location. Local: 8800.8801 or 9643.8178
Eats and Drinks
Dining choices on the island are many, and you will find multiple restaurants that have similar menus. Vintage Pearl, tucked away in the center of West Bay Beach is the only true fine dining restaurant on the island. Offering a prix fixed menu that includes three courses, averaging between $35 to $40 depending on your entree, Vintage Pearl is a must try dining experience. This little restaurant offers discip
lined cooking not often seen in such a laid back paradise.-Recently bringing in a new chef, the food at Infinity Bay is better than ever. For those of you without a rental car, Mangiamo Market and Deli, a short walk from West Bay Beach, serves up some of the best deli sandwiches you'll ever have and cooks breakfast sure to please the pickiest eater.-The Blue Marlin in West End is a clean but rustic, open air, on the water dining experience that I also highly recommend. You can enjoy freshly caught twin lobster tails for $29, or the very tasty chicken fried rice for $19. The conch balls are must have appetizer. Foster's West End is another one of my favorite places to dine. With a fresh facelift and new management, Foster's offers great food and beautiful ocean views that will make your meal all the better. The pulled pork sandwich is a must. Also in West End, The Dive Bar and Grill. They may very well serve the best calamari I've ever had.-Tong's Thai in West End offers up some of the finest Thai food you'll have anywhere. The menu is a bit pricey by island standards, but the food makes up for it.-One of my all time favorite places in West End is Sundowners. It's one of the best bars in the world for catching a good sunset. Aaron also serves up some good eats. -Travel on the main road east to French Harbor and you can have the pleasure of dining at one of the newest most hidden gems on the island, The Deck Cafe. Don't let the humble atmosphere fool you, Gary Wanless serves up several items that would rival the best fine dining restaurants in the 
world. The Pumpkin Soup blew my taste buds out of the water and the home made veggie spring rolls were better than those of P.F. Changs in the states. You may also choose from several unique salads, seafood, tasty sandwiches and several stir fry items. The Deck Cafe has definitely made it into my top five ding establishments on the island. Also in French Harbor with a diverse menu and atmosphere is Gio's Restaurant. -While your on this side of the island make sure you travel a few minutes further east to Eldon's Supermarket. Those of us used to the large grocery stores in the states will feel quite at home here. Be sure to take advantage of the nice selection of imported cheeses, deli meets, wine and liquor selection while your there.-Should you make it this far east more than once on your trip, spend another 45 minutes making your way to Jonesville Bight. Here you'll find one of the most storied restaurants on the island. The Hole in the Wall, only accessible by boat is famous for their Friday and Sunday BBQ. For under $30 till its gone, all you can eat prime beef filet, lobster, shrimp, and all the trimmings.-For those of you that enjoy sushi, I highly suggest a brief fishing trip from West Bay Beach where your likely to catch a yellow fin or black fin tuna. An hour of fishing will cost you under $100.00.-Be sure and take your soy sauce on the boat with you, cause it doesn't get any fresher than that!Diving and Snorkeling
For the die hard divers here to take advantage of the world's second largest barrier reef system, you will not be disappointed. There are diving companies here for those of you who prefer diving with large groups and there are smaller more specialized outfits that offer a more personalized approach. Whatever dive vibe your looking for, your sure to find it on Roatan. I've dove with West End Divers in West End and BananaramaDive in West Bay. No complaints. I've also heard good things about Atlantic Sea Divers.-If your not the diving type, no worries, a few feet from West Bay Beach you'll find some of the best snorkeling in the world.Championship Golf
For t
he die hard golfer who'd like a course with never ending beauty, the Pete Dye designed, Black Pearl at Pristine Bay Resort not only offers one of a kind home sights, and top notch privacy, but a course that's sure to challenge the most skilled golfer. The master planned Pristine Bay sits on 405 pristine acres. The views will take your breath away. Under construction, a beautiful boutique five star hotel, and spa. With approximately 50 acres of forest area, Pristine Bay's eco-reserve is a sanctuary to natures most beautiful flora and fauna. As their website states, Pristine Bay really does captures the essence of Roatan. Chief Operations Officer Luis Toriello and his team have once again outdone themselves. Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like more information on Pristine Bay.
Real Estate
Roatan has many
incredible options available when it comes to real estate investment. Whether your looking for raw land, condominiums, houses, or lots to build on, Roatan's real estate market has something for everyone. The real estate investment opportunities there are what first brought me to the island. With a 4% cap on capital gains and title insurance from American based companies, buying property here makes sense. Quite simply, you can't go wrong buying property on a beautiful island.-Do yourself a favor though and spend enough time on the island to get the information your going to need to make a wise purchase. Educating yourself leaves a lot less room for bad decision making.-Don't sign on with the first real estate agent you meet and make sure you use an attorney that more than one person deems reputable. In general, my experience has been that a reputable real estate companies on the island will be able to offer you all the services you'll need to handle your current and long term real estate needs. Those services will include helping you with incorporation if need be, paying your annual property taxes and even keeping and eye on your property if your an absentee owner. -Feel free to contact me directly and I'll be happy to let you know who I trusted when I bought my property.
Final Thoughts...
Roatan might not be for everyone. I say this because of the many high maintenance travelers I know that would expect a Grand Cayman type experience. In many ways The Bay Islands are in their infancy as far as development goes. There are no Kirk Freeports on Roatan.-No Rolex watches for sale and no deals on fine china. On Roatan you'll have to be satisfied with small, locally owned gift shops and independently owned restaurants. If your one of those people that can't sit still long enough to appreciate the incredible beauty that surrounds you, then Roatan might not be for you.-Although fast paced change is inevitable, for myself and those like minded, we hope the allure of the islands never changes. The vibe one gets almost immediately when visiting Roatan for the first time is one of raw, untouched, majestic beauty that projects a feeling of instant relaxation and tranquility. The Bay Islands in my opinion, have character that is unmatched as far as idyllic Caribbean destinations go. Make the decision to fly to Roatan. I'm betting like me, you'll return time and time again.
For t
he die hard golfer who'd like a course with never ending beauty, the Pete Dye designed, Black Pearl at Pristine Bay Resort not only offers one of a kind home sights, and top notch privacy, but a course that's sure to challenge the most skilled golfer. The master planned Pristine Bay sits on 405 pristine acres. The views will take your breath away. Under construction, a beautiful boutique five star hotel, and spa. With approximately 50 acres of forest area, Pristine Bay's eco-reserve is a sanctuary to natures most beautiful flora and fauna. As their website states, Pristine Bay really does captures the essence of Roatan. Chief Operations Officer Luis Toriello and his team have once again outdone themselves. Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like more information on Pristine Bay.Real Estate
Roatan has many
incredible options available when it comes to real estate investment. Whether your looking for raw land, condominiums, houses, or lots to build on, Roatan's real estate market has something for everyone. The real estate investment opportunities there are what first brought me to the island. With a 4% cap on capital gains and title insurance from American based companies, buying property here makes sense. Quite simply, you can't go wrong buying property on a beautiful island.-Do yourself a favor though and spend enough time on the island to get the information your going to need to make a wise purchase. Educating yourself leaves a lot less room for bad decision making.-Don't sign on with the first real estate agent you meet and make sure you use an attorney that more than one person deems reputable. In general, my experience has been that a reputable real estate companies on the island will be able to offer you all the services you'll need to handle your current and long term real estate needs. Those services will include helping you with incorporation if need be, paying your annual property taxes and even keeping and eye on your property if your an absentee owner. -Feel free to contact me directly and I'll be happy to let you know who I trusted when I bought my property.Final Thoughts...
Roatan might not be for everyone. I say this because of the many high maintenance travelers I know that would expect a Grand Cayman type experience. In many ways The Bay Islands are in their infancy as far as development goes. There are no Kirk Freeports on Roatan.-No Rolex watches for sale and no deals on fine china. On Roatan you'll have to be satisfied with small, locally owned gift shops and independently owned restaurants. If your one of those people that can't sit still long enough to appreciate the incredible beauty that surrounds you, then Roatan might not be for you.-Although fast paced change is inevitable, for myself and those like minded, we hope the allure of the islands never changes. The vibe one gets almost immediately when visiting Roatan for the first time is one of raw, untouched, majestic beauty that projects a feeling of instant relaxation and tranquility. The Bay Islands in my opinion, have character that is unmatched as far as idyllic Caribbean destinations go. Make the decision to fly to Roatan. I'm betting like me, you'll return time and time again.
**I do not work for any of the businesses or Continental Airlines that I've talked about above, nor am I receiving any type of compensation.-My comments are based on my own personal experiences and will hopefully make your trip to Roatan more enjoyable.
All photos were taken by Thomas Leath
