Here's What's Happening in Roatan

Yesterday I told you what probably wasn't happening in Roatan.  But do you know what probably IS happening in Roatan?  Well let me tell you.....  First of all, the current weather there is mostly sunny with a 30% chance of rain today.  The current temperature is 86 degrees and it is supposed to get up to 90 this afternoon.  For the next 7 days, the highs will be 90 every single day with overnight lows anywhere from 77 to 81 degrees.  Sunny to partly cloudy all week.

So we know what sort of weather we would be facing if in Roatan for the next 7 days..... Ummmmm.... that would be perfect.  Now, what kind of life would we be facing?  That's the real question.  Let's have a little look, shall we?

First of all, there isn't really a list of all inclusive resorts to choose from in Roatan.  It's a much more laid back kind of place for those of us who like being in control of our own paradise and not having our paradise control us.  There are basically four big resorts to choose from.  They are:

Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort - 4.5 Stars
Mayan Princess Beach Resort - 3.5 Stars
Palmetto Bay Plantation - 4 Stars
Anthony's Key Resort - 3 Stars

Infinity Bay is located on West Bay and is the least expensive option.  All rooms have a fridge and microwave, but a one bedroom or bigger has a full kitchen.  So if you like the idea of being able to buy some local fish and fix it yourself, this is the place for you.  The resort provides transportation to and from the airport and a daily breakfast buffet for all guests.  Be aware that the spa has not been built yet so Infinity Bay "Spa" and Beach Resort is a bit of a stretch.  Also, it is 150 individual condos, so although you get the daily maid service that you would expect at a hotel.  Beyond that, it is more of a condominium complex and not so much a hotel.

Infinity Divers is located on site and has a variety of diving options to suit any divers needs whether you are just learning or have been diving for years.

Mayan Princess is located on West Bay Beach and is moderately priced.  All villas have separate bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens.  The property only contains 60 villas.  So, if you are looking for a quieter get away this might be for you.  The resort provides roundtrip airport transportation and a daily breakfast.

Mayan Divers offers a great variety of dive options again for divers of all levels.  Want to learn to dive?  This is the place for you.

Palmetto Bay is as you might expect located on Palmetto Bay.  All villas are two bedrooms or larger.  It only has 29 villas.  So as you might expect it is very quiet and relaxed.  If you truly want to get away Palmetto Bay is for you.  It is about 45 minutes from the West End area.

Barefoot Divers has a shop at Palmetto Bay.  If you follow Places You'll Go on Facebook, you have probably seen multiple postings by or about Barefoot Divers.  I follow them closely.  They seem to be an excellent dive shop and offer anything a diver might need to make the week perfect.

If you are looking for the ultimate scuba diving vacation, then you want Anthony's Key.  It encompasses two keys - Anthony's Key and Bailey's Key.  I can't give you an exact quote today on pricing because you have to call for prices.  But let's just say that price for air and your week long stay will start at about $5k for a couple.  But don't turn away yet.  With that, here's what you get....

It is ranked one of the top dive resorts in the world.  It is a PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Instructor Development Center and has been a pioneer in the diving industry for more than 30 years.  Wooden cabanas ring the shoreline of Anthony's Key or hug the hillside overlooking the Caribbean.  Here's the great part....  Upon arrival, guests are assigned a boat for the length of their stay staffed with a dive master and captain.  Folks, if you are a serious diver, you NEED this.  On top of all that, it is an all inclusive resort.

I actually have a few pictures of Anthony's Key that were taken from the top of a horrible hike my travel buddy Jenny and I once took when we were in Roatan for a day while on a cruise.  It wasn't actually that horrible but it was a more strenuous hike than we anticipated based on the description.

So, if you are interested in a diving vacation to a divers paradise, Roatan is probably as good as you will ever find.  So if you went to Roatan, you might be asking yourself, if I want to take a break from diving what other things can I do while there?  Little French Key is a great place to spend a day with a small zoo and swim up cabanas in the water.  You can spend the entire day on the beach or under a cabana.  There is a tropical arboretum to visit called Blue Harbor that is supposed to be fantastic.  You can play golf at the Black Pearl Golf Course which is a Pete Dye designed course.  Do you want to have monkeys jump on you and zip-line all in the same day?  Go to Gumbalimba Park.  Once you pay to get into the pristine park, all activities are included in your day.  Would you prefer to hike the trail that I mentioned earlier where the photo above was taken from?  Then you want to visit Carambola Botanical Gardens.  But beware, the trail is not as easy as people make it out to be.

If you are looking for a 5th Avenue shopping experience, night clubs and 5 star restaurants Roatan is not going to be for you.  But if you want to get away, forget about work and responsibilities and relax in the Caribbean give Roatan, Honduras a chance.   You might be amazed.