llbwolf

I posted this in general interest, but wanted to make sure it was linked to Honduras, as well.

I've been dying to go to Central America forever, and now that my husband consented, I just can't get it done.

My husband enjoys diving, but prefers R&R in the downtime. A pool is a requirement, a pool bar a big plus. But if we're finally going to C.A., I want see the scenery, not a mego resort that I could find anywhere. Anyway, it turns out that I couldn't find an ecolodge with a pool and good diving on the Osa Penninsula of C.R., and we're priced right out of Belize (Victoria House, Turtle Inn, Robert's Grove) b/c the diving and meals add up too fast. My proposed solution is Honduras.

I hope to go for 7 days. I would like to stay a night or two at the Lodge at Pico Bonito, and then go to one of the islands. I do NEED to find a place with a pool. The places I like are Utopia Village(opening like a week before we go)on Utila, Barefoot Caye on Roatan, and Palmetto Bay Plantation on Roatan. I can't seem to find anything suitable on Guanaja, although it looks lovely.

I need some guidance. Is Honduras a mistake? Am I missing something in C.R. or Belize? Review on the places I mentioned? Any other suggestions?

I feel like the most annoying travel-planner ever, switching countries every two days, but I want to get this right.

baysil

Honduras is absolutely no mistake. I went to Roatan, for a few days, and ended up staying dos semanas. (2 weeks)! it is paradise - the water in west bay and west end is unbelievable - five feet straight down and you can still see your toes clear as day - the fish and coral are amazing. Because the coral is so close to the shore and the water is so clear all you have to do is snorkel. I have been to the most beautiful beaches (i love to snorkel!) throughout asia, and the ones in Roatan actually beat asia. I have lots of photo's if you would like to see them. I met a great guy on the ferry over and i ended up staying at a friend of his - she has a great little bungalow off the iron shore - no pool though. I loved it so much I am packing my things up and moving there in the fall. Pico Bonito is amazing as well - it's no mistake. When i was planning my trip last summer, i did the exact thing - so many amazing countries and so little time!

llbwolf

Thanks so much for your reply, and assurances! Sounds like you're really in love... with the place, I mean, I won't speculate on the friendship/romance. Any take on the Utila/Roatan thing? We're a 28/30 married couple, I love anything that breathes (except spiders, I'm proud when I can deal with them), we like socializing, but don't wish to party too hard when we're getting to up dive, etc.

JarredK

Both Roatan and Utila will give you nice diving options - just beware of the no-seeums that will eat you alive. Roatan has a bit more life and diversity but Utila has the possibility of seeing whalesharks in season.

If you haven't already checked it out, and you are still considering Belize, you may want to look into Turneffe Island Lodge. A very special place and one of my fav vacation spots for diving and relaxing. Also, feel free to check out my trip report on it:

http://www.jarredandrachel.com/Turneffe.html

baysil

I forgot about the no-seeums - they are the only downside of Roatans beach life. I have been looking at ways of dealing with them before i go back and i found out that tee tree oil and patchuli work - maybe get a bar of soap or some spray to try to deal with them! hope this helps!

hopefulist

My husband and I split 3 weeks between Roatan and Utila last summer and loved both. There's more to do on Roatan if you're not diving (including some excellent hiking), the beaches are nicer, and, in general, the dive sites much closer. We found Utila to be cheaper, though the diving prices are similar. Sometime I'll head back to Utila in the spring to try to see a whaleshark.

As far as sand flies - PRAY FOR A STEADY BREEZE! In 3 weeks we only saw them one morning when the breeze died away.

This summer I'm heading to CA for my 6th trip, this one a return to Guatemala, my favorite (but not for diving!). We've also loved Honduras and Belize twice each. You'd better start planning your next trip now!

Happy trails!

llbwolf

Trips planned. We'll book the flights we reserved today. I'm just trying to make the final decision on the island and the place. Right now it's either Anthony's Kep, Palmetto Bay Plantation or Barefoot Caye on Roatan or Mango Inn on Utila. I really want to swim with whale sharks, but that's not the entire pupose. I'm leaning toward Roatan.

chacheetah

llbwolf; I recognized your screen name from Africa Forum...my first love in travel.
Did you get to Roatan; would love to hear about it. Thanks C