You will be captivated by the magic of the surrounding beauty at the moment you set foot on the Honduran island. The fresh green jungle, the turquoise ocean, the white sandy beaches and the sun’s golden rays – 77 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide at its broadest point, it is simply a tropical paradise.
The individual parts of the island are relatively varied. The most developed and most frequented area is the island’s western part, which is especially well-known for the communities of West Bay and West End. Near to the centre of the island, you will find the capital Coxen Hole and the town of French Harbour, where medical facilities, offices, banks and larger shops are concentrated. The east of the island is less developed, but it offers longed-for peace and quiet without floods of tourists, and it is here that you will find the Diamond Hill resort and Villa Roa.
CAMP BAY
When in the eastern part of the island, we most certainly recommend visiting Camp Bay Beach, whose untouched beauty will cling to your heart and leave a lasting impression. Peace and quiet, a natural sandy beach, no hotels and no people. It is like being on an undiscovered island, like being at the world’s end…
PAYA BAY RESORT
The closest public beach to the Diamond Hill resort is Paya Bay, where you can take time just for yourself. We recommend a visit to the Paya Bay Resort, whose uniqueness will take your breath away. You will also find a well looked after private nudist beach, although swimwear is also allowed. Then take a stroll through a tropical garden with a number of romantic nooks and places for relaxation. The resort further offers yoga lessons and wellness treatments.
The primary language of Honduras is Spanish, however, since Roatán is a former British colony, you can also get by without difficulty in English.
The island is a tropical paradise with constant weather conditions. What better to do than enjoy its treasures? In addition to relaxing on breathtaking virgin beaches, you can also go fishing or discover rich submarine life.
The waters around Roatan are home to the Mesoamerican Coral Reef (the 2nd largest coral reef on the planet, and the largest in the Caribbean), thanks to which the island has become a sought-after destination for scuba divers. After a short boat trip, a world full of corals, colourful fish, turtles and seahorses will open up before you. Dolphins and magnificent whale sharks also inhabit the area around the island.
In search of adventure, you can also head into the jungle. As well as a tangle of tropical plants, you will also encounter monkeys, hummingbirds, parrots and iguanas.
And if all you want is to hang out on the beach with your feet buried in the warm sand, occasionally going for a swim in the sea or enjoying a drink at a beach bar, you can – the opportunities are plentiful.
The local currency is the Honduran lempira, but it is also possible to pay in US dollars. 1 USD = approximately 25 lempiras. Imported products come at a higher price. Regional foods such as fresh fish and other seafood, rice, bananas, coconuts, oranges, mangos, pineapples and limes cost much less and they taste divine!
Retail chains offer a relatively wide selection, selling goods from both Europe and North America – the most frequently used is Eldon’s supermarket in the central part of the island.
It sells food, hygiene products, household items, etc., and you can safely pay by card. You can take advantage of its good exchange rate (better than in banks) and if you pay, for example, with an American 100-dollar note, you will be given change in the local currency, the Honduran lempira, again at a good exchange rate.
Show on the map: Eldon's
ELECTRICITY – Roatán uses the same type of electrical sockets as the USA. The current has a voltage of 120 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. To avoid damaging your electrical appliances, we recommend using voltage equalisation adapters that are part of Villa Roa’s equipment.
CARS – after arrival it is a good idea to rent a car (we recommend a 4×4) from one of the rental facilities at the airport. Make sure you inspect the car thoroughly. Be sure to record even small scratches, including scratches on the wheel discs and the roof, in the certificate of handover, which you will rely on when you return the car.
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET – we recommend that you use a local operator, such as Claro, whose branch can be found at Megaplaza Mall Roatán. At current prices, you can purchase 6 GB of data for USD 20-30.
Show on the map: Megaplaza Mall Roatan
DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS – avoid card payments and withdrawals from cash machines (including at the airport and banks). You can pay safely by card at Eldon’s supermarket. You can draw cash at the counter in banks (not from cash machines). You will need your passport, and you must use a credit card (debit cards are not accepted). We recommend bringing a sufficient amount of cash in USD.
