Roatan Gazette - News - Roatan Lifestyle & Recreation - Roatans Real Estate Market

World Class Golf Coming to Roatan - Prestine Bay Resort - Black Pearl

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:36:00 +0000

We are proud to feature Black Pearl Golf Resort at Pristine Bay Resort Roatan. This unique 18-hole championship resort is planned to open early next year (2010) and is currently being build by the renowned Dye Golf Design Company. The Dye family is known to built some of the most spectacular golf courses around the world. Roatan a tropical island paradise in the Caribbean was rated one of the top places to visit by the New York Times. (Part of the Bay Islands, Roatan is know to have the second largest coral reef in the world after the great barrier reef in Australia. For most travelers still fairly unknown Roatan is quickly establishing itself as one of the premier Caribbean gateways. Enjoy this beautiful video courtesy of Prestine Bay Resort, Bay Islands, Roatan.

For more information on real estate in Roatan as well as world class golf course lots and residences please contact: Sascha at roataninterest@gmail.com

USA-Today voted Roatan as one of the seven affordable beach destinations.

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:04:00 +0000

We knew it all along. However, the main stream media is also discovering this little jewell in the Caribbean. See what USA-Today is writing about Honduras' Bay Islands. (Roatan) Read on.....

Best Kept Secret about the Caribbean

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:30:00 +0000

You want to know more about the best kept secret? Read what Ryan Bernal a freelance travel writer has to say about the best kept secret in the Caribbean. Oh by the way, before you read on, you have to promise to keep this secret for yourself. We don't want the whole world to find out about this!! or do we? Read the Secret here ..

A couple of websites about Honduras worth recommending

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:43:00 +0000

We received an email from Roatan Interest today. They thanked us that we are featuring them on Roatan Gazette. They also mentioned that they have stumbled onto a couple of websites worth recommending. I checked them out and I totally agree. Both of these sites have a lot of great information about Honduras. Check them out and enjoy! Here are the links. Honduras press room and Lets go Honduras

Roatan Relocation & Investment Guide -

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:44:00 +0000

A must have guide for anyone serious about relocation or investing in Roatan. This guide gives in depth information about all the areas important. See for yourself!

Roatan an alluring getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:13:00 +0000

ROATAN, Honduras - Just a scant 55 kilometres off the coast of Honduras, Roatan is the largest of the three Bay Islands that are a magnet for snorkellers and scuba divers from around the world. Stretching 65 kilometres long and just three kilometres wide at its thickest, much of Roatan's north coast is paralleled by a coral reef second only in length to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Read on and see what Ken Rockburn of CanWest News Service has to say about Roatan. Read full article.

Chef and Owner of Bida Restaurant talks about life on the island of Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:31:00 +0000

What's it like to live in a far-off place most of us see only on a vacation? Foreign Correspondence is an interview with someone who lives in a spot you may want to visit. Dino Silvestri, 32, is chef and owner of Bida Restaurant & Bar on Roatan -- an island in the western Caribbean. He was born on mainland Honduras and raised on Roatan, the largest Honduran Bay island. Read more.....

Roatan and the Bay Islands becoming a hot spot for tourists

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:28:00 +0000

For an island as small as Honduras’ Roatán (35 miles in length, four or five in width), it receives an impressive number of nonstop weekly flights from the United States—nine, with four gateways, Houston, Atlanta, Miami and Newark, NJ, and three carriers, Continental, Delta and TACA. All these flights arrive at the weekend, and most are relatively recent developments. Read more...

Roatan Dream Island - Check it out!

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:55:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:59:00 +0000

Pristine Bay Resort & The Black Pearl Golf Course

Black Pearl Golf Course and Pristine Bay Resort should be opening to golfers in 2010. Located on more than 400 acres on the north shore of Roatan . If you would like more information about island living and this great resort please contact Montreal Bob at montrealbob@roataninterest.com

Nikki Beach Club Roatan, Honduras

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:47:00 +0000

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Set to Open in the Bay Islands, Honduras Caribbean Coast...

Pristine Surroundings Meet Luxe Nikki Style in Roatan
MIAMI--(Business Wire)--

Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts has announced that the Caribbean
island of Roatan is the latest location chosen to become home to an
ultra-exclusive Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. Read more.......

Where to stay in Roatan?

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Honduras is a magical land of Mayan Culture. It has forest full of jaguars, toucans and monkeys and hillsides with settlements. Copan was the primary Maya Cultural area which spread gradually to other places. The coral reefs in and around the Bay Islands are spectacular. If you are looking out for a retreat to this wonderful island for some time, you are welcome. It is advisable to take a note of the places of accommodation before you set out. And if you feel you can afford a five star vacation, here is some important information on the five star accommodations in Roatan.

The Anthony’s Key Resort has been there since long serving up the spirit of the place with the coral reefs, the dolphins, the beautiful gardens matched with the hospitality and comfort. This resort is designed by Nature and tranquility is the inbred part of it. This formula of peace and privacy along with comfort and hospitality drives visitors to this resort always.

The Lost Paradise Inn is located in the West End Village. This is a fairy nook on the sandy beach with coconut trees and a quiet bay sheltered by a barrier reef and washed by the warm inviting waters around. They provide you with luxurious cabins and excellent service. It is a comfortable respite from the stress and strain of the busy world into the bosom of nature and a comfortable hideaway in particular. The visit to this resort is unforgettable and so is your stay at this enchanting island of Roatan.

There are the La Quinta Hotels and the Bay Islands Beach Resorts to name a few more. All these accommodations present amenities and luxuries of a 5 star accommodation with suites, furnishings and upholstery in great grandeur. There are arrangements for outdoor activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Life had never been as pleasant as it is while enjoying a 5 star holiday at Roatan, the tourist’s paradise!

After retirement make Roatan Island your home!

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

If you have just retired and you are thinking of having a little Paradise of your own which could also be your home after retirement, think of Roatan Island in the Caribbean Sea in Honduras. Roatan offers you a heaven on earth with the beaches, the warm tropical sun, the water splashing on the beach and the exquisite coral reefs in the world. If you say you have never heard of Roatan before, that’s not surprising because this beautiful oasis island is a sort of waking up to the new world.

Roatan is an island, whose barrier reef is the second largest in the world. It has a history steeped in pirate lore. The island went over to the Spaniards and the English after it finally got its independence in the year 1821.

There is a lot of land clearing going on with the building of the residential areas happening fast. There are improper methods of sewage and garbage although there has been several efforts by the organizations to reduce the effects. An environment friendly system as well as water and energy conservation system is carried on.

If you are dreaming of a happy and exciting life after retirement you are welcome to stay at the cabanas near Sandy Bay in Roatan. These are built with pine cabinets; French doors, and wooden shutters. The furniture is made up of Sunwood, Mahogany or Honduran Pine. There are bedrooms and bathrooms and living space with a small kitchen area. These are 2 units side by side duplex and there is a loft for accommodation and storage. The place is furnished with microwave, stove, bedside tables, chest of drawers and all possible amenities to make your living comfortable. You can inquire about the price on the internet.

There are health care centers, public utilities and road systems but if you choose to stay here you must look forward to the natural charms and the simplicity of life that would engulf you. It is a true retreat for the retired people to the wilderness and the sea where sea turtles lay eggs on the golden beaches and you get to sit together and watch the sunset and the sunrise on the sea. It would be best to learn Spanish if you choose to make this your retirement home at last.

Details about Roatan Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

The Roatán International Airport also known as Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport is located in the island of Roatan in Honduras. It controls international as well as national air traffic in the Roatan Island. The airport is so names as the former President in Honduras.

The four international airlines operating in Honduras are

Toncontín International Airport
Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport
Golosón International Airport
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport losón International Airport

Weather in Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Roatan which is located in the Caribbean seas in Honduras enjoys a tropical maritime climate all the year round. The northern part of this island is humid and hot and the regions near the coast are cool as the sea breeze is strong in this region. The Southern part is dry and hot unlike the hot and humid north and the central area is the coolest because it is raised much above the sea level. The wet months in Roatan are between August and December. So if you are looking forward to a holiday full of sun and merriment at the beaches and lots of scuba diving and snorkeling fun in the island, you should be there between January and July to avoid the wetter months.

Honduras offers a favorable weather throughout the year. You can wear light cotton clothes all through the months. If you pay a visit to the central region you can do well with a jacket or a sweater. While on the beach sunscreen creams, hats and sun shades are a must have. In the wet months, umbrella and raincoats are to be carried.

Vacation Rentals at Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

As you all know, the Roatan Island located in the Carribean seas is a tourist’s paradise. Among the wilderness of the sea, the flora and the fauna, you get lost in the bosom of nature. If you are planning a holiday that is all to yourself and very private and unique you can look for renting an apartment. You could go for something in luxury or in budget. It could be located on the beach or on the hill side with a view of the ocean. It could be also something secluded and distant away from the humdrums of life. There is something in place for you in Roatan, whichever is your choice. Let us explore a few options to find out the types of vacation rentals available.

The Casa De Paradise on the Roatan West Bay Beach is the finest resort on Roatan. It is a few steps away from the Caribbean, and a short distance from the coral reefs. You can choose a luxury spacious room and you can also find scuba diving shops and great restaurants in the vicinity.

On the west bay, the Roatan Life Vacation Rentals has good infrastructure and an educated staff with local knowledge. There are people who take the stress away and you can bask in the pleasures of this paradise for some time.

The Tropical Rez offers excellent information on vacation rentals, car rentals, and other activities you can enjoy in Roatan. You can organize your dream vacation well by staying at the vacation rentals here.

There are other vacation rentals like the Bai Bai House which has a tall ceiling plan to give you that lofty, cool feel, the kitchen that is fully equipped, the dining area and the air-conditioned bedrooms. It is all made for you to unwind yourself! The West Bay Village is a compound consisting of villas on the beach, the marine park in the vicinity and with arrangements for snorkeling and swimming. When you are there at the Roatan Vacation Rentals, you are in for some great entertainment, the beach, the sun and also a lot of night life. Don’t miss this chance of visiting this natural tourist’s paradise.

Why a Vacation Rental?

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Hurrah...Your 3 week vacation has been approved...and your already packing your bag. But hang on a moment my dear. Have you planned your vacation yet? Where are you going? What's your accommodating going to be like? How are you going to get there? Well, the list seems endless. But if you tackle it step-by-step, it's pretty simple.

Now your accommodation, is what I am concerned about. So I am listing some of the many advantages of why you should rent a vacation home.

You have all the advantages of having a home away from home. All the amenities of your home, cable television, internet service, a nice kitchen with all the necessary stuff that needs to be there – fridge, micro, gas. So that you can cook your own meals and don't have to get fed up with eating out or ordering take-out.
With a vacation home, you have plenty of space. So you can invite guests over, do a bit of entertaining.
With your own place, you have privacy. You don't have those nosy receptionists at hotels who are constantly observing who you are with etc.

With so many benefits, is it a difficult choice to make?? Vacation rentals provides you with excellent amenities and every possible luxury. So, why a vacation rental? I'd say, why not??

Why a Vacation Rental?

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Now your accommodation, is what I am concerned about. So I am listing some of the many advantages of why you should rent a vacation home.

You have all the advantages of having a home away from home. All the amenities of your home, cable television, internet service, a nice kitchen with all the necessary stuff that needs to be there – fridge, micro, gas. So that you can cook your own meals and don't have to get fed up with eating out or ordering take-out.
With a vacation home, you have plenty of space. So you can invite guests over, do a bit of entertaining.
With your own place, you have privacy. You don't have those nosy receptionists at hotels who are constantly observing who you are with etc.

With so many benefits, is it a difficult choice to make?? Our vacation rentals provides you with excellent amenities and every possible luxury. So, why a vacation rental? I'd say, why not??

Can I Take My Pet to Roatan?

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000

That is great news! You can bring your pet bird, cat, dog or other pets to Roatan Island but you have to keep in mind a few things, namely, carrying their health certificates, arriving at the airport and making it through the Customs, and finally, flying on an airline that is pet-friendly. Most airlines fly your pets but not Grupo Taca that does not fly pets. You will need to pay a fee or book early. American Airlines, Continental and Delta allow pets. You can book early for airlines that allow carrying your pet in the cabin itself. The pet can be fitted into a carrier under your seat. Bigger pets would have to be flown as cargo. There are certain restrictions which have to be maintained in flying the pet as cargo.

The local airlines – Islena, Sosa and Atlantic all fly pets from Honduras and the charges for the each airlines vary.

You should submit a very recent health certificate from your vet and the certificate should be as recent as delivered within 10 days. This would be required before the check in. When the pet arrives at the Honduran airport, it will be checked for immigration and it would be guided to the Dept of Agriculture for the vet to arrive and inspect the pet. The charges for the inspection would be $50.

With proper steps flying a pet to Honduras should be easy. Once the pet is brought to the island it should face no problem with pet foods, grooming services and veterinary services.

Stay Healthy on your Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:14:00 +0000

Most people come back from a vacation with a few additional pounds. They feel that a vacation is a time to cut loose, sit back and enjoy, no limitations. While that is fine to a certain extent, your health is of primary importance. You can still have vacation and maintain a diet as well.

Eat sensibly. Don't binge just because your on a vacation. If you do, it's bound to catch up sooner or later
Go easy on the sodas and alcohol
Be careful of so called 'healthy menus'. Salads with oodles of dressing is not healthy. Always ask for your dressing on the idle. And remember just because something is labeled as healthy does not mean that it actually is.
Try and eat grilled or steamed as against fried
Keep stretching with a little bit of exercise a daily habit even though your on vacation, you don't feel stiff. While sitting all day long is nice and relaxing, your going to feel rotten after getting back from your vacation.

So stay fit even while your on vacation there are many activities that you can indulge in, which will keep you on the move.

Brief History of Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Roatan, the island located in the Caribbean Sea falls under the territory of Honduras. It is at a distance of fifty miles from the Honduran Island. It has a vibrant history that is woven with the legends of pirates, invaders, buried gold, Indians and a mixture of languages and races. Christopher Columbus had discovered Guiana, a neighboring island in the year 1502. The islands were already inhabited and the artifacts left in the caves by the inhabitants can be found today. Columbus was followed by Spanish explorers. They began mining gold in Honduras. The Spaniards enslaved the Indians and the Africans and they set up cattle ranches for providing food and living to the miners.

The English settlers also landed up on this island. William Claiborne was authorized to set up a colony on the Roatan Island in the year 1638. He was from Virginia.

A Dutchman raided the Spanish settlements in the year 1639. The French and the English also terrorized them. The English raiders came in 1642 and occupied Port Royal which was further off from the present day Port Royal. The Spanish however wanted to get hold of all the gold in Port Royal and led attacks against the pirates. The pirates were conquered and the Spaniards along with the Indians later moved on to Guatemala.

1742 saw the settling of the Englishmen in Roatan but Roatan was lost in March 1782 and finally the English had to leave the island in the year 1788. The Black Caribs who are a blend of the African Carib descent and the Arawak Indian descent came to live on this island.

Spanish is the national language in Roatan but English is also spoken on this island. The Roatan Island is a wonderful mixture of cultures, language and people. Tourism is the industry and the primary sports are scuba diving. The legend runs that ghosts or “duppees” inhabit the island.

Roatan has a rich history of the early days of the Indians, the pirates, the attacks to the modern day independence.

Roatan Gazette Features - B.J's Backyard

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Around 25 years back, B.J started her restaurant, catering mainly to the seamen that worked in the shrimp industry. B.J's Backyard, is now well renowned for excellent fresh food, very affordable prices, a warm and friendly ambiance.

From the new covered deck, you get a splendid view of Oak Ridge Key while you eat. It's a fabulous and unique experience, one am sure you won't forget.

Whether it's the local fare of delicious seafood meals or fresh fruit and vegetables, B.J's Backyard has it all. They serve only the best of fresh shrimps from the Honduran Gulf. They also bake their own mouthwatering French Bread, and are known for their Rum Sauce Breading Pudding.

You can't complete your visit of Roatan, without stopping at B.J's Backyard.

Horse Riding At Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:01:00 +0000

The thing about Roatan, is there so much of activity that you can enjoy. While it's true that majority of the sporting activities involving water, what with it being home to the second largest coral reef and the water being the most appealing factor, there are other interesting and exciting land activities as well.

Not too much of a water person? No, problem...something that you can think about while at Roatan is Horse Riding? How cool is that! Think about it, how often do you get to do such adventurous stuff back home in the city. There's no time, let alone definitely no horses.

You can go horse riding with Shirkie Bodden at the El Rancho Barrio Dorcas. You cannot have a better tour guide than Shirkie Bodden. A native to Roatan, he knows the island like the back of his hand. He's witnessed the growth and development of the island into a popular tourist destination.

Join him on horseback, and explore the beauty of Roatan. You'll also get to hear old folklore and stories that are full of anecdotes. He speaks English and Spanish as well.

You can opt for the Daytime Tour or a Full Moon Ride. Yes, it's possible. Can you imagine riding on horseback in the light of the moon? Can it get any better than this? A magical night, it promises to be, just the sparkling stars and moonlight to give you light. Make sure you check the Full Moon Calendar, so that you don't miss this wonderful opportunity. Moderately priced at $40.00, you can enjoy the wonder of Roatan at night!

The day tour takes you through touristic locations, the water's edge and you can explore beautiful flowers. The cost is $35.00 dollars for this tour.

A Taste of Roatan

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:05:00 +0000

While visiting Roatan, you must try out the delicious local fare. The island food, you'll find is a great treat, especially if you like seafood. Also the people use many food items that are grown locally in Roatan – bananas and plantains, coconuts, mangoes, breadfruit etc

So here are a few things that you must eat while at Roatan

Seafood – Of course it goes without saying that you must have seafood. It's the freshest, right from the sea.
Chicken, beans and rice – the main diet of the people here
Banana Bread, Coconut Bread, Cassava Bread
Platanos
Mango Chutney, Banked Mango Dessert, Mango Sasla
Guava Jam
Conch Soup, Conch Fritters
Key Lime Pie

Facts About Roatan Island

noreply@blogger.com (Roatan Gazette) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Official language of Roatan: Spanish

Currency of Roatan: Lempira ( One Honduran Lempira is equivalent to $19)

Capital of Roatan: Coxen Hole

Airport: Roatan International Airport

The Island was formerly referred to as Ruatan or Rattan

Is nearly 60 kms long