22 AUG 2017: “Sam, we need some off the beaten track 3-star resorts to recommend. Please help.” Well, if your clients love the water: as in being in it, on it, and particularly under it look at the Island of Roatan. The largest of the three Bay Islands, 50 km off the coast of Honduras, this is the second best barrier reef after Australia’s great barrier reef. I’ve been to Roatan a number of times, and the Great Barrier reef just once, but Roatan frankly was better for snorkelling.

The reef means calm waters, beautiful tropical fish, colourful corals, and sponges. There are 38 dive sites within a 15 minute boat ride off the West End.

Divers have kept the magic of this place to themselves. The know the coral reef right in front of the hotels makes for unforgettable day dives, night dives and wreck diving.

When guests finally get waterlogged, they can start exploring the island which has a gentle mountain ridge starting at the sea and continuing from the southwest to northeast. It makes a gorgeous backdrop for pictures, and an exciting area to explore.

Landlubbers will also find lots to do. There is a butterfly Garden, and an Indiana Jones adventure at Gumbalimba Nature Park. The Canopy Tour will give your client a bird’s eye view of this 49 sq. mile landscape.

If your client wants to ride, they can go horseback riding through the mountains.

And…if your clients long for the old days, when there weren’t resorts of 5,000 rooms, they’ll love it here where the resorts are under 100 rooms.

Sunwing, Transat, and Air Canada fly in weekly and offer choices of accommodation.

You asked for a 3-star suggestion.

My favourite in Roatan is Fantasy Island Beach Resort. Good news is it is just 12km from the airport. Sunwing offers 2 kids (2-12) to stay, play and eat free when sharing a room with 2 adults. Teens (13-17) pay a special price when sharing a room with 2 adults. There is a single parent programme. This is part of Sunwing’s Smile Resorts with an intimate secluded beach, mini zoo and water park.

If your dining client upgrades to a Dive Oceanview Room. They will receive 3 dives/day, weight belt and oxygen tanks, 1 night dive, unlimited shore dives (must be PADI) certified, fresh fruit, towels and water in the boat.

A happy guest said, “They have sunk a small boat just off the beach on the west side that is now home to all kinds of fish and therefore even more accessible to snorkelling.”

Of course, the snorkelling off the gazebo and over by the reef is fantastic and also quite accessible from the beach; best time is in the morning around 7:00/730am, as there are so many fish, including the occasional barracuda and (one morning) a large sting ray.

That brings me to the dive centre. It is run by “Rea” and she is great! It is well organized, professional, with quality equipment, great staff who are friendly and helpful. The dives are well planned. There is quality equipment, and great staff who are friendly and helpful. The dives are well planned.

The beach is gorgeous, and right in front of the rooms. Speaking of rooms they are large, and all face the ocean. People complain that there aren’t any drawers to put things, but I’d trade that for the great swimming any day.

The food is basic, but always fresh and most guests liked it. The Wi-Fi is in the lobby. There is one buffet restaurant, a beach grill and a bar. Many guests hate the coffee though. In a country well known for its coffee, that is surprising. When I go again, and four times isn’t enough, I’ll be going again and I may pack my french press and a small kettle.

People describe the West End as a “Jimmy Buffet” type village. Your clients don’t need to dress up. They can leave their cocktail dress at home and save the weight for shopping. They’ll want to lug home a piece of the unique art, and will certainly be tempted by the black, taupe and brown pieces of pottery. The carved doors, coffee tables, and trunks are out of the question unless they get them shipped – and shoppers do.

If your clients want a cab, tell them to go out to the road to flag down a taxi – much much cheaper.

Roatan has many Canadians who have retired to this lovely place, and your clients will meet them in the cafes. At the lobby bar, I’ve had a number of great chats with sailors, who sail in for a beer and the staff are always friendly and helpful.