Welcome to 2024!
The new year is off to a wonderful start here on Roatan, and we hope you are successful at all your New Year’s Resolutions, especially if they include exploring our beautiful island’s beaches and getting to know our colorful reefs by snorkeling or diving. Maybe 2024 is the year you get certified as an open-water diver.
Maybe you are looking for a quiet place for meditation and personal reflection. Our team can help you find the perfect location to enjoy tropical flora and fauna away from the hustle and bustle, but still connected so you can stay in touch with family or business.
We hear the weather is getting quite chilly in the U.S. and Canada and mid-winter is exactly the time many begin thinking wistfully of warm-weather destinations. Beat the rush by making your reservations now! If you have any questions about traveling to Roatan or would like more information on a specific vacation home, please feel free to contact us and discuss the details with our team.
The Roatan Vacation Rentals Team is here to help you find the right destination for your family or group. In this newsletter we discuss why the next three months have ideal weather to visit the islands. Worried about the hassle of visiting a foreign country? Check out the article below that will make your trip through immigration and customs seamless, and learn about an upcoming Roa Shares Event.
————
Ocean Pearl
Lawson Rock
Sitting atop the Roatan hills, this majestic home looks over the amazing Roatan reef. The home sleeps 8 guests, with 3 of the bedrooms providing breathtaking ocean views. Along with high-end furniture and appointments that will ensure everyone feels special.
But the real fun exists outside of the bedroom with this home. An amazing open concept ensures everyone is involved. From the primary entertainment room, with flat screen TV, seating for the entire group and views to die for. Leading into the true “chef’s kitchen”. The entire group will gather around the massive 5’X8’ island while dinner is served. But if being inside isn’t your thing, the outside is even better. This home is about the views.
The infinity edge pool is something special for Roatan. With swim up bar stools, you and your guests will simply spend the day looking over the Caribbean Ocean – while others grill your favorite foods in the outdoor kitchen. The best sunrises and sunsets on the island will be found here.
Completed in 2022, you wont be lacking modern day amenities. The workmanship is impeccable, the location provides seclusion WITH access to the action and your memories will last a lifetime.
————
Villas Del Playa Penthouse #6
West End
Penthouse #6 has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on the main floor, plus a private rooftop patio with outdoor shower and bathroom. Newly refurbished in 2022, all living areas and rooftop have been completely updated.
The condo offers 3 bedrooms all with new high quality towels and linens. The master bedroom with king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and fantastic ocean views. Two additional bedrooms, also with en-suite bathrooms offer plenty of space for up to 6 adults, and for extra sleeping space, a fold down couch and futon is a new addition in the lounge.
Between the spacious open kitchen/dining/living area on the main floor, the covered balcony space overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The kitchen, with all new high-end appliances, provides the space your group might need for dining-in throughout your stay.
Villa del Playa Penthouse #6 offers the beachfront paradise you want without the crowds of the more built-up beach areas. Enjoy a true island experience with the added luxury of this beautiful condo.
————
Recent Reviews
VDP#6
It is a beautiful spacious rental!!
As a family of 4 we all enjoyed our own bedrooms with en suite baths. Private rooftop was a great escape from all others. All beds and furniture were very comfortable. Lots of towels for inside and out and we had all the kitchen accessories we needed. The location is great! Private, but a short walk to many restaurants in West End and Half Moon Bay. We loved having access to kayaks and paddle boards and rode them to the snorkel spots just out from the building. Property Management was very responsive to the couple of questions we had on day two. We highly recommend this property!
————
Ideal weather for January-March
January is generally the coldest month in the U.S. and Canada and usually the time when thoughts turn to warm weather getaways. If you’re looking for perfect weather, the next three months are ideal on Roatan.
Monthly rainfall during January, February and March is very low and when it does rain, it is usually a brief shower that is only a momentary break to grab a drink and return to the beach when the cloud passes.
The winter months are warm, but a little cooler than the summer months. Average lows in January and February are around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and highs are around 84 (29 degrees Celsius.) Compare that to June when the average high is 90 (32 Celsius) and the low is 80 (27 Celsius).
Water temperatures are warm year-round in the waters surrounding Roatan. In January the surface water temperature is around 80-81 (27 degrees Celsius). Many prefer to wear a long-sleeve rash guard while swimming and snorkeling. If you’re diving, January through March usually means a skin suit for cooler pockets of water deeper down, but those are readily available for rent at all dive shops.
For boating and fishing, this time of year means fewer cold fronts and calmer seas. Because Roatan is long and narrow, when it is wavy on one side of the island, you can usually go to the other side for calmer seas. If you want to check out the latest forecast for your trip, check out roatanweather.org.
If you have any questions about the weather, contact our staff for the most accurate information.
————
Pristine Bay Villa 104
Pristine Bay
Located at the steps to the private community beach and boasting a plunge pool, Pristine Bay Beach Villa 104 offers a truly luxurious experience.
Enjoy an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area complete with high-end finishes and stainless steel appliances. Open the glass sliding doors to step onto your private patio overlooking the Caribbean Sea below. A large BBQ grill, outdoor dining area, and plenty of lounge space surround your private plunge pool.
Both the master bedroom and one of the guest bedrooms open onto the private patio area. The third bedroom enjoys a bit more privacy off the back of the villa. All three bedrooms boast luxurious linens, en-suite bathrooms, and ample space.
Beach Villa 104 offers the ideal combination of a luxurious stay with all the conveniences of a high-end community. Many residences here are owner-occupied, so Pristine Bay doesn’t feel like a large tourist destination.
————
Great music and a good cause for the people and critters of Roatan
Want to have a great time and also support a good cause? Check out Roa Shares 2024. Roatan Operation Animal Rescue (ROAR) is sponsoring the full day of music and fun at Eddy’s on the Beach in West End. Numerous local musicians including the band IMOX and singers Patty McCulla and Island Cowboy will be performing on Saturday, February 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visitors are invited to bring dog and cat food and pet supplies for ROAR, a nonprofit organization that sponsors vaccinations, spaying and neutering and animal rescue on the island. It is a legally registered 501 (c)(3) in both the U.S. and Honduras, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Another beneficiary is the West End Community Center, which provides visitors with information on cultural heritage and monitors tourist satisfaction.
At the event, guests will be invited to donate nonperishable food and medical supplies as well as used hearing aids, prescription and reading glasses and infant supplies to assist those in need on the island.
Parking will be available next door at The Palms for $5 per car. For more information check out ROARescue.org or search for Roa Shares 2024 on Facebook.
————
Serenity Beach House
Gibson Bight
Serenity Beach House is a 3,200 square foot private home that sits along its own 100’ of white sand beach. All four bedrooms face the ocean and have their own private bathrooms. Each bedroom has its own AC unit and ceiling fan. All bedrooms have blackout curtains and luxury linens.
The main level has a large gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, Honduran hardwood cabinets and is equipped with stainless steel GE Profile appliances.
The family room on the main level has beautiful vaulted hardwood ceilings, a large 8 person dining table, sectional sofa with a 60” flat-panel TV, DVD player, and sound system.The 20’ accordion doors in the family room open up to the large deck with stunning views of the reef and breathtaking sunsets.
The large pool sits along the edge of the beach facing the beautiful Roatan reef and the stunning sunsets. The deck is well furnished with an 8 person dining table and umbrella, chaise lounge chairs, and sitting area.
Serenity Beach House is located in a quiet area just minutes from West End which is the heart of Roatan. The location is perfect for those that want to be close to the action in West End but also want to have privacy away from the crowds.
————
Successfully Navigating Immigration and Customs
A common concern when traveling to a new country is how to deal with the legalities. Facing legal officials in a foreign country can sometimes cause anxiety. We all want to be good guests of another country and you can rest assured that the Immigration and Customs officials in Roatan speak English and want to make tourists feel comfortable with the entry and exit process.
The first step after making sure that you have a valid passport with at least six months until expiration is to fill out the Immigration Precheck (“Prechequeo” in Spanish). This form is available at: https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/. On the left side of the page click on “English”, then click on “sign up now” to create a login username and password if this is your first time.
There are also QR codes so that you can download an app on your Apple or Android phone. Each traveler should fill out a precheck form.
The second step is to go to:
https://sisglobal.aduanas.gob.hn/Pech/#/plataforma/otra_gestiones/formularioDJRV to bring up the customs declaration form. At the top you will see a dropdown box marked “lenguaje” (Spanish for “language”).
Click on en_US to fill out the form in English. When you are done you will get a QR code that you can save as a screenshot or print out.
When you arrive in Roatan you will be directed to the immigration line. When you speak to the immigration agent, he or she will ask for your passport and the address of your destination.
All listings on Roatan Vacation Rentals have a name of the home you are staying in and the name of the community (“West End”, “Sandy Bay”, etc.) This is what you tell the immigration agent. Make sure you let the agent know what the date of your return flight is, so that the agent will give you the correct number of days on your visa stamp in your passport.
When you retrieve your luggage, head to customs and show the agent the QR code from your customs form. Then you can have your luggage scanned and exit into the airport lobby. A Roatan Life Team member will be happy to arrange transportation to your rental accommodations. Contact them before your trip about this or any other questions you may have.
————
Real Estate Opportunities
Pristine Bay Villa o106
Pristine Bay
Luxurious three bed, three bath home featuring a spacious outdoor area and private pool, nestled near the beach. Pristine Bay is Roatan’s residential resort community, with the island’s only 18-hole championship golf course, beach and much more! This villa is being offered turnkey.
————
Casa de Suenos
Lawson Rock
Experience luxury in this beachfront haven located in Lawson Rock. This spacious retreat boasts a main house featuring four bedrooms and a guest house with two bedrooms, both offering stunning views of the ocean and owners boat slip. Enjoy the large open concept living, kitchen in the main house perfect for entertaining. The guest house comes equipped with its own full kitchen. Relax on the deck, take a dip in the pool and savor the ocean breeze. This property includes a marina slip and a 28ft single-engine power boat, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and maritime adventure. Paradise awaits! Onsite property management and rental information of an owner looking to offset some ownership expenses. Schedule your showing today.
