For those who love the islands
We have some great advice in this newsletter for saving on fees on your next vacation rental. But first, we want to invite you to share your island love. The Caribbean islands have had an incredibly difficult hurricane season this year.
While we in Roatan are fairly well protected and lucky to be outside the hurricane belt, we feel for our fellow islanders in this time of need.
Here is a roundup of organizations working on the ground to help rebuild our fellow Caribbean islands. We would love if you could show them as much love as you’ve shown us in Roatan. This region is paradise, and they need us now.
How to save on your island vacation rental
Have you ever heard of the term “Online Travel Agents” or “OTAs”? Those are sites like AirBnB, HomeAway, and VRBO.
We use these sites to get our listings in front of a wider audience, just like many vacation rental owners who use them all around the world. Their popularity is always growing, and for good reason!
But have you ever noticed those extra “Service Fees” applied to your total cost? If you have, then you know they can certainly add up.
To give you an idea, the terms for travelers to use HomeAway say, “The service fee is between 5-12% for most bookings but can be above or below, based on the reservation. The percentage rate may change from time to time.”
An extra 5-12% – maybe even more! – added onto your total cost can make a huge difference on your wallet.
There are also varying fees for credit card purchases and VAT…plus, the homeowner gets charged an additional percentage by the OTA just for making a sale.
Here’s our quick tip:
These OTAs are awesome places to look for vacation rentals.
But, when you’re ready to book, go directly to the property management website and book directly through there. You’ll save on all of those extra fees!
Need specific advice for finding the property management company behind an OTA ad? Check out the Google search tips at the end of this blog to see how photos and textual references can help.
Save on fees by booking directly
Rental Highlights
Pristine Bay Beach Villa 104
With only two beachfront rentals in the development, this private beachfront villa is one of the most sought-after rentals in Roatan’s Pristine Bay.
The villa also boasts its own private pool and putting green, making it the perfect retreat for golf and beach lovers alike.
Wake up each morning to sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, and then step outside and have breakfast on the patio overlooking your own infinity-edge pool.
Spend your time at the large beachfront community pool – only a stone’s throw away – or use the private putting green to work on your short game.
At Pristine Bay Beach Villa 104, you’ll love the easy access to all the best aspects of island living !
View Pristine Bay Beach Villa 104
Combo Rental Option: 11 Bedrooms Total
Turtle Casa and Pirates View
These two rental homes offer an excellent opportunity for a celebratory gathering. Whether you’re coming to Roatan for a family reunion, a small destination wedding, or just a fun-filled getaway, these two neighboring homes are ideal for your group.
There are 11 bedrooms between the two homes, providing ample space for everyone.
With 6 bedrooms and the optional additional couches, Turtle Casa can accommodate 12 adults plus 4 kids. With 2 bedrooms on each floor, you can enjoy enough privacy and space that it won’t even feel like you’re sharing a vacation home with your in-laws!
Next door, Pirates View offers another 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with tons of indoor/outdoor space, making this home an entertainer’s dream.
A private dock in front of these homes offers both shady and sunny areas to relax in hammocks or on lounge chairs. Enjoy sunsets from here with nothing to block your view straight out to the horizon.
Real Estate Highlight:
Palmetto Bay
This Balinese-style villa boasts beautiful high ceilings and an open floorplan to encourage easy flow. This home is an ideal second home or vacation rental opportunity.
The villa comes fully furnished with 3 bedrooms (with AC), 2 bathrooms, and a large wrap-around deck for relaxing outdoors.
Tastefully decorated and furnished, the villa is being offered turnkey, making this an excellent value!
Shared community features at Palmetto Bay Plantation include miles of white sand beach, access to water sports, pool, bar, restaurant, and 24-hour security.
