Located on the very edge of the planet's second largest reef system and the Cayman Trench, Roatan is a stunning mountain ridge launching itself from the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of feet into the air. It is not a sand bar such as many Caribbean islands (eg. Ambergris Cay in Belize). Far from it. The diversity is dramatic with large undulating hills, deep green tropical forests and perfect white sand beaches that are encompassed by stunning shades of blue. Roatan is a gorgeous island you will remember visiting for years to come. If you haven't yet, make a reservation today.

Roatan is the main island which makes up this archipelago of the Bay Islands approximately 40 miles off the Northern coast of Honduras. Utila to North West and Guanaja to the East are the other two. These islands are vastly different than any place you would find on the mainland. Roatan is known as the Jewel of the Western Caribbean, let alone Honduras. With one of the highest rated dive locations in the world, Roatan has as much to offer below the water as it does above.

In terms of distance, Roatan is one of the closest Caribbean Islands to the United States. Tourism for this island paradise is set to explode in the coming years. With the introduction of Roatan's newest cruise line dock at Mahogany Bay and the extension of The Royal Caribbean cruise line dock in Coxen Hole, daily travel has blossomed. Direct flights are also a hot commodity for Roatan with the introduction of Sunwing Charters from Canada, the return of the Italian Charter flight from Milan that happen to be specialists in all-inclusive resorts . Continental, Delta and Taca are all believed to be increasing their direct flight schedules to the island.

The growth for foreign investment from governments (Canada is heavily invested in Honduras), and the savvy property investor looking for their slice of heaven is all to real for 2010. Real estate inquiries since the 2009 November elections and the purchase of property are starting to eclipse the world economic issues. Many clients have also been forthcoming that they wish to protect their assets from the powers that be in their own countries. The last banner year for sales on Roatan was until 4th quarter 2008. Expect 2010 to be the start of the new up curve. Don't miss the train, boat or plane. It would be astute to venture out to see what you have been missing.

LATEST NEWS

ROATAN'S MAHOGANY BAY IS NOW OPEN!
courtesy of Cruisenews.co.uk

After two years of construction, the newly completed Mahogany Bay terminal in Roatan finally began welcoming ships earlier this week. The brand-new facility (it's not part of the existing Coxen Hole cruise terminal) joins Costa Maya and Grand Turk as the third something-out-of-nothing port designed specifically to appeal to cruise passengers.

The $62 million result of a partnership between Carnival Corporation and Roatan businessman Jerry Hynds, the 20-acre, two-berth Mahogany Bay terminal includes retail stores, bars and restaurants, as well as shore excursion options for the 8,000 passengers the facility can accommodate. The port has already hosted Seabourn Legend, Crown Princess and Carnival Valor, and 200 more calls are expected during the next year from lines like Holland America, Costa and P&O.

Unique to Mahogany Bay is a new chairlift attraction, which offers visitors unlimited rides for $5 a day and transports them to nearby Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private island. According to a member poll on our message boards, nearly half of the 269 respondents said they'd like to try the ride, while just 12 percent said they wouldn't be that lazy.

Mahogany Bay is not the first terminal built exclusively for cruise ships and cruise travelers. The trend began in early 2001, when Costa Maya opened its doors to visitors. Previously, the location had been an undeveloped area whose only settlement was the nearby village of Majahual (population: 200). The original infrastructure built for cruise passengers included pools, bars, restaurants and shops. Since that time, cottages for workers -- who come from elsewhere in Mexico -- and shore excursion areas have been added.