ROATAN - Bay Islands - Western Caribbean
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.
NEWS - USA TODAY
Second Homes: Buy a piece of paradise in Roatan
By Larry Olmsted, Special for USA TODAY - October 7th, 2010
Roatan, more than 30 miles off the mainland, is part of Honduras. But the island paradise for scuba divers, and increasingly for international second-home owners, also has its own identity.
"We consider ourselves part of the Western Caribbean, a territory unto ourselves, like Puerto Rico is to the United States," says Andrew Storms, an independent real estate agent with RE/MAX Roatan. "It is very much a community of native islanders and ex-pats, mostly Americans but also from Australia, New Zealand, Italy and many other countries."
Elizabeth Cano of Fortune International Realty in Coral Gables, Fla., which sells some Roatan real estate, is more blunt: "When you tell people Honduras, they sometimes get scared, but on Roatan, much business is handled by Americans. If you go scuba diving, the captain is American, the instructors giving you lessons are American." Spanish is the official language of Honduras, but English is spoken widely on Roatan.
Scuba diving has long been the No. 1 draw of the island, which is surrounded by the world's second-largest barrier reef. The island has more than 100 marked sites, dozens of dive shops and a reputation as one of the least-expensive places for experienced divers and novices. On land, lush, mountainous Roatan remains rather pristine.
Roatan, the largest of Honduras' three Bay Islands at 37 miles long, is on the cusp of being a full-blown tourism destination. It's drawing more cruise ships and flights. Its first golf community is nearing completion.
"We are the Cayman Islands or Bahamas 15 years ago we are 15 years behind in terms of tourism," Storms says. "But the same is true for prices, and $500,000 buys a lot more here than on other Caribbean islands.
"For buyers from the (U.S.) West Coast and Central time zone, we are the closest destination in the Caribbean basin 2 hours from Houston, 3 from Atlanta."
Value is the biggest reason driving second-home sales right now, Storms says. "There has been a decrease in values in the last two years of 30% to 40%, and we are seeing Americans and Canadians scooping up homes," he says. "It's cheaper to buy a new home than to build."
The island also appeals because it is outside the region's hurricane belt and because the well-established ex-pat community lets newcomers feel at home. "Diving has been the major attraction for years, but the less-obvious appeal is a Caribbean island like the Caribbean used to be, very quiet," Storms says.