As heavy travelers, my friends and I thought we would share with you our recent experience in Roatan, Honduras. Composed below are some thoughts:

1. Infinity Bay Resort and Spa is a “very good” place to stay – location, cleanliness, food quality, and price. Of note, despite the name and website information the resort “does not” have a spa. It is under construction. If you plan to stay here, there is a small spa right outside of the Resort called Serenity Day Spa. For $45 you can get a good 50 minute massage. The electricity may go out a couple times during your treatment, so just be prepared it can get a little hot.

2. Celeste’s Island Cuisine – attached to the Serenity Day Spa. Great little place with a limited menu that has beautiful resident parrots that peacefully vocalize while you eat your meal. They are not aggressive and will simply hang out while you enjoy your stay.

3. Gumbalimba Park – as lovers of animals we were informed that this place would have “free wild animals” without cages. Unfortunately, all of the parrots/monkeys were imported from the mainland of Honduras with some being in cages permanently. At the end of the rushed tour at $30/person, was the mansion of the owner. We were informed by multiple staff that they make their living not by a salary or hourly wage – but by tips only (?).

4. Gios – two of these incredible restaurants are on the island. If you want incredible sea food, excellent service, and at a fantastic price we highly recommend it!

5. Bananarama/Thirsty Turtle – small resort/restaurant on the West Bay that has great food, same cocktails/beer as other restaurants but for significantly cheaper, along with a great island atmosphere. If your there ask for “Jessica”. She speaks excellent English and will surely take care of you. Check out their "Fire Dance" during the week.

6. Tipping – beware of the, “we don’t have change to break your bill”. On a couple of occasions, we only had large bills. Upon mentioning we would not be able to tip, suddenly change was made.

7. Activities – make sure you get what you paid for. On our island tour excursion, at the last minute “after” paying, a less luxurious car was swapped out for this activity. Also, keep time for any hourly purchases. A local massage was paid for 1 hour 20 minutes – turned out it was only 50 minutes. After this was mentioned, we were offered to come back for another massage at no cost.

8. Roatan Institute of Marine Science (RIMS) – bad press has been given to this facility but we were completely amazed at the quality of care/service provided for the dolphins that inhabit this place. One of my travel buddies is a PhD (Biologist) – who verified first-hand the excellent care given. The animals are fed 4 times a day with extremely high quality fish – which we personally inspected as Trainer for the Day. Each dolphin has a selected diet to fit their need(s). Each day each of the dolphins are allowed the opportunity to take off to the wild ocean and yet each of them, as we saw, stayed close to their trainers without food being given to entice them. The facility is run by a Marine Biologist, who by our observation, runs a very tight ship. Yes, the facility is there for profit, but many film crews have created documentaries using this facility as well as research projects have been performed here.

9. Taxis – HEAVILY negotiate a ride where ever you go. At one point we paid $10 for a quick trip that we found out was roughly $2. Ask up front the cost, and then work your way down. If you think you’re paying too much, walk away – as the cost may drop as you start to leave.

Given the obvious poverty of the country, we were a little surprised that even with generous tipping, service could be very spotty. Don’t feel obligated to tip heavily. It is customary for Americans to tip 10%.

All in all, we give Roatan a 7 for places to visit.

Alpaca and Lamb Chop

We stayed at the Infinity Bay Resort for 14 days, Feb. 18th to March 4th. So after 14 days I feel I am qualified to give an objective and honest opinion. We (early 70s) have visited 15 countries over a number of years and generally always stay at 4 to 5 star resorts. This was our 1st visit to Roatan and the Infinity Bay Resort. We look for good beaches, clean rooms, friendly staff and quality and selection of food.
After 14 Days this is our opinion:

Beach- One of the nicest beaches you will find anywhere. The reef is right in front of your beach chair, I’m not exaggerating, and the reef is about 50 feet away. The snorkeling is fantastic. I was able to take pictures of marine wildlife I have not seen in other resort areas. When dive instructors from other areas take their clients to the best sites, it is right in front of the Infinity Bay Resort. Try to imagine relaxing in the sun, on the beach, drink in hand, looking out on the water……
Security in this hotel is very efficient, vendors are able to walk up to you if you want you to but if Security senses you are not comfortable they will ensure you are not approached. On the topic of vendors, you have some of the same as you get in most resort beaches but Roatan has different products. Honduran wood and carved stone fish are unique.
The pool of Infinity Bay is absolutely beautiful. It has to be the cleanest pool on the island. As you are heading for breakfast you can see them cleaning and polishing. As I said, the cleanest pool on the island.

Room- Large and well laid out. The condo we were in had a full size fridge, stove, microwave, and the cabinets were stocked with everything you would need if you decided to cook in your room. The king size bed was very comfortable and we slept very well during our entire stay. The cleaning lady, Angelica, put a new meaning in the word "clean", when she is finished your room sparkles. We had a suite that had a view of the pool and the ocean, it was spectacular.

Staff- In all our travels we have never encountered a more friendly or helpful group of people. From the front desk (truly great), meal servers (couldn't be better) bartenders, (always smiling and ready to serve). I have never seen a resort where the Senior Management from the General Manager, Rick), Food and beverage Manager, and all the other senior management take the time to stop you and inquire genuinely about your stay. … THEY REALLY CARE.
The waiters in the restaurant are extremely friendly and helpful. There are so many I hesitate to name anyone for fear of leaving someone out, but I really must give credit to Jerry Lee and his smiling face, (we really liked the sing-a-longs), Oscar, who was always ready to greet you and make you feel truly welcome, Sylvia, who never let our water glasses go empty and all the rest for their excellent service. Those whose names I have omitted, please forgive me.
Food – The main restaurant is buffet service and the service is impeccable. The selection is not as large as other all inclusive we have been to but the quality of the food presented makes up for quantity. I can honestly say from day 1 until day 14 we couldn't have asked for better quality or selection. Breakfast – always-fresh eggs or omelets any way you want them, waffles, juices, fresh fruit, and lots of other choices.
Dinner - A new theme each night featuring different countries and food. The Infinity Bay buffet gets it right – Hot foods are hot and the cold foods are cold. Each night it was something to look forward to. The quality and selection each day was awesome. A lot of fresh salads and each themed night had a great selection of foods from that country. This resort offers room only or all-inclusive. For us the all inclusive was the best way to go but there are dozens of restaurants within short walking distance on the beach.
Lunch – Right on the beach – A full service menu featuring the best grilled fresh fish, chicken, pork, tacos, the choices are impressive. All this with the ocean just steps in front of you.

If this review sounds like a testimonial, than I guess it is. I am sure that just like you, over the years we have gone to too many resorts that make promises but fail to deliver. The Infinity Bay Resort is one resort that delivers on all its promises.
I would rate this resort a 10 out of 10

This is an absolutely beautiful resort. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Water pressure in the shower is a little low but not so bad. The beach is the star at this resort. The marine life is second to none and you can snorkel and dive right in front of the hotel. The buffet is small compared to other resorts I have been to but the food is good. The staff at the buffet are so accomidating and friendly. Shout out to Carlos the security guard for being so wonderful to our daughter. The only negative thing I would point out is the bartenders at the palapa are not the friendliest people I have ever met and the service is slow. Overall I would recommend this hotel and we hope to return next year!

We travel a couple of times a year and Infinity Bay was a great location to rest and relax as well as having some great fun. Met a lot of great people, had some really memorable days and nights. Service for most part was excellent, food was fantastic, never had a bad meal. The staff went out of their way to help all visitors as much as possible from Rick the managers greeting, Tommy with his cheer, all of the front desk staff and especially the cleaners and grounds keeper. Wait staff all tried really hard to please not always an easy task, some with bigger smiles that most. A couple of Bartenders and wait staff have to be mentioned Reena, Elda (smiley), and Jaime, just need to find some creme-De-methe. Special people that all visitors should visit with is "Ray" Adventure Tours. Best day ever on the water, great ride and day on the water for the water people. Rooms are better that the picture you see on line, and the entertainment better then they get credit for. The beach the snorkeling just a couple of feet away. Thanks for the great vacation. Don't forget your BANANA..............Donuts