My perfect vacation includes a day of rest followed by a day of adventure, rinse and repeat. I learned this many years ago when I took myself to the Dominican Republic that rhythm makes me the happiest and most fulfilled after a trip so I can rest but also fully immerse myself in the culture. It’s important to know what brings you joy on vacation so you come back refreshed and not burned out! You know, the dreaded I need a vacation after my vacation vibes. So after a fun adventure day of exploring Costa Maya, Mexico, I was super excited to spend a day relaxing and playing in the water at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras.
Located on the East End of Honduras in the heart of Coxen Hole with white sand beaches and colorful coral reef everywhere, Turquoise Bay is a self contained luxury paradise. Turquoise Bay features 26 rooms nestled throughout a spectacular 30-acre tropical property however we were just there for a VIP day experience. They do have like four huts to rent which are almost $400 to book and include private butler, food, drinks, etc. however it was sold out so we opted for the VIP beach experience instead which honestly, was better with more room to roam. If you are a diver, Subway Watersports Divers offers a full range of excursions all across the island including shark dives, wreck dives and much more. We did a quick kayak out and brought my own snorkel to the mangroves to explore underwater.
Waking up to a shipwreck was pretty rad from the Ruby Princess balcony in Roatán, Honduras.A view to the left on the ship’s balcony in Roatán, Honduras.Soon we were off the boat and walking up the dock in Roatán, Honduras. There was an option to book a visit to Mahogany Bay but glad we chose otherwise as this was right next to the port.Follow the sound of drumming in Roatán, Honduras and you will be greeted by dancers.I should have asked this woman for twerking lessons, her booty was everywhere in Roatán, Honduras.I found this amazing and amusing in Roatán, Honduras.Some local artwork in Roatán, Honduras.All aboard the tiny bus in Roatán, Honduras ironically through Mayan Adventures.We were excited to arrive at Turquoise Bay in Roatán, Honduras.A sight for sore eyes, white sand everywhere in Roatán, Honduras.You can grab a drink at anytime or have it delivered to your lounge chair at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.The pricey huts at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort. Some were reserved through other cruise ships as well.Cheers with a morning welcome mimosa at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.We chose the farther beach chairs at the end of the beach and I couldn’t wait to get in the water at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.And we had a shaded hammock all to ourselves at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.I also enjoyed the iced beers free to grab and taste through the faves of the island at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.Soon we were dining on beach chairs at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort. I enjoyed the flavors of the ocean and a steak, all very delicious and fresh.My friend had a medley of vegetarian options she enjoyed as well at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.I had to try the mango margarita, it was not too strong which was good at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort. We tried some mocktails for my non-drinking friend which weren’t bad too!And for dessert, my favorite chocolate cake and cheesecake at Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort.And huge props to our tour guide! His real name is not Bryan however he was full of information, funny, goofy and just plain fun to be around. He also helped us organize a little kayak and snorkel out to the mangroves where I got to see some of the coral life and creatures there and sacrifice some blood to the sea gods after scraping my ankle. All good though, I was healing by the time we got back to the ship as salt water heals.We were kind of sad to go back to the ship this day which made me know, I needed to return to Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort!
I certainly left a slice of my heart in Honduras. It’s a tiny country with a bad rap but lots of soul and I love me an underdog. Roatan’s mostly untouched East End is ideal for people who have a passion for exploration and a desire to disconnect and relax. Honduras means “depths” in Spanish because of the variant of blues caused by its dramatically variant depths. Taking a bus cuts into limited excursion time however it was well worth it to explore the Northeastern shores. I hope to return hopefully with my diving certificate next time!
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