Vacation Rentals by Owner

An excellent vacation

Guest: Linda S. (Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

This was the most wonderful place we have ever stayed at. It was private, had great views, a nice splash pool, right on the beach and closely located to the West Bay Beach and restaurants. We could go into West Bay, eat and hit the local bars, and come back to our Villa where we could enjoy the peace and quiet. Linda Kay was very helpful in her recommendations for activities, food and transportation to and from the airport. Kevin, the property manager, greeted us when we arrived and took care of any needs we had. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the island. Jensen Wesley (Jensen's Island Tour), our driver and local extraordinaire, was very accommodating for our transportation needs. He gave us an excellent island tour, took us to the zip line and he even picked up fresh lobster tails for us at the local fish market. On our island tour was our stop at La Sirena where Jimmy prepared his wonderful fresh seafood and rum punch (best on the island). He also is a turtle rescuer and takes care of them so they can be released back into the wild. Leslie at Fosters restaurant on West Bay Beach was very friendly. The food was fresh and very good, right on the beach and an excellent place to watch the sunset. We dove with Anemona Divers right next to Fosters on West Bay Beach and right around the corner from where we stayed. Our divemasters, Baptiste and Carlos, were excellent (Baptiste, I have some cream rinse for you). Maria the owner also dove with us and was super friendly and accommodating. They run an excellent operation. We would recommend this place to our friends and relatives, but we want to keep it a secret so we can stay whenever we want! Just kidding, but it was as described, clean, neat, perfect location, large, and provided everything we needed. We ended up cooking at the Villa quite often and sitting on the deck watching the magnificent sunsets with our cocktails. We absolutely loved this place and hope to return to it soon!

Owner response:Linda, thanks for all the great detail ~ it is very helpful to other guests. We are all so happy that you and your friends had a great visit and we sure hope you get to come back again and often. Linda Kay

Recommended for:

Condo with a view and location

Guest: Linda S. (Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

We stayed at Villa Joya the end of April into the first of May for 8 nights. This was probably the most wonderful place we have ever stayed at due to the fact that it was private, had great views, a nice splash pool, right on the beach and closely located to the West Bay Beach and restaurants. We could go into West Bay and eat and hit the local bars, but then we could come back to our Villa where we could enjoy the peace and quiet. Linda Kay was very helpful in all respects. Her recommendations for people, activities, food and transportation to and from the airport were very helpful. Kevin, the property manager, greeted us when we arrived and took care of any needs we had during our stay. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the island. Jensen, our driver and local extraordinaire, was very accommodating for our transportation needs. He gave us an excellent island tour, took us to the zip line and he even picked up fresh lobster tails for us at the local fish market and delivered them to us. We would recommend this place to our friends and relatives, but we want to keep it a secret so we can stay whenever we want! Just kidding, but it was as described, clean, neat, perfect location, large, and provided everything we needed. We ended up cooking at the Villa quite often and sitting on the deck watching the magnificent sunsets with our cocktails. We absolutely loved this place and hope to return to it soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The perfect spot for us on Roatan

Guest: Joan N. (Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/28/12

We loved this place. It was clean, spacious and comfortable. Had everything we needed, including a contact person for questions and help. The location is perfect -- steps away from all the action on West Bay Beach, but each, but in a quieter spot just past Los Rocas. The best of both worlds.

Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to confirm what we present about this fabulous location and accommodations. Kevin has always been very responsive to guests, owners, and those with whom he works. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Location

Guest: Bargain Hunter (Sun Valley ID)
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

Our experience in Roatan could not have been more perfect. The location of the condo, the blue water, the fine sand -- all of it made us want to return to Roatan. While the condo itself is not over the top luxurious -- the location of the condo could not be better. We had coffee in the morning at the plunge pool looking at the blue sea, we had lunch on the roomy deck looking at the blue sea, we had massages at seaside and watched the sunset at seaside. All-in-all it was a perfect 7 days at this location. West Bay was where we wanted to be.

Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to comment on your experience ~ perfect is fabulous! We very much look forward to your return. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Roatan Villa Joya Rental

Guest: Dawna H. (Edmonton, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 03/03/12 Review Submitted: 03/20/12

This Villa was peaceful and quite quiet mostly every night. Close enough to walk to West Bay to all amenities. It was further and harder to get to Westend but there was a water taxi that came to Las Rocas about 100 yards away for $3 per person to take you one way to Westend. Even though it was a beachfront place the pool between the property and the beach/ocean kept people walking by separated. The property is kept up everyday by the Gardener/Watcher; he changed the water basins with fresh water every morning as to not get sand on the deck & steps, raked the sand and picked up any litter & leaves, and checked and cleaned the pool every morning by 8:00 AM. Tuillio kept it very neat & clean There was someone there to greet us once we arrived and was easy to contact if you did need anything at all. Sand flies & mosquitos are bad but if you spray well all is good. A bit musty smelling in one bedroom and pillows not very good but a large master bedroom and kingsize bed with bathtub/shower, toilet and sink ensuite. There was another smaller bathroom with shower, toilet & sink close by too which was nice. Large kitchen, dining area & living area. Nice large deck with 4 chairs and large oval patio table, 2 nice lounge chairs and two chaise pool/beach loungers, and a hammock. There was an outside shower to rinse off with after the ocean or pool fun. Good customer service with Linda who rented the unit to us. We would recommend this property and would have been perfect with another couple. It is quite large for only two but still nice to have lots of space. Kitchen needs just a set of good knifes for cutting as we did cook a lot at home and the ones there are not good! We barbequed quite a bit and it was nice to have this while sitting having a glass of vino. The dive shops close by are very good we heard from others but we chose to dive at Coconut Tree Divers in the Westend, as PJ & Gay and their Staff were awesome. We ate at Foster's a couple times. Their 2 lobster tail meal on Thursday nights was awesome. We also ate at Vintage Pearl which was more cost wise but very excellent cuisine there we enjoyed very much with a great wine selection. Bite on the Beach was not great food but nice location for drinks or appetizers and you can watch them feed the moray eels & barracuda at night. Very cool to see. Westend is a bit cheaper for food & there were lots of fruit & vegetable trucks to get stuff every day. Great vacation in Roatan & the people are great.

Owner response:Many thanks for selecting Villa Joya. And we very much appreciate your input, which we will use to make improvements. Please come back and stay at Bayside again. Linda Kay and The Team

Recommended for:

A little slice of Heaven on West Bay

Guest: Karen K. (Matamoras, PA, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/05/12 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

I don't think my husband and I could have found a better place to stay than Villa Joya. If you are looking for a little privacy, yet close to it all, then this is the place for you. Everything you could possibly need is included, which is not so common in a private rental. The property was very clean, the grounds were well maintained and taken care of daily. Linda Kay made everything so easy prior to our trip. She can give you great pointers and was always available to answer any questions as we were planning our vacation. She helped arrange the transportation from the airport with a very nice fellow named Jensen who stopped at a grocery after picking us up from the airport. Once we arrived at the villa, we were greeted by Kevin who manages the property. He made us feel right at home, stopping by several times during our stay to see if we needed anything. One day he brought us some just picked bananas. There are several bars and restaurants within a short walking distance along the beach and if you feel like a change, it's very easy to hop on a water taxi and head on over to West End. If you are looking for souvenirs, buy them in West End, they are less expensive. Our favorite Restaurant in West Bay was Smugglers. Whatever you do, make sure you visit at least once. Chris, the owner was a very friendly fellow from Canada. He gave us lots of tips on places to see and visit. The bartender , Tim, makes the best Monkey Lalas on the island. You can walk there but it is up a very steep hill, so you might want to take the short taxi ride there. All in all, we felt very at home in Villa Joya and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to be near everything but also likes a little peace and quiet and privacy. The location just can't be beat. The sunsets from the deck were amazing. Nothing like sitting on the deck, sipping a Pina Colada or a Salva Vida (the local beer) and watching the sun go down over the water. It truly was our little "slice of Heaven".

Owner response:Karen, it is wonderful to have guests like you staying in our vacation homes. Thank you so very much for your kind words. I will share them with Kevin and Jensen. Yes, Tim makes an excellent Monkey Lala. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Christmas 2011 Vacation

Guest: Mike (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

The condo was everything as promised. Clean, comfortable and stocked with everything we needed to relax and enjoy the island. Kevin arranged to pick us up at the airport, take us to the market and deposit us in the little piece of paradise. The condo is at the end of the more popular beach which afforded us the opportunity to walk to the best bars and restaurants while able to enjoy the peace and quiet you would expect of an island paradise. There is walk off diving to the reef, deep sea fishing, parasailing and just about any water based activity you would desire.

Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to make these comments.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The best spot on West Bay Beach!

Guest: Heidi K. (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 12/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Hidden behind a coral outcrop, yet directly on the beach just a few feet from the water, this is in our opinion the very best spot of the entire West Bay Beach: quiet and private while only steps from restaurants and dive shops etc. The apartment itself is exactly as described and was perfect for our family of 4 adults. Plenty of filtered water. Booking the apartment was easy and uncomplicated. Linda and Kevin were really pleasant to deal with - in fact, they made the whole transaction feel like a visit with friends. Linda provided all the information we needed, immediately responded to all questions and offered many tips and useful insights. Kevin was at the apartment to welcome us when we arrived (by a taxi he had arranged) and to check whether we had everything we needed, then stopped by a couple of times again to make sure we were fine and to give us some "insider scoop" of the island. Tullio, the guard/caretaker, cleaned the grounds every day, swept the sand from the deck, and put a basin with fresh water by the stairs to wash the sand from the feet before entering. There is also an outdoor shower. On Linda's recommendation, one of us signed up for a certification course and several additional dives with Mayan Divers (a few minutes from the house), managed by Anja from Germany and her husband Liber from Cuba. Rick was a great diving instructor. They are very safety-conscious and professional and they have small groups (no cruise ship crowd!). We did not rent a car and felt no need to. As for restaurants, we found all quite good but none outstanding. Fosters has lobster tails; Bite on the Beach is worth a visit at night just to watch the huge moray eels come out from the coral rocks beneath the restaurant. We had a totally relaxing vacation and definitely plan to come again.

Owner response:The Tropical Island Villa team will be very happy to hear this. Thank you.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

The very best spot on West Bay Beach!

Guest: Heidi K. (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 12/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Hidden behind a coral outcrop, yet directly on the beach just a few feet from the water, this is in our opinion the very best spot of the entire West Bay Beach: quiet and private while only steps from restaurants and dive shops etc. The apartment itself is exactly as described and was perfect for our family of 4 adults. Plenty of filtered water. Booking the apartment was easy and uncomplicated. Linda Kay and Kevin were really pleasant to deal with - in fact, they made the whole transaction feel like a visit with friends. Linda provided all the information we needed, immediately responded to all questions and offered many tips and useful insights. Kevin was at the apartment to welcome us when we arrived (by a taxi he had arranged) and to check whether we had everything we needed, then stopped by a couple of times again to make sure we were fine and to give us some "inside scoop" of the island. Tullio, the guard/caretaker, cleaned the grounds every day, swept the sand from the deck, and put a basin with fresh water by the stairs to wash the sand from the feet before entering. There is also an outdoor shower. One of the three dive shops Linda had recommended was Mayan Divers (a few minutes from the house), managed by Anja from Germany and her husband Liber from Cuba. One of us took a diving course (with Rick who is great) and then did several additional dives with them; they are very safety-conscious and professional and they have small groups (no cruise ship crowd!). We did not rent a car and felt no need to. As for restaurants, we found all quite OK but none outstanding. Fosters has lobster tails; Bite on the Beach is worth a visit at night just to watch the huge moray eels come out from the coral rocks beneath the restaurant. We had a totally relaxing vacation and definitely plan to come again.

Owner response:The Tropical Island Villa team will be happy to hear this as it is what we strive to accomplish. So many things can edge their way into pouring a little rain onto a holiday. We strive to eliminate surprises that fall under our control. Linda Kay

Recommended for:

La Joya

Guest: Del (Keota, Okla )
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/07/11

Stayed May of 2011- Was everything they said and more. Linda gave us enough info before we left that we felt at home with the area as soon as we arrived. Condo was perfect, the location was even better than we'd hoped. Just 3 minute walk from Anenoma Dive Shop that we used(after seeing some of the others Anemona is the best- great people great diving-great boat) and great for West Bay beach, beautiful! Hank, the guy that picked us up at the airport and took us around the island was terrific. I guess the best testimonial is the fact we will be back, same condo, same dive shop. Couldn't have been better. Thanks Linda.

Owner response:We (Me, Kevin and his staff and Hank)are all so happy to hear you had a wonderful visit. This is what we strive for because we want you to come back. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great week in Villa Joya

Guest: Margie (Keota,Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

Our first time in Roatan and did alot of research before choosing Villa Joya everything you need with West Bay Beach just around the cove and yet so much privacy for us 4 adults. Linda was extrememly helpful with anything I had asked her and she arranged for pick up at airport and gave recomendations on diving for our guys and places to go and eat. Hank was a wonderful person and we took a tour of the island and lunch at his favorite place to eat for island food. We enjoyed having a pool right out frot and Villa Joya had wonderful shade all during the day besides the pool had good shade too. Never felt we needed a car for we had gone shopping for groceries on the way to the condo and close places to eat. Beds were comfy all very clean. The deposit was sent within the week of returning home. The 4 of us have been going to different places every yr. for 4 yr. and are seriously considering to make Roatan next yr. again same place just longer! Thanks Linda from Del, Margie, Larry and Deb we appreciate everything you didto make our stay in the lovely islND OF rOATAN GREAT!!!

Owner response:This is so good to hear because this is exactly what we work to achieve. We provide a very private and personal experience where there are no surprises. Linda Kay on behalf of the Tropical Island Villa team.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very quiet and secluded, yet easy walking distance to West Bay Beach

Guest: Jen (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/20/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

We had a great time in this condo. It was Semana Santa, so a very busy week, but we were able to enjoy the beach when we wanted and enjoy the festivities, and then just walk past Las Rocas to the condo for quiet time. The unit is very spacious and comfortable, and the deck is great. We were able to grill which was nice. We even grilled some meat one night and took it over to Las Rocas, where Johnny and the cooks at Las Rocas finished preparing it for us and we ordered the side dishes and drinks from them. The condo is at the very NE end of West Bay beach on the other side of Las Rocas, and it is away from the larger resorts, but still within easy walking distance. It's nice to have the quiet away from the party people and the "cruisers." However, since it is closer to the "jungle-ness" we did have more problems with the mosquitoes and sand fleas, so just make sure to take plenty of insect repellant. Otherwise, everything went smooth and we had a great time. If you're looking to be close to West Bay Beach, but also like some quiet and more privacy, THIS is the place.

Owner response:We are all glad you enjoyed your stay. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Location!

Guest: fCatherine F. (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

I was hesitant to write a review on Villa Joya because I wanted to keep it a secret. The condo was lovely, everything you needed to make your stay a pleasant one. Very clean and well equipped. The view of the ocean from the deck was unbelievable. From quiet mornings sipping coffee to evenings watching the sun set it was perfect. Peaceful and quiet. Made even more enjoyable by very comfortable deck furniture. Yet just minutes away around the point was West Bay Beach. A beautiful white sand beach with everything you would expect to find. Resorts, restaurants, bars, shops and of course lots of beach huts selling tee shirts etc. The walkway to West Bay was well lite so you felt safe at night when returning from a delicious dinner or and evening stroll. Snorkeling was excellent. Beautiful reefs, colourful fish and sea turtles. Needless to say we will be back. Two weeks was not long enough!

Owner response:Catalina, we at Tropical Island Villa are so very happy that you found the villa and your destination to be better than expected. We very much want our guests to desire a return visit to our homes. We will all be very happy to see you and your family and friends again. Linda Kay & Kevin.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

great location!!

Guest: guillee (Rhode Island)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 02/24/11

We didn't stay in this place because it was already booked but we were directed by the owner to a neighboring property, not nearly as nice as this. This is such a spectacular location and West Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches there is. We walked by this property and will try to stay there next time- since its a perfect location near everything but also away. Roatan is a swimming and snorkelling dream place and West Bay is such a lovely location where you can be without a car... theres always a water taxi to go to another beach or walking. We mostly walked and loved it!

Owner response:Thank you so very much. We truly want visitors to Roatan to have better than expected experiences, not less than, so that they enjoy the precious amount of time they have for holiday ~ especially considering the expense and trepidations of air travel. We do this because we want you to come back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Ideal setting

Guest: Jack (Winchester, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

This was our first trip to Roatan and, on reflection, I don't think we could have found a better place to stay on the island -- for several reasons. In brief, it was location, location, location. Joya is at West Bay, which is ideally situated away from the hub-bub and busy-ness of Coxen Hole and the cruise ship berths on the south side. Being on the north side, at the far western end of the island, the temperatures are cooler than the south side, the breezes refreshing, and the sunsets magnificent. Joya fronts on a lovely, quiet beach, but is walking distance to the busier, more popular resort beaches -- if that's what you're looking for. It's also walking distance to several restaurants, bars and shops. A longer walk of a mile in the other direction up the beach brings you to West End and all that it offers. Joya's beach also is the entry way to what I thought was the best snorkeling we experienced on our visit. A short swim of 50 yards or so will put you in the midst of a reef populated with all the beautiful tropical sea life you could ever hope to see. In addition to the usual colorful tropical fish, we also saw sea turtles, rock lobsters and schools of squid -- something new to me. Each time we went snorkeling from Joya beach was a new experience. One of the nearby bars/restaurants is Las Rocas, literally steps out the back door, a friendly place with good food and drink. Las Rocas also has a dive shop and offers boat trips to nearby islands. We took their day trip to Cayos Cuchinos, a cluster of islands and cays about an hour south of Roatan. It was the highlight of our trip and well worth the investment. The trip was well-planned and professionally supervised. It included three stops for snorkeling, and lunch on Chachahuate, a small island that is home to Garifuna, descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people. As for the condo itself, it's roomy, comfortable and provides all the amenities you would hope for and expect. The kitchen is well stocked with the tools needed for us to cook gourmet meals for ourselves. The deck out back is an ideal place to sit and relax, read, converse, watch the sunset, or just snooze in the hammock. Just writing about all this makes me want to go back. Alas.

Owner response:Thank you for your very informative review.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ideal Location

Guest: Jack (Winchester, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

This was our first trip to Roatan and, on reflection, I don't think we could have found a better place to stay on the island -- for several reasons. In brief, it was location, location, location. Joya is at West Bay, which is ideally situated away from the hub-bub and busy-ness of Coxen Hole and the cruise ship berths on the south side. Being on the north side, at the far western end of the island, the temperatures are cooler than the south side, the breezes refreshing, and the sunsets magnificent. Joya fronts on a lovely, quiet beach, but is walking distance to the busier, more popular resort beaches -- if that's what you're looking for. It's also walking distance to several restaurants, bars and shops. A longer walk of a mile in the other direction up the beach brings you to West End and all that it offers. Joya's beach also is the entry way to what I thought was the best snorkeling we experienced on our visit. A short swim of 50 yards or so will put you in the midst of a reef populated with all the beautiful tropical sea life you could ever hope to see. In addition to the usual colorful tropical fish, we also saw sea turtles, rock lobsters and schools of squid -- something new to me. Each time we went snorkeling from Joya beach was a new experience. One of the nearby bars/restaurants is Las Rocas, literally steps out the back door, a friendly place with good food and drink. Las Rocas also has a dive shop and offers boat trips to nearby islands. We took their day trip to Cayos Cuchinos, a cluster of islands and cays about an hour south of Roatan. It was the highlight of our trip and well worth the investment. The trip was well-planned and professionally supervised. It included three stops for snorkeling, and lunch on Chachahuate, a small island that is home to Garifuna, descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people. As for the condo itself, it's roomy, comfortable and provides all the amenities you would hope for and expect. The kitchen is well stocked with the tools needed for us to cook gourmet meals for ourselves. The deck out back is an ideal place to sit and relax, read, converse, watch the sunset, or just snooze in the hammock. Just writing about all this makes me want to go back. Alas.

Owner response:Thank you for the very informative review. We do hope you come back and bring your friends. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Excellent property!

Guest: Ray (Bellevue, Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

We researched many options on Roatan before deciding on Villa Joya. We were drawn by excellent price and location. Villa Joya is an option that works either for those with their own way of getting around (like us) or those who want to walk or use taxis to get around. A good selection of restaurants, dive operators, activities, and even snorkeling opportunities are within a few minutes' walk. A water taxi stop is nearby. Our vehicle allowed us to explore remote areas of the island. Villa Joya is on a secluded beach if you want to be away from the bustle. West Bay Beach and all of its activity is within two minute's stroll (barefoot if you want). The Villa is nicely appointed, and everything you need is already in place. There are sufficient pots, pans, and utensils so that you can fix your own dinner--all you have to do is bring in the foodstuffs. If you want to use the restaurants for takeout and eat on the deck, that's easily done. If you'll put sugar water in the hummingbird feeder next to the deck, they'll treat you to a show. Even though we were close to "night-life" activities, the inside of the Villa was quiet and comfortable. The A/C worked well. When we needed escape during a still, warm evening, it was easy to close up and get cooled off. The bed in the master bedroom is firm and very comfortable. It appears to be a "King" size bed, perhaps a "California King." We overpacked. The availability of the washer and dryer made it easy to do laundry. We could have probably used two suitcases for the four of us. The property manager and caretaker were friendly and available. The booking agent was very attentive and answered our numerous questions before the trip. Review the visitor's book in the Villa for recommendations on restaurants. Quality does vary. If you have a laptop, rent a 3G modem for internet access. We found that more than sufficient for us. You'll want to plan your activities using the web. There is no cable or satellite TV in the unit, but there is a large selection of DVDs already in place, along with a selection of books and games. Feel free to leave your books or games behind if you're done with them. Drive time to the airport is about 25 minutes. West End is a ten minute drive. Drive to Oak Ridge near the island's east end in about an hour. Absolutely recommended. There are no "thumbs down" indicators on this property

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An excellent stay!

Guest: Ray (Bellevue, Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

We researched many options on Roatan before deciding on Villa Joya. We were drawn by excellent price and location. Villa Joya is an option that works either for those with their own way of getting around (like us) or those who want to walk or use taxis to get around. A good selection of restaurants, dive operators, activities, and even snorkeling opportunities are within a few minutes' walk. A water taxi stop is nearby. Our vehicle allowed us to explore remote areas of the island. Villa Joya is on a secluded beach if you want to be away from the bustle. West Bay Beach and all of its activity is within two minute's stroll (barefoot if you want). The Villa is nicely appointed, and everything you need is already in place. There are sufficient pots, pans, and utensils so that you can fix your own dinner--all you have to do is bring in the foodstuffs. If you want to use the restaurants for takeout and eat on the deck, that's easily done. If you'll put sugar water in the hummingbird feeder next to the deck, they'll treat you to a show. Even though we were close to "night-life" activities, the inside of the Villa was quiet and comfortable. The A/C worked well. When we needed escape during a still, warm evening, it was easy to close up and get cooled off. The bed in the master bedroom is firm and very comfortable. It appears to be a "King" size bed, perhaps a "California King." We overpacked. The availability of the washer and dryer made it easy to do laundry. We could have probably used two suitcases for the four of us. The property manager and caretaker were friendly and available. The booking agent was very attentive and answered our numerous questions before the trip. Review the visitor's book in the Villa for recommendations on restaurants. Quality does vary. If you have a laptop, rent a 3G modem for internet access ($27 for the week and includes 2GB of transfer allowance). We found that more than sufficient for us. You'll want to plan your activities using the web. There is no cable or satellite TV in the unit, but there is a large selection of DVDs already in place, along with a selection of books and games. Feel free to leave your books or games behind if you're done with them. Drive time to the airport is about 25 minutes. West End is a ten minute drive. Drive to Oak Ridge near the island's east end in about an hour. Absolutely recommended. There are no "thumbs down" indicators on this property.

Owner response:I wish I had described it so well. Thanks a lot. We really want guests to be most pleasantly surprised rather then unpleasantly disappointed. Linda Kay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

July 2010

Guest: Steve (Charlotte, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 08/06/10

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to stay in your condo. The accomodations lived up to every expectation allowing us to have a wonderful vacation. The unit is clean, comfortable, and well maintained. It is ideally located for travelers wanting to be close to everything while still being private. It is literally less than 100 feet to the ocean edge. A short walk (less than 200 yards) along a well maintained boardwalk on the ocean will get you to the main part of West Bay Beach where there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment. The kitchen has an assortment of cookware, utensils, and appliances that made our stay very comfortable. The bedrooms, dining area, and living area are well furnished. There are several dive operations within an easy walk from the condo. We selected Anemona Divers because they were very friendly and flexible, catered to small groups, and focused on safety. We were also able to leave our gear in a locker at the shop all week which made the diving easier. You want be disappointed with this group. West End is a short drive away where you can find plenty of things to do. Travelers wishing to remain in West Bay during their entire stay won't need a rental car. However, I recommend a rental if you want to see the rest of the island. Our next trip to Roatan will start with a call to determine if this unit is available.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Villa Ocean Reef

Guest: Bruce (Maryland, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/20/10

We recently returned from a week stay at the Villa Ocean Reef and had a terrific time. The Condo is just as advertised….right on the beach, very roomy, clean, well maintained, nice master bedroom and bath, great A/C, fully stocked kitchen, all the amenities of home and close to restaurants and dive shops. One really nice thing is that the Condo is stock full of towels. We stopped at a grocery store on the way from the airport to stock up on drinks, snacks, cereal, etc., and left a few items behind for the next renter. You don’t need to get water, it’s provided. The condo was trouble free all week and we were able to do plenty of diving and sightseeing. We used Anemona Divers, a two minute walk from the condo (located in the Foster’s Resort), and they were very good. A small operation, good dive boat, never over crowded, very good people. Paul is a first rate Dive Master. I highly recommend the Villa Ocean Reef and would stay there again if/when we return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Villa Joya

Guest: Phil (Miami)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

Our stay at Villa Joya was wonderful. This was our second time staying and it would have been our third except that someone got it before us for New Years this past year. The Villa offers all the comforts of home in a wonderful tropical paradise. Every comfort is provided by the hosts and there is always someone around to ensure that any need is addressed. The location is the best in West Bay. It provides all the activities of West Bay Beach but is just on the other side of Las Rocas so the property is quiet and peaceful. If you prefer a pool, no worries. It has a private pool that sits right outside your back door and right on the beach. If you prefer the Caribbean, the snorkeling right off the property is the best in West Bay. And the sunsets are incredible every evening. I would highly recommend a stay at Villa Joya. But please avoid next New Years, as I hope to be there again in December ?

Owner response:It makes us very happy when our guests are happy and keep coming back. We don't want negative surprises; we strive to have very positive surprises, so you will want to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Carl Stewart (Tampa, Florida)
Date of Stay: 02/16/09 Review Submitted: 02/16/09

We recently stayed at the Villa Ocean Reef. The Villa was exceptionally nice. Great location!! Great Views!! It was our 2nd time on the island…..I would definitely stay there again.

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All That Was Advertised And More

Guest: 3 Generations from Ontario (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

Previous reviews were dead-on! We were there the beginning of January 2009 and could not have been more pleased. The unit is actually larger than the pictures make it appear and is fully and finely equipped. But it's the location that is spectacular! Close but not too close. Easy walking, even for my 80 year old mother. Our daughter got certified at Las Rocas - a great staff there. When not diving we snorkeled at the far end of West Bay Beach. I've never seen snorkeling from a beach like in Roatan. We ate in often but found some great bargains. Check out Foster for $12 lobster and Infinity Bay for $10 beach BBQ on Sunday. I didn't hurt that we had perfect weather - no clouds and 80+ degrees every day. Our daily cocktail at sunset on the beach was fun. The sand fleas are a nuisance, though. Keep the bug spray on. We'll definately be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Good value at panoramic beach side apartment

Guest: Henricus (Ciudad de Guatemala)
Date of Stay: 12/20/08 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

After multiple visits to Roatan, we are sure to also come back to this apartment which offered us the quiet, comfort and privacy we were looking for. What else do you want than a fully equipped villa on 10 yards off a lukewarm, cristal clear, tropical fish-laden sea? One can eat, swim, snorkel and stroll at nearby west bays' beaches. You name it what families, young and elderly couples alike are generally looking for, this place has got it! Henricus, Ciudad de Guatemala

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Perfect Location/Beautiful Condo

Guest: cbgmaxie (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 12/12/08 Review Submitted: 01/06/09

My family and I stayed in Villa Joya for a week in mid-December 2008. The location is perfect as you can get to everything you want to in a short walk yet far enough away from the bulk of the hotels to be quiet and private. Las Rocas was a great place to grab a cocktail and they have a great, friendly dive shop to work with. The only negative was the sand fleas but other than that I would definitely recommend Villa Joya to everyone!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/16/07

We stayed at Villa Joya the first week in Oct. 2007. The visit was wonderful. Everything at Villa Joya was exactly as described. It is close to resorts but still private. We are divers and dove out of the West End Dive shop. They were safety minded and helpful. The reef is wonderful. Linda was very helpful and explained eveything. She was also available if we needed anything.We plan on visiting again.

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