Mariposa Del Mar: Spectacular Luxury Ocean front Villa

Look, I understand how someone could give this a three-star rating if they are expecting to be in walking distance from other stuff, need air conditioning, etc., but that is not what this place is about. Yes, the grocery store is 20 minutes away, but on the bright side, you are 20 minutes away from civilization in your own private paradise. My wife and I went with a couple of friends, none of us had kids, and we initially had certain expectations, like restaurants close by, internet/phone service, air conditioning, etc., but all of that goes away after your first couple of hours there. The internet didn't work, and I'm glad it didn't, it was an escape from everything. We actually forgot one of our suitcases, turns out we didn't even need it, just need bathing suit and a pair of shorts for an entire week. As for air conditioning, there was a constant cool ocean breeze all day and night, didn't need it. The staff was great, didn't get in our way at all, but were seconds away if we ever needed anything. We literally had our own private reefs right in front of us. You could take the boat out to the deeper reefs, kayak and drop anchor at some other reefs, or just jump off the boat dock and float through some of the most beautiful reefs until you reached the other dock, and then repeat all day every day. We never saw or heard any other boats or people, except for the occasional local fisherman who shouts up to you to see if you would like any live crab or lobster. Who needs civilization when you have this at your fingertips? There was a sound system so we could play our ipod outside, tv with dvd and satellite tv, so you could still stay connected to the world. If you are the type of person that needs to go shopping, go to restaurants for all of your meals, and needs to be entertained, then maybe this isn't the place for you. If you are looking for a great escape from the world, THIS is the place for you.

We just returned from a week in Mariposa and 2 days in Brisa! What a great experience...exactly what we were looking for...clean, very quiet, great views, sunsets, snorkeling right in front of the house. Bruce, Nicky & Phil thought of everything from a cell phone to use with important local contacts, Toyota van to use, a great spa! The house was fully equipped with a great kitchen, living, dining, pool/deck areas. Rosa & Theresa were the best offering fresh seafood dinners. Our only regret is we did not have Rosa cook for us more often. The Black pearl golf course was a great deal, only about $120 for greens fees, cart, club rental & a caddie! Next year we want to plan 2 weeks so we can golf more...snorkel more...scuba dive more...and relax more!!

We recently stayed at Mariposa Del Mar and could have not chosen a better villa for our vacation. It was everything we anticipated plus more. The villa is absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. We were picked up at the airport by Phil, son of owners Bruce and Nicky, who are such a delight. During the 45 minute drive to the house, Phil filled us in on island life, specifics at the house, etc. Yes, the nearest grocery store is 20 minutes away but Phil stopped for us to stock up on drinks and snacks for the week. This property is an escape from the busy, touristy part of Roatan. Just what we anticipated and wanted! Each morning began with coffee and ended by relaxing with a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the beautiful water. The sunsets seemed to get more beautiful each night. Rosa purchased the food and along with her daughter, Pearl, cooked a delicious breakfast and dinner every day. Rosa's homemade tortillas are delicious and ribs were to die for. (We are all now on a diet!) Tuesday night was pizza night, and we enjoyed meeting the guests in Fuego del Mar along with Bruce and Nicky. The meal and food cost is a bargain compared to what it would be for us to eat at a restaurant for 14 meals at home. Fausto, the caretaker, was just a cell phone call away when we needed kayaks, ice for the cooler, or anything else. The housekeepers even did our laundry! Each evening at dusk, our outdoor lights were turned on and candle were lit (thanks, Lester!). When we drove up to the gate, someone was always there to open it. EVERYTHING you could possibly need was provided.

We had an amazing time at Mariposa del Mar, even with a few ants, bees, geckos, frogs, and lizards. That's just part of the experience! I fell in love with K-2, the house cat who paid a daily visit. Having the use of a car and cell phone was also very helpful. We had no problems with daytime driving but did not attempt at night. We hope to return to Mariposa del Mar one day! THANK YOU for an awesome week!

It's a beautiful location with the center house including a large kitchen, dining room and family area and a wrap around deck. The two upstairs bedrooms are reached through a breeze way and for the downstairs bedroom is outside and down the steps. The pool is lovely as is the deck surrounding the pool with a view of the ocean and reef. The staff that picked us up at the airport and provided security and assistance with the kayaks, snorkeling gear were very nice. We took a boat trip to Jade Island in the resorts boat and it was a fun, beautiful and isolated location. Now the negatives...The Villa is very isolated. It's a 25 min drive to the grocery store. If you stay there it makes sense to make as few trips as possible and take advantage of the cooking service for $30 for up to six people. We did three meals through this service. We requested the grocery shopping be done by the cook since no ingredient lists were provided. The garlic shrimp was good but the ingredient price must of been drastically inflated. Other than shrimp the only ingredients were rice, vegetables for salad and bread? We did pizza and requested a cake for a birthday celebration. I was charged $25 for a small cake that I think came from a box mix. The pizza was OK, but we were told we were eating at 6:30 and it was after 8PM. We had the fish of the day prepared and it was terrible and again over priced compared to what food costs out in Roatan. The cleaning service is virtually nonexistent. Yes they straighten the bed, wash towels and broom sweet the floor, but everything is sticky and dusty. The main part of the house is open without screens other than the sliding door. You have to open the windows because there is no air conditioning in that part of the home. Ants and small spiders are everywhere. The rugs and filthy, the upholstery is moldy and the kitchen is sticky. Part is island living but the dust on every lamp and mold can be managed with some actual cleaning.