I stayed at Turtle Casa in April of 2016. Our group had 5 people - My husband and I stayed in the upstairs apartment with my two friends, and our other friends stayed in the gaming suite. Firstly, the location was perfect for me - when I travel, I like to feel âat homeâ - Iâm not really a hotel or main-drag type of vacationer. I like buying and cooking the local foods, and being off the beaten path. I like to feel like Iâm in someoneâs home, rather than that ticky-tac feel of a hotel or condo. The kitchen had everything I needed, and I loved shopping at the local grocery stores. While Turtle Casa is off the beaten path, itâs only 15 minutes from the north end of the island, with all itâs restaurants, night life, and hotels, so if I wanted to access that kind of island life, it was easy. And the decor, layout, and overall feel was very warm (and the beds were VERY comfy!) When I travel to an island, of course Iâm primarily there for the beach and the ocean. The fact that the house is right on the beach, with itâs own dock, and itâs own sea kayaks put me right where I wanted to be. Each morning and afternoon I would paddle out to the reefs in front of the house with my snorkeling gear. In Roatan, the entire island is ringed by the most amazing reefs. I saw sea turtles, eel, flounder, parrot fish, and even a manta ray! My husband likes to fish and it just so happens that he was able to fish for bonefish right in front of the house (literally). The dock (also right in front of the house) is also the departure point for deep sea fishing for Dorado, Tuna, and a bunch of other large fish. Talk to the next-door neighbor about this - heâs one of the best guides on the island! While my husband was out fishing I enjoyed r-e-l-a-x-i-n-g on the porch, looking directly out to sea. If I got too hot, it was easy to walk out on the dock and take a quick plunge, then sun myself in one of the hammocks - yes, on the dock! The sunsets were amazing, btw. Itâs kind of funny, because when Iâd read some of the other reviews, I didnât really know what to expect . . . it seemed like snorkelerâs and diverâs always love this place, but since I only snorkel occasionally and never dive I was a bit skeptical. I was definitely pleased with our choice. Probably the only thing negative I could say is that I didnât really understand how to hook up the bottled water to the refrigerator (the manager came by one day and showed us). I hope we can make it back one day!
