Itinerary
SATURDAY Depart your hometown for a flight to Roatan. The largest of eight islands that are collectively known as Las Islas de la Bahia, Roatan is 40 miles long and less than 4 miles across at its widest point. As you get closer, the views from the window will become more and more colorful. The patterns in the coral reef can be seen from the sky and create a glowing green, turquoise and blue design on the sea. The island of Roatan has many attractions other than the reef: clear water, palm-fringed beaches cooled by constant tradewinds, exotic plants, and nature trails - this hilly island is as picturesque as it is unspoiled.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your host and chauffeured to the Palmetto Bay Plantation. Set on a long, private sandy beach - the resort’s villas are hidden in the beautiful tropical gardens. There is also a swimming pool and restaurant with a live band. In the evening, stroll the velvety sand beaches and watch the sun set over the turquoise ocean as you unwind on the deck of your spacious villa surrounded by tropical flowers. Look out for hummingbirds, giant butterflies, iguanas and parrots. You will be staying in the new Honeymoon House which also has a private infinity pool. All villas come complete with living room, kitchen and deck, some are scattered in the gardens, and a few are directly on the sandy beach. They have either 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1 or 2 bathrooms, air-conditioning is on request but you rarely need to use it as there is always a refreshing sea breeze.
SUNDAY Arise early for a fresh coffee on the terrace to watch the sunrise and the birds come to life around you. Then a short walk through the gardens to the restaurant for a sumptuous breakfast. During your meal, you can plan your motions for the day. Perhaps a morning spent down on the beach, or a boat trip to conduct snorkeling missions out to the reef which surrounds you. You could even explore one of the 95 scuba dive sites which surround the island of Roatan. Simply, ask your concierge to call and book the day before and the dive company will pick you up from the hotel and take you out for a couple of dives. Prepare to see a variety of tropical fish and other magnificent creatures such as giant spotted eagle rays, barracuda, parrot fish and colorful coral gardens. If you’re lucky, you may even see a whale shark. Boat trips can be arranged to see these giant fish and we can guarantee 100% that you will have the chance to snorkel alongside them. A once in a lifetime experience!
MONDAY This morning, after breakfast, perhaps you could enjoy a very unique tour of one of Roatan’s more remote locations, only accessible by boat. Relax and enjoy a beautiful boat ride through the mangroves. The mangroves on the shores of Roatan island are instrumental in the stability of the environment, providing refuge for a variety of marine life and protecting the surrounding reef from sediment during runoff. What is more, they are inherently beautiful to behold. The tour offers an exceptional opportunity for a unique, fun, and educational shore excursion and island tour. Not only will you learn about the ecological implications of this important biological system, you can experience this tropical phenomenon yourself in an authentic Caribbean island dory. Man of War Key, is a nesting ground surrounded by mangroves and separated from the main island by a shallow channel through a sand bar flat. A perfect place for watching the almighty fishing birds of the island at work. Sailors Ship Wreck, an old ship, laid to rest at night during a powerful storm. The ships remains are found on a beautiful section of barrier reef. This is just a part of what awaits you on your Mangrove Sight Seeing Tour.
TUESDAY After breakfast, maybe take a drive to Gumbalimba Park. Gumbalimba Park in Roatan Bay, Islands is a one-day destination dream. Where else can you play with monkeys and parrots, tour the history of the island, ride a zip-line through the treetops, explore the wildlife while breathing underwater, take a horseback ride, kayak the picturesque reef, eat at a fine restaurant, and just hang out in a hammock or lounge chair on the beach! The park features an animal preserve with jump-on-your-shoulders monkeys, free-flying exotic birds, friendly turkeys, iguanas and other exotic animals; Botanical gardens with over 200 colorful plant and tree species, numerous waterfalls and fountains, with a picturesque hanging bridge over the pond; Peaceful sandy beach with lounge chairs situated for the sunlovers and hammocks hung among the trees for shadelovers; “Coxen's Cave" history tour and pirate's cave, with artwork and history painted on the cave walls, life-size pirates, treasure, weapons and maps; Restaurant with lobster buffet located on the beach. Excellent local shopping and authentic Honduran cooking; Snorkeling, SNUBA and kayaking.
WEDNESDAY This afternoon, your friends and family will start to arrive, so plan for a day at the resort. Wander in the manicured gardens, with a plethora of exotic flora and fauna to discover. Or have a final dip in your own coral garden and see which colorful fish may be nuzzling the reef. In the evening, enjoy a few sundowners at the open-air bar, then enjoy live music from the band while you enjoy the delicious Caribbean cuisine at the restaurant.
THURSDAY Possibly the most exciting day of the vacation, and a perfect outing for the whole group. Today you will have the chance to enjoy a dolphin encounter. Stand waist-deep in the sea whilst the trainer introduces you to one of the dolphins and asks it to roll over so you can pet its belly. The dolphin will them perform some outrageous tricks on demand and maybe a few cheeky tricks on its own! You can also stay on to swim with the dolphins which is an awesome experience. In the afternoon, drive to the West End, just 10 minutes’ away. Famous for its long white sandy beach, the island’s main town has batik sarongs, hand-crafted wooden ornaments and jewelry amongst the colorful beach toys and swimwear. In the evening, after you’ve finished shopping - try out one of the beach restaurants for some fresh seafood and a few cocktails.
FRIDAY Today is the day you have been waiting for - your wedding day. You have a wedding coordinator on site to help you with all of the arrangements, by now you will have chosen your spot, somewhere along the miles of private white sandy beach. Everything will flow seamlessly - flowers will decorate the thatched palapa alter and a pathway of bamboo flowers will lead your way. The wedding ceremony itself will be a civil ceremony and all paperwork is arranged beforehand so you can relax and enjoy the day. Your walk down the aisle will be accompanied by classical guitar and you and your bridesmaids will all hold beautiful hibiscus flower arrangement bouquets. Cocktail hour with canapes will be followed with a full sit down dinner, complete with champagne toast and wedding cake for forty people. All to the tunes of a live band who will lift everyone from their chairs and initiate an evening of dancing and celebrations well into the night. Of course, the whole event will be captured on film, by your photographer who will be snapping away for 5 hours. The results of which will be presented to you on a CD, to make picture sharing easier than ever.
SATURDAY After a big, tasty breakfast, it will be time to leave this idyllic island and head back to reality - that is unless you would prefer to fly to the mainland and discover what other wonders Honduras is hiding. Perhaps the jungles of Pico Bonito, or the ruins at Copan, or the tiny islands of Utila or Cayos Cochinos, a short, breathtaking seaplane flight away.
