Las Rocas Resort & Dive Center

Las Rocas, which means “The Rocks” in Spanish, is a dive-focused resort that opened its doors in 1996. The grounds are lush and overgrown, with blossoming hibiscus and bougainvillea making a convincingly tropical first impression. Bamboo patches and rocky pathways traverse the property, though the path is a bit too rough for walking barefoot. It's a quiet, tranquil resort, and the sound of lapping waves along the coral-rock shore add to the chilled-out vibe. Guest rooms and suites are made of Honduran pine and blend into the jungle canopy-covered grounds. Each are named after Italian islands, a nod to the Italian owner’s Mediterranean roots. The property takes advantage of its idyllic oceanfront location, and the open-air restaurant has a big, waterside patio right next to the saltwater plunge pool. Guests are mostly divers from the United States and Canada, ranging from thirtysomethings to those who are retirement age. Given the overgrown landscape, travelers should expect some bugs and mosquitoes here. 

Las Rocas is located just outside of West Bay, the resort and restaurant-filled town that lines the breathtaking West Bay Beach. It’s a four-minute walk to West Bay Beach along a wooden waterfront walkway. There’s also a small sandy beach right next to the resort. Within a five-minute walk are restaurants serving seafood, Argentinian, and international cuisines, while sushi, pizza, and a fine-dining restaurant are seven minutes away on foot. West End, Roatan’s party town, is a seven-minute drive away and is full of bars, nightclubs, and budget-friendly eateries. It’s also where the dock for the 40-minute ferry to Utila departs. The jetty for ferries to the Honduran mainland is a 35-minute drive away, followed by an hour-and-15-minute ferry ride to La Ceiba. For an even less developed beach option, Camp Bay Beach -- one of the island’s most pristine -- is an 85-minute drive from Las Rocas. It's also home to a kiteboarding school. Coxen Hole is the island’s capital and commercial heart, and is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Just past Coxen Hole is Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport.

The air-conditioned rooms are named after Italian islands and constructed of Honduran pine -- the best of which have ocean views. All are simple, but pleasant, and decorative details include white walls hung with colorful paintings of birds and tropical scenes. The vaulted ceilings and exposed beams add an airy and spacious quality, and all feature ceiling fans and mosquito nets. King, queen, or twin beds are slightly stiff and the patterned bedspreads look a little dated. Furniture includes honey-colored mahogany end tables, free-standing wardrobes, and writing desks and chairs. Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are only available in some rooms. Other amenities include minibars and private balconies with Adirondack-style chairs and hammocks. Irons, ironing boards, and umbrellas are available to borrow from the front desk. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi costs extra and isn't very fast, and there is no free purified water, which most other Roatan hotels provide. Bathrooms are a mixed bag, although all are compact. Expect tile or ceramic vanities and tile stall showers, which we wish had a tray to hold the soap and shampoo that are supplied. Hairdryers and towels also come standard. 

This value property has just enough features to make it a solid oceanfront option away from the hubbub right in West Bay. A small sandy beach with lounge chairs is right next to the hotel -- it feels rustic and secluded compared to nearby West Bay Beach. Kayaks are available to rent (for a fee). There’s also a small oceanfront plunge pool that’s refilled with fresh seawater daily. 

Las Rocas' oceanfront restaurant, Trattoria da Piero, has covered seating and serves Italian-influenced Caribbean cuisine plus delicious cocktails. Free breakfasts are included with all stays, but early risers might not like waiting until the restaurant's relatively late opening time for their morning coffee (8:00 a.m. during our visit). The on-site PADI dive shop -- Wet 'N Wild 100% Divers -- offers diving certifications as well as regular daily dives. All-inclusive dive packages are available.

The resort sells sundries like bug spray, toothpaste, and rum in the lobby, and has a computer with free printing. There are a book exchange and board games like chess and Chinese checkers that are available to borrow. Staff can arrange island tours, drivers, taxis, boat tours, fishing, massages, car rentals, and babysitters. Other freebies include car and scooter parking and round-trip airport transfers. Laundry service is available for a fee, as is Wi-Fi.