Anthony's Key Resort

The food was a real highlight. I was unsure about not having a typical buffet, but the menu had great variety, the portions were huge, and the food and service were among the best I've had in 25 years of diving. I couldn't even finish my plate, though I tried! Rain at the start of the trip and a flight cancellation because of DFW weather could have spoiled our Roatan vacation. Instead, the team at Anthony's Key Resort made it a highlight. The dive masters took us across the island to find clear water, and the front office upgraded us to a Key Deluxe room during the travel delay. They also let us dive three extra days to make up for the weather. The hospitality felt world-class, and they treated us like family. The beautiful dives and the way they looked after us mean Anthony's Key has a special place in our hearts. Michele and I will definitely be back!

The setting is what makes this place so unique: half the rooms are on a little sandy island, while the rest sit on a hillside in the rain forest. Both sides are beautiful. There's a nice pool, private beach, restaurant, and bar, and the diving setup and logistics are top notch. It's a gem, and we want to stay here again when we come back to Roatan.

If you get the chance to book the dolphin excursion, go for it. We didn't stay at the resort, but booked the Dolphin Swim and Snorkel through our NCL cruise. Trainer Jason and Sandy the dolphin were both fantastic. It's more than a standard “encounter”: there's close interaction as well as an open swim, and while they take professional photos, we could also take some of our own. What stood out was the staff's caring, humane treatment of the dolphins. They live in the beautiful Bailey's Key preserve but can go out into the ocean and return on their own. They're not made to work if they're not in the mood or don't feel like it that day. The grounds are gorgeous, the dolphins are amazing, and you might even meet one of the cute resort cats.

The rooms are spacious, clean, well cared for, and wonderful, with lovely decks and hammocks. Careful, you might just fall asleep in one. On arrival, they take your bags to your bungalow, whether it's on the overlook or the island. You then bring your dive gear to the locker room, where it goes behind lock and key. The staff will get whatever you need, and if you've forgotten something, they have it. Everyone aims to please. Meals are ordered from the menu, not served buffet-style, and you can get most anything you want. Get to know the people serving you and take care of them. The dive boats are amazing, and the crew helps with everything. Even with heavy rain during the first couple of days and choppy seas, every dive was worth it. A word of advice from what I saw: one diver kept skipping safety stops and ended up shut down. Don't just assume when you dive here, get involved with your Divemaster. They make the rules, so listen. Your safety matters. AKR is a trip of a lifetime, take your vacation here.