Hotel Turquoise Bay Resort - All Inclusive

I never stayed overnight at the resort. My husband and I came for the dive shop on the property, booked through our cruise line. I only got to do one dive, then they kindly dropped me at the beach while my husband went on for our second dive. Within three minutes on the sand, I had more than 30 sand flea bites. Maybe it was my own fault for not bringing bug spray, especially since I'd just come out of the ocean, but I wish someone had warned me. I feel like they did me really dirty. I'm never going back to Roatan.

We've spent three week-long all-inclusive dive vacations at Turquoise Bay. The rooms are very nice, and many look out over the ocean. Diving is great, the staff are attentive and kind, and the mostly buffet food is fantastic. There's a nice beach with lots of activities and a cabana over the water. Cruise ships bring day visitors, usually while we're out diving, so evenings are quieter. The property also has an aviary and a fun little bar with games.

I picked this resort mostly for the price, after doing a lot of research through reviews and photos. The staff were responsive when I called with questions, and arranging transport to and from the hotel was easy. I arrived later than I should have, but check-in was simple, and I was surprised they didn't ask for a card or deposit. It was raining hard when I arrived. The desk clerk said my room was up some outside steps, and she did ask if I wanted help with my bags. I had a roller suitcase and a duffel, but the wet cobblestones made it impossible to roll the suitcase, so I had to carry everything up the treacherous steps. I was exhausted at the top, and my bag was damaged. I wish she'd made it clear she could call someone to carry it. During my stay, I saw men who worked there carrying bags up and down those steps. The food was good, though the selection was limited, which makes sense for a small resort. I appreciated the options, most of which were cooked right in front of you, and water was always available. The small pool looked very clean. I wasn't bothered by the lack of activities or lively entertainment, but if that's what you're after, this isn't the place. Rain on the first day, then strong winds the next morning made the water too choppy for me to swim. After another overnight downpour, the beach was covered in Sargassum. Staff cleared only about 20 feet where the cruise visitors were coming for the day, so I didn't want to squeeze in with that crowd to use the beach. The beach and water conditions were my main disappointment. Better lighting around the property at night would help. Still, the experience overall wasn't bad.

We came as day guests on the all-day wristband, so I can't comment on the rooms. The food, drinks, service, everything, was spectacular. We visit Roatán often and will definitely come back to the Bay.