Welcome! Paya Bay is a charming, secluded beach and full-service dive resort of enchanting natural beauty. We are located on Roatan, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras in the Western Caribbean. Come enjoy our isolated beaches, virgin reefs, and exuberant rainforest! http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bay_Islands/payabay/hotel/141/6/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:53:06 EST Legend has it that when Christopher Columbus visited the Bay Islands in the 15th Century, he and his crew were welcomed by the indigenous inhabitants of the islands, the Paya Indians. The bounty of the Caribbean and of the islands' forests allowed these peaceful islanders to lead a hunting and gathering lifestyle. They were also involved in active trade with the Mayas and other tribes on what is now the Honduran mainland. The Payas collected sting-ray barbs and mother of pearl shells to exchange for cocoa and corn from the mainland. The Payas were also excellent artisans, carving exquisitely detailed jewelry from jade and other semi-precious stones available locally. Today, there are still numerous sites around the islands where remnants of the Payas' pottery and jewelry, known locally as "yaba-ding-ding," can be found. In honor of these nature-embracing, fun-loving, and happy people we have adopted the amulet of a Payan necklace as Paya Bay's logo. It is their carefree and happy existence which we strive to recreate at Paya Bay Resort. Built atop a cliff overlooking two beautiful half-moon bays, at Paya Bay your surrounded by breath-taking scenery. Two pristine beaches are right down the slope from your room and the Great Mayan Barrier Reef (the second largest reef system on the planet) is a mere 100 yards away! Paya Bay is the perfect vacation spot for the scuba diving aficionado, the fisherman who wants to hit the flats for exciting game fishing, or for the person who just wants to unwind, relax, and re-energize in a very beautiful, tranquil place. We are Roatan's friendliest little boutique resort. Our restaurant and rooms are nestled among a forest of sea palms and seagrape trees, atop one of the highest cliffs on the island. The views in all directions are spectacular. Guests have access to two beaches right down the slope from their rooms. A mostly unexplored section of the Great Mayan Reef (the second largest barrier reef on the planet) is less than a 100 yards away! Our restaurant's menu features a variety of sea foods (fish, shrimp, lobster, and conch) prepared using delicious island recipes. Delightful beef, pork, and poultry dishes are also available. Your selection can be accompanied by one of our many delicious tropical blender drinks, fine wine, or one of the local Honduran brews. AMENITIES: Your room overlooks the the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and is cooled by the balmy sea breezes, or, if you prefer, air conditioning. At night you'll be lulled to sleep by sound of the waves breaking on the rocks below. From your private balcony you'll stare in wonder at the star-filled skies of the tropics. You'll be awed by meteors shooting across the night sky. All rooms have private balconies, high ceilings, queen size beds, ceiling fans, refrigerators, and a private shower with hot water. Charmingly rustic, yet very, very comfortable. ACTIVITIES: You can snorkle to your heart's content! The second longest barrier reef in the world is a mere 100 yards from the beach. It's in pristine condition with lots of healthy coral and abundant tropical fishlife. We will also take you by boat to other great snorkeling sites we've identified on the barrier reef. You may also accompany the scuba divers on the dive boat and snorkle at the dive sites. There are two delightful beaches for you to enjoy right down the slope from your room. You can also take part in a boat tour (a.k.a. Seafari) to the adjacent islands and cays. (Boat Tours are included in some Packages). See map of boat tour area. There is great hiking to be found in the area surrounding the resort. Two of the highest peaks on Roatan are in our backyard. Or you may just want to relax in a hammock and enjoy the balmy sea breezes... . Lay out on one of the decks and catch the rays... Have one of the ladies from the kitchen bring you something tropical to drink... Listen to the waves crash on the rocks.... Feel the soothing Caribbean breeze caress you as you enjoy an afternoon nap in one of our famous hammocks... Ahhh... you've found Paradise at Paya Bay! Exploring Roatan see also: Roatan section Consider setting aside at least one day to rent a Jeep and to explore the island. We can arrange to have a rental Jeep delivered to Paya Bay for you. Roatan has several fascinating adventures to offer: - Snorkel or dive with dolphins - Tour an original fishing village - Cruise the mangrove canals in a cayuco - Dance with the Garifunas - Explore the Island's Institute of Marine Sciences - Visit the Iguana Farm DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bay_Islands/payabay/hotel/141/6/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:53:06 EST