Quiet waterfront rental home, away from the crowds, on the unspoiled (and unpretentious) Caribbean island of Roatan. This two-bedroom, one-bath house sits on an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, right on the beach. Snorkel from private dock. Diving just a five-minute boat ride from the front door. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bay_Islands/iguanahouse/hotel/145/6/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 4 Jul 2008 22:33:31 EST Despite its peaceful surroundings, Iguana House is easily accessible. Guests will be met at Roatan's international airport by Iguana House's caretaker, Mr. Ricky Greenwood, and transferred to the property by automobile or boat. Iguana House is located just east of the mouth of Calabash Bight, a sheltered deepwater bay. (In the above view across Calabash Bight, the observation deck on the dock at Iguana House is visible between the two large palms near the point.) The weekly rental fee includes one transfer per day, by boat, to and from Oak Ridge. The trip takes about ten minutes. Oak Ridge is a small, friendly fishing village with a grocery store, other shops, and a few informal restaurants. Guests who wish to explore more of the island can make arrangements for guide services or additional transport through Mr. Greenwood. Iguana House is accessible by all-weather road from major towns, and guests who wish to explore extensively may consider renting a car. Parking is available on the property. The drive to the airport takes about 45 minutes. The rental fee includes full maid service. For an additional fee, Mr. Greenwood can arrange for the services of a cook AMENITIES: With two bedrooms, one bath, and all modern amenities, Iguana House is the perfect island getaway for couples, families, or small groups of friends. The great room is divided into kitchen, dining, and living areas. This view, from the kitchen toward the front porch, shows the living area with its rattan furniture and entertainment console (including color cable television). French doors, ceiling fans, and large windows - along with nearly constant sea breezes - ensure comfortable year-round temperatures. The dining area of the great room. Large windows and a cathedral ceiling give the great room a classical Caribbean feel. Despite its exotic setting, Iguana House has all the modern conveniences: 24-hour hot water and electricity, as well as reliable telephone service. The fully furnished kitchen is perfect for entertaining. Meals can be served at the bar or in the adjacent dining area. For a special treat, throw open the front doors and serve a feast of fresh island seafood on the front porch with the Caribbean for a backdrop! Let the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep in the front bedroom, or enjoy the extra privacy of the rear bedroom. Both are air conditioned for those rare, exceptionally warm nights. Together the bedrooms sleep four people comfortably, but the sofa in the living area converts into a sleeper for larger groups. Just steps from the front porch is an extensive dock and boat house complex. The second story of the boat house is a 300 square-foot observation platform - a perfect spot for enjoying the sunset, stargazing, or planning the next adventure. ACTIVITIES: In the November 2001 issue of Outside magazine, Roatan was named as one of 44 "perfect" island getaways and among the five best islands for scuba diving. With 80-100 ft. visibiity at most times, water temperatures typically near 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and an incredible abundance of marine life of all sizes (up to whale sharks!), the waters off Roatan are a diver's dream. It's no wonder that Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine, in their 2001 Reader's Poll, ranked Roatan in the top five Caribbean sites for shore and wall diving. Most of the dive operators on Roatan are located near the major tourist areas on the western part of the island. With such an abundance of great dive opportunities, it's not surprising that most of these operators frequent dive sites near their shops. The reef wall located only a few hundred feet off the end of the dock at Iguana House is an extension of the wall system that made resorts like Fantasy Island and Coco View world-famous, but it is far less visited. Guests of Iguana House who have not experienced scuba can take discovery or certification courses at one of two nearby resorts – Reef House and Oak Bay – which are only minutes away from the house by boat. Those who are already certified can arrange dive trips through the caretaker, Mr. Greenwood, who is a divemaster. Even if you are not a diver, the waters off Iguana House have plenty to offer. Snorkeling from the dock is superb. Two sea kayaks are available for use, free of charge, to explore the sparsely populated coves and smaller islands around Calabash Bight. For a small charge, Mr. Greenwood can arrange excellent fishing expeditions. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bay_Islands/iguanahouse/hotel/145/6/ Fri, 4 Jul 2008 22:33:31 EST