Why Roatan?
10 December 2000
By Lyle Burke

Many people have asked me about Roatan and what makes this Caribbean Island special. Well, there are several reasons why exploring Roatan makes good sense, both as a vacation destination and for investment possibilities.

Native Roatanians Lets start with the people of Roatan---known for their hospitality, the locals welcome visitors and remain eager to extend that hospitality to newcomers.

Infrastructure is Improving That's not to say everyone is happy with the way things are at present, however, lets look at a few examples of things that are going in the right direction.

The Roatan International Airport Recently extended as well as having runway lights installed, the airport has a new US management team that is improving ground service and working with several International carriers with the intent of adding new direct international air service to Roatan---more exposure plus new investment =growth. Henry Morgan Resort, located on beautiful West Bay Beach, now flies a Boeing 757 nonstop weekly from Milan, Italy bringing European visitors to the island.

Norwegian Cruise Lines This cruise company, docking at Coxen Hole, calls on Roatan every Thursday. Ask these travelers their favorite embarkation port (choices include Cancun, Cozamel, Grand Cayman, and Roatan) and hands down the most frequent answer is Roatan. Why? --- No crowds, vendors and locals are friendly, not pushy, undeveloped (as in you won't find a McDonalds here) and let's not forget the natural beauty of the island. Many of these travelers, when asked, say that they would like to return.

Also, the climate (mild and tropical), casual lifestyle (you won't see any business suits here) cost of living, beautiful vistas and beaches, world class water activities, retirement incentives, and great real estate opportunities are all factors that contribute to the feeling that is Roatan. And why so many of us keep returning.

P.S. News is that the old French Harbor Yacht Club, one of my favorite spots, is undergoing a long needed renovation. Recently purchased by Swiss businessman Marcel Houser and renamed the Roatan Dive and Yacht Club, plans are for complete renovation with an anticipated opening date of March 2001. Many old timers remember this location as the cultural center for the expatriate community and look forward to swapping our stories there again.

Lyle Burke, a longtime resident of Roatan, owns Tropical Pathways, which offers a Roatan insider's look at real estate investment options while having a fun filled, relaxing vacation. For more information on exploring both Investment and Vacation Tours to Roatan, please visit Tropical Pathways at www.TropicalPathways.com or contact Lyle directly at IslandLifestyles@aol.com.