Vista Verde: Roatan Honduras
I just returned from photographing an amazing property in Roatan Honduras called Vista Verde.
A three-quarter mile private road bordered by lush green foliage winds upward from the highway to a mountaintop villa set high above the jungle. This is Vista Verde, nine acres of tropical paradise devoted to offering guests the ultimate in a private getaway with Caribbean sea views, white sand beaches and amenities to rival any five star resort worldwide.
The road ends in a circular drive in front of an astonishing mountaintop villa unlike any private residence in Roatan. Painted a soft seafoam green and generously trimmed in rich Honduran mahogany, the villa stands as a testimonial to one man’s dream of creating the most luxuriously comfortable private vacation spot on the island.
Even before one enters the spacious villa, the senses are assaulted with the delicious fragrance of tropical fruit ripening on the wide variety of trees that abound on the property: mango, papaya, cocoanut, orange, cumquat, lime, banana, plantain, and pineapple. These share space with a riot of colorful flowers that surround the mansion.
The entryway leads to the living/dining area, and on to an enormous tile patio surrounding the salt-water swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Beyond lies a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea. Stretching as far as the eye can see is a watery rainbow of pale, soft green, sky blue, bright aqua, and dark, deep blue. It’s as though the Sea couldn’t decide which color it liked best, so it clothed itself in every available oceanic hue.
Directly below the villa, at the bottom of the mountain, is a private white sand beach where gentle lapping waves bring in a huge variety of seashells waiting to be gathered. A boat dock extends out into the water where a jet ski and kayaks are tied up, available for use by guests.
Inside the villa there are three levels. A lower level game room includes a wet bar, poker table and state of the art surround sound entertainment system with satellite TV and over 1200 DVD movies. The downstairs area is the living, dining, kitchen and master bedroom suite. Black marble Kohler fixtures, including a giant Jacuzzi tub highlight the master bath. Upstairs are four bedrooms each with its own private bathroom. The house is fully air-conditioned, but most guests prefer open screened windows and doors with balmy Caribbean cross breezes cooling the rooms.
Décor is simple and inviting, with light walls and dark Honduran mahogany trim. Furnishings throughout are custom-designed and made locally of the same prized Honduran mahagony.
A tile-floored, covered veranda runs the length of the ocean side of the villa where a modern gas grill allows for outdoor cooking. Fresh grilled lobster tails, fin fish and chicken are year-round favorites.
All fixtures and appliances are top-of-the-line. The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf range, Sub Zero refrigerator, separate bar-style ice maker, marble island and counter tops and a walk-in pantry. Off the kitchen is a three-car garage as well as a modern laundry room.
The estate comes with a maid/cook, who also does laundry when requested. A gardener/maintenance man keeps the grounds park-perfect and is available to assist with jet ski rides , fishing boat and kayaking. A grocery delivery service is also available.
The cook prepares breakfast and a mid-day meal daily, with fresh fruit from the estate and favorite local dishes. Once there, you never have to leave the property to enjoy a relaxing vacation. But there are also many exciting places to see around the island.
Transportation, reservations and a guide can be arranged for desired activities: deep-sea fishing and scuba diving, including cave diving (the coral reef just off the island offers one of the best maintained dive spots in the Caribbean); a visit to an unusual iguana farm, zip lining through the jungle, swimming with dolphins, tourist shopping and excellent local restaurants.
With 5 Bedrooms and 7 Baths, the villa can easily accommodate five couples. Wedding parties especially appreciate a private place to relax with family and close friends before the big event. Whether it’s a destination for a lively, fun-filled vacation, or a place to unwind and relax, Vista Verde is unsurpassed in the Caribbean as a place to revel in the splendor of nature’s beauty while being pampered like royalty.
Contact Chris Schmitt Photography: info@chrisschmittphotography.com