Paya Bay Resort
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About
4.5
#6 of 20 resorts in RoatanLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
Paya Bay Beach Resort is Roatan's Ultimate Escape. Located on the pristine east end, it is Roatan's premier boutique hotel. Perched atop a bluff with private beaches on each side, Paya Bay features 10 uniquely designed rooms and an amazing restaurant. Paya Bay's on-site dive operation, Dive Roatan, specializes in underwater tours and training for one to ten divers. Paya Bay also offers: flats fishing, boat tours, hiking and of course relaxation.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Free airport transportation
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Snorkelling
Airport transportation
Massage
Non-smoking hotel
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Seating area
Clothes rack
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Roatan Honduras
Getting there
20 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
3 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
490Reviews36Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We're less than three days into a two-week vacation as the first guests since Paya Bay fully re-opened on November first, but we need to share now what a wonderful place this is, especially during the COVID crisis.
Social Distancing. With 14 rooms, 22 acres, three beaches, and countless secluded nooks and niches along the trails, you cannot social distance more effectively than at Paya Bay. Plus, everyone on every flight to Honduras must have a negative COVID test less than 72 hours old. Now that we're here, we have little reason to leave the resort, except perhaps to dive or hike, so we are distancing more effectively than we could at home. Even if the other rooms were filled, we'd have no problem maintaining safe distances.
Hospitality. The sign over the gate says, "Everyone Welcome," and they mean it. The manager seems to have a life's calling of extending hospitality and making people feel welcome. All of the employees seem to buy into the vision because every interaction with every employee has been smooth, gracious, and affirming.
Natural beauty. The ocean, the beaches, the trails, the recesses, and the overlooks come together to make this a special paradise beautifully suited to relaxation and contemplation.
Food. Healthy, fresh, beautifully prepared meals. Meals are included when you stay here, and you have your choice of whatever is on the menu. So far, we have not strayed from the nightly specials for dinner. Our three dinners so far have been red snapper, lobster, and churrasco. Wonderful light soups. Fresh salads.
Amazing value: At present, Paya Bay is offering 50% off bookings for the rest of 2020, and 30% off some 2021 bookings.
We booked this trip months ago, and we grew apprehensive as our travel date drew nearer and the COVID crisis continued. But flights are running, the hotel is open, and they're getting cleaned up after Hurricane Eta. Now is a great opportunity to have paradise almost all to yourself at a big discount.
Social Distancing. With 14 rooms, 22 acres, three beaches, and countless secluded nooks and niches along the trails, you cannot social distance more effectively than at Paya Bay. Plus, everyone on every flight to Honduras must have a negative COVID test less than 72 hours old. Now that we're here, we have little reason to leave the resort, except perhaps to dive or hike, so we are distancing more effectively than we could at home. Even if the other rooms were filled, we'd have no problem maintaining safe distances.
Hospitality. The sign over the gate says, "Everyone Welcome," and they mean it. The manager seems to have a life's calling of extending hospitality and making people feel welcome. All of the employees seem to buy into the vision because every interaction with every employee has been smooth, gracious, and affirming.
Natural beauty. The ocean, the beaches, the trails, the recesses, and the overlooks come together to make this a special paradise beautifully suited to relaxation and contemplation.
Food. Healthy, fresh, beautifully prepared meals. Meals are included when you stay here, and you have your choice of whatever is on the menu. So far, we have not strayed from the nightly specials for dinner. Our three dinners so far have been red snapper, lobster, and churrasco. Wonderful light soups. Fresh salads.
Amazing value: At present, Paya Bay is offering 50% off bookings for the rest of 2020, and 30% off some 2021 bookings.
We booked this trip months ago, and we grew apprehensive as our travel date drew nearer and the COVID crisis continued. But flights are running, the hotel is open, and they're getting cleaned up after Hurricane Eta. Now is a great opportunity to have paradise almost all to yourself at a big discount.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Rooms overlooking the big beach have king size beds. Rooms overlooking the ocean have queen size...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is by far the best clothing optional small resort I ever been in terms of location and service. The staff are beyond great, incredibly friendly, the food is great and the restaurant can cook any request with everything fresh. The property is huge with just a few rooms, plenty of walking paths and scattered palapas in hidden spots with stunning views, any naturists guest will really enjoy naked walks, sunbathing and plenty of areas to relax. I have stayed at the resort more tham 8 times over the years, the worst part is when you have to leave.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paya Bay has all you need for a relaxing vacation. The staff has generally been the same over the last 10 years in which we have been there. They are very pleasant and helpful. The food is outstanding with the same cooks also for many years. They are masters at preparing plentiful lobsters, shrimp, other seafood. Meat and vegetable dishes are also generously available. Wraps and pitas are also on the menu. We tried all of the dishes and would have kept going but our two week stay came to it's end. Also not to be missed are the homemade desserts.
The beaches are well cared for and swimming is perfect. There are plenty of sunbeds with many shaded areas. We snorkled many times with Capt. Tom who makes two trips out to the reef each day.
This is a unique property with very beautiful grounds and an elevated yoga pavillion that provides majestic overlooking views of the Carribean. As you can see, we love staying at Paya Bay and will be back many times to come.
The beaches are well cared for and swimming is perfect. There are plenty of sunbeds with many shaded areas. We snorkled many times with Capt. Tom who makes two trips out to the reef each day.
This is a unique property with very beautiful grounds and an elevated yoga pavillion that provides majestic overlooking views of the Carribean. As you can see, we love staying at Paya Bay and will be back many times to come.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As you see I gave this place a 3 out of 5 but not because we don't love it there. We have been there several times and will continue to go there because we do love it but it is not anywhere near up to the standard of many other places we have been. It needs some maintenance. Things that needed attention last year still need it. A wobbly toilet, pealing paint, empty plunge pool, big boat not operating right, refuse along some paths, etc keep it from being 5 star.
The trip advisor write up says there is an on site dive centre, there is not. They will arrange for and take you to the resort 10 min. down the coast where Tropical Island Divers operate from. TID is excellent and very accommodating. I have never had a group of more than 6 divers on the boat and no other dive boats any where near us. Just be aware it is not at Paya Bay resort.
The staff at Paya Bay are the most pleasant we have ever dealt with anywhere in the world. The food choices are limited but the quality is exceptional and is much better than any 5 star I have ever been to. If it's not on the menu just ask and the cook will make it for you if possible.
The beaches are beautiful and being on a peninsula, if one is windy the other is calm.
Snorkelling from shore is possible and and there are some coral formations within easy swimming distance. We have seen star fish, eels, rays, lobster,etc. Tom will take you by boat out to better coral formations if you ask.
Most guests are naturists but not all. I have not seen anyone made to be uncomfortable if they chose to be clothed or not.
What to do at this resort is tan, snorkel, swim, eat, walk the trails, have a massage, do some yoga, visit and enjoy life the way it should be. If you want a party go to the west end. If you want a relaxing, naturist rest with fantastic people this is the place.
The trip advisor write up says there is an on site dive centre, there is not. They will arrange for and take you to the resort 10 min. down the coast where Tropical Island Divers operate from. TID is excellent and very accommodating. I have never had a group of more than 6 divers on the boat and no other dive boats any where near us. Just be aware it is not at Paya Bay resort.
The staff at Paya Bay are the most pleasant we have ever dealt with anywhere in the world. The food choices are limited but the quality is exceptional and is much better than any 5 star I have ever been to. If it's not on the menu just ask and the cook will make it for you if possible.
The beaches are beautiful and being on a peninsula, if one is windy the other is calm.
Snorkelling from shore is possible and and there are some coral formations within easy swimming distance. We have seen star fish, eels, rays, lobster,etc. Tom will take you by boat out to better coral formations if you ask.
Most guests are naturists but not all. I have not seen anyone made to be uncomfortable if they chose to be clothed or not.
What to do at this resort is tan, snorkel, swim, eat, walk the trails, have a massage, do some yoga, visit and enjoy life the way it should be. If you want a party go to the west end. If you want a relaxing, naturist rest with fantastic people this is the place.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All are good, clean and comfortable. A bit rustic compared to other Caribbean resorts.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Davinci M, General Manager at Paya Bay Resort
Responded May 15, 2020
Paya Bay's management would like to thank this reviewer for bringing these issues to our attention. We will take steps to up improve our maintenance efforts. For the record, the plunge pool is usually available 95% of the year, it must have been an exception you experienced if it was not filled during your stay. It would be tremendously helpful if you could send us an email detailing where exactly we can locate the issues you cited (eg. peeling paint, refuse on trails, etc.). We are aware the big boat needs capital investment. We recently put some real estate up for sale in order to raise capital for this and other big projects we have in the works. We hope on your next visit you will see improvements. Thank you for your support of our small business. Paya Bay Resort Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our 4th visit to Paya Bay over a ten year period. The staff is essentially the same and they contribute to the overall feeling of well being at Paya Bay. This is a place to be comfortable and welcomed. This is the place to relax, enjoy the sun and water, have a cocktail and watch the sunset. The property and views are stunning. The food is like having home cooked meals and the staff will accommodate your tastes, if supply is available. This is a family run operation and their clients are treated more like house guests. We were very pleased they were able to endure two years of COVID reductions in travel and know that the quality of their personnel contributed to this success. We will continue to enjoy Paya Bay.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were in Roatan for three months in a long term rental in the West End. Towards the end of our trip we rented a car for 10 days and stayed at an air bnb close to the middle of the island. Our first day out we discovered Paya Bay Resort and decided to get a day pass. This was one of our best decisions of our trip. We went daily while we had the car and then stayed one night in room 4. We loved it so much we booked in for 5 days and were in room 7. The rooms are beautiful and the beds are very comfortable. Food was fantastic, friendly staff and interesting people.
I didn’t think that I would do anything more than go topless. After a couple of hours I thought to heck with it and joined my husband who had already stripped down. There is an 80:20 rule which seemed to flip around from time to time. The only time I didn’t like it was when non naturist families brought their children. It says clearly it is not for young people unless they are from a naturist family. Having a father and daughter who are fully dressed walking around all the trails and exploring for longer than 15 mins was frustrating.
We think that Paya Bay resort is one of the most beautiful resorts we have been to. Natural, amazing trails, gorgeous beaches and areas where you can go completely naked if you wish. Amazing sunsets and swimming. The place is well groomed.
We loved it so much that we have already booked our return trip and will be staying in one of their units that has a full kitchen for 3 months next year.
It is really worth checking out. If you check out U Tube you will see some beautiful videos of the place. Check out 1Sapper video post on it taken early in the morning or when no one was around.
Enjoy!
I didn’t think that I would do anything more than go topless. After a couple of hours I thought to heck with it and joined my husband who had already stripped down. There is an 80:20 rule which seemed to flip around from time to time. The only time I didn’t like it was when non naturist families brought their children. It says clearly it is not for young people unless they are from a naturist family. Having a father and daughter who are fully dressed walking around all the trails and exploring for longer than 15 mins was frustrating.
We think that Paya Bay resort is one of the most beautiful resorts we have been to. Natural, amazing trails, gorgeous beaches and areas where you can go completely naked if you wish. Amazing sunsets and swimming. The place is well groomed.
We loved it so much that we have already booked our return trip and will be staying in one of their units that has a full kitchen for 3 months next year.
It is really worth checking out. If you check out U Tube you will see some beautiful videos of the place. Check out 1Sapper video post on it taken early in the morning or when no one was around.
Enjoy!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful resort, wonderful staff, clean, well-maintained. Fabulous weather. Overall experience was a 5, but a few caveats softened to 4. Primary caveat was that we were specifically attracted to a Naturist resort. They aspire to 80/20 naturist to clothed, but fell well short, even though it was a Naturist week. So many clothed people, and lots of kids, really negated that aspect. We spent one night in a cliff top unit with Queen bed, then switched to hill top with King. The king beds need better sheets and pillows, like the queen ones. Showers, drains could use some work. Would definitely stay there again. Food was great -- not super cheap, but a good value. Could use a hot tub. All the staff were extremely accommodating to all our request and wishes. As with everywhere on Roatan, you will need insect repellent, but really, it was only a minor problem the week we were there. All in all, highly recommended.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Cliff top are great. Queen beds, but very comfortable. Bathrooms are tiny. Hill top rooms are...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paya Bay Resort is a delightful family-owned and operated clothing optional resort nestled within mangroves, palms, and other mature trees. The resort has a rustic feel but is clean and adequately furnished. While we were there in early November 2023 several of the bungalows were having their bathrooms gutted and renovated. My understanding is that Paya Bay Resort can handle a maximum of 30 guests. The resort owns a boat and will take you to a local dive shop or out snorkeling if time permits. The snorkeling is decent nearby, and of course the diving off Roatan is excellent, although we heard reports of significant coral bleaching.
The vibe is peaceful and relaxed. Since the resort is rather small, there is not too much of a social scene, although moments of social interactions do present themselves if that is of interest to you. There did not seem to be any programmed activities, but there were frequent day visitors.
The staff is very friendly and we were on a first-name basis after a couple of days. All of the food was excellent and obtained mostly locally, as far as we could tell. The Internet connection was very fast and we were able to make Zoom calls and watch movies without a problem. In general the cell phone coverage was excellent.
The clothing optional beach is small and relatively clean, with many chairs and adequate shade. There are also many other places to sit and enjoy the ocean, with and without a breeze. The site known as Buccaneer Landing is great for watching the sunset each night. There are several short hiking trails and a labyrinth. High above the water there is a beautiful, large yoga pavilion with a panoramic view that is available for massage and your own yoga practice if a class is not going on. Clothing is optional on most of the property, but is required near the rooms and in the dining area. I have seen some reports on here about a significant number of bugs, but we did not have much problem with them except for the few trails of ants.
There is no doubt that we will return to Paya Bay Resort when needing a warm, relaxing vacation!
The vibe is peaceful and relaxed. Since the resort is rather small, there is not too much of a social scene, although moments of social interactions do present themselves if that is of interest to you. There did not seem to be any programmed activities, but there were frequent day visitors.
The staff is very friendly and we were on a first-name basis after a couple of days. All of the food was excellent and obtained mostly locally, as far as we could tell. The Internet connection was very fast and we were able to make Zoom calls and watch movies without a problem. In general the cell phone coverage was excellent.
The clothing optional beach is small and relatively clean, with many chairs and adequate shade. There are also many other places to sit and enjoy the ocean, with and without a breeze. The site known as Buccaneer Landing is great for watching the sunset each night. There are several short hiking trails and a labyrinth. High above the water there is a beautiful, large yoga pavilion with a panoramic view that is available for massage and your own yoga practice if a class is not going on. Clothing is optional on most of the property, but is required near the rooms and in the dining area. I have seen some reports on here about a significant number of bugs, but we did not have much problem with them except for the few trails of ants.
There is no doubt that we will return to Paya Bay Resort when needing a warm, relaxing vacation!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were staying in Sandy Bay but one day decided to drive to Playa Bay for lunch. It is a really nice drive, easy road, . Our lunch was very good and we got to look around. What a beautiful setting. The rooms set in the cliff overlooking the ocean are so picturesque. Very friendly staff and nice beaches. It was a cloudy day so no one was on the beach?
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nowhere like it, it’s like the end of the Earth when you’re here. It was actually January 2017 I was last here, but it wouldn’t let me choose that far back. A majority (or at least half) of the resort is clothing optional. The food (while menu is not huge) is AMAZING. I’ve tried to re-create their veggie burger many times to no avail. I’d love the recipe. Even more, I’d love to repeatedly visit or just live there. If you need to decompress and refresh, this is a perfect place to do that. Be mindful that the long dirt road into the resort is bumpy— or was last I visited— just take it slow and you’ll be fine though. The long road in just means you can expect a place that can offer quiet solitude among a few friendly people.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Definitely nice for relaxing and ocean time. They will pick you up from airport, about 45 minute drive. We did not leave resort, nothing really in walling distance.
No...Acceptable - Breakfast & Lunch - Bathing suit with cover up or shorts & t-shirt. Dinner - Causal dress. Long pants not required.
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"Pack lots of sunscreen and a pair of good hiking sandals for the fun trails. A flashlight is nice for hiking at night to go star gazing."Read full review
"-Driving isn’t for the faint hearted, but doable. -Customs would allow my conch shells I had bought -we bought a natural bug repellent 👍🏻"Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
paya bay hotel roatan, paya bay beach dive hotel, paya bay beach dive resort
LOCATION
HondurasBay IslandsRoatan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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Frequently Asked Questions about Paya Bay Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Paya Bay Resort?
Nearby attractions include Flamingo Cultural Center (6.6 km) and Camp Bay Beach (2.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Paya Bay Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Paya Bay Resort?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Paya Bay Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Paya Bay Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Sirena de Camp Bay, Bella's Place Roatan, and Cliffsides Camp Bay Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Paya Bay Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Paya Bay Resort have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Paya Bay Resort offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Paya Bay Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Paya Bay Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Paya Bay Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.