Mediterranean-Style Resort Overlooking Colorful Barrier Reef

Solar-powered water heating, state-of-the-art water-purification systems, and biodegradable soaps are all part of a key goal at Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort: to make no negative impact on the landscape of Honduras's Bay Islands. Inspired by his roots in eco-conscious Oregon, hotel owner Gene Albert has made preserving the natural environment one of his top priorities. And given that the world's second-largest barrier reef lies just 50 feet (15 m) from the resort's private white-sand beach, it's certainly a landscape worth preserving.

For the resort's look, Albert drew inspiration from the colonial architecture of Guatemala. Red terra-cotta roofs cover stucco buildings with large, overhanging verandas. The villas are stocked with furniture and cabinets carved out of local Honduran wood. Bathrooms feature travertine tiles. Meanwhile, kitchens come decked out with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom deluxe villas also include private balconies overlooking the resort's tropical gardens.

The resort's lagoon-style pool features a bridge and three waterfalls, and there's swim-up access to both the bar and the restaurant. But most activities center on the beach. Head to Infinity Bay's private dock and you'll get access to dive boats and water taxis, which make quick trips to nearby attractions. You can also visit the resort's adventure kiosk, which books activities that acquaint you with the island, such as ziplining tours, hikes through the jungle, and sock hops with sea turtles.

Roatán, Honduras: A Diver's Paradise with Dense Jungle Interior

The Roatán—the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands—used to be plagued by pirates looting the gold of Spanish galleons. And there are shipwrecks around the island that act as attractions for divers. But that doesn't make the more than 100 dive sites surrounding the island any less appealing. Walls of coral and more than 800 species of fish now inhabit the ships, and starfish, sea turtles, and eel are common sights during scuba-diving and snorkeling trips. The crystal-clear waters also contain a wealth of Mayan, Paya, and Garifuna artifacts and statues.

Farther inland, 32 miles (51 km) of dense jungles and grassy hills stretch across the surface of the island. Although Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort lies in West Bay—a haven of white sand and coconut palms—you can easily get a change of scenery by following some winding dirt roads to smaller villages and secluded bays. Towns such as Coxen Hole and French Harbour, in particular, feature street vendors, an iguana farm, and shrimp fishermen working the docks.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.