Off the coast of Honduras are a set of islands called Islas de Bahia (Bay Islands). They're perfect: crystal clear waters, superb diving, fun nightlife. Roatan is the largest and main island of the Bay Islands. For New Year's, we rented a house on the pristine beach of West Bay. The house was perfect, the beach was perfect, the diving, just a swim from the beach, was perfect. 

On the East end of the island is a restaurant called Las Sirenas which serves fresh fish and good beer. You may think that you are lost as you drive down a deserted road. But when you reach the restaurant, which sits alone in the water, you will realize the drive was well worth it. Try the lionfish which is a delicious white fish. Lionfish is invasive to the area, arriving into the Atlantic and Caribbean waters from dumped aquarium tanks. Divers will hunt the lionfish to feed to other fish or to serve at restaurants. So go ahead and help the environment out by eating some. 

Stay: 
We found our house on Homeaway.com. The house is located withing Island House Vacation Rentals. You can find rentals on their website. 

Eat: 
Banarama: right next door to the house you can get food and frozen drinks, including the island's famous Monkey La La, a mix of vodka, kahlua, coconut cream and vanilla ice cream. 
Argentinian Grill: I lived in Argentina so can be a bit picky when it comes to Argentinian food. However, this place right on the beach wasn't too bad. If you are craving a little meat, this is the place to go. 
JavaVine: in need of a caffeine kick? Head to the cafe in the little West Bay village for Honduran coffee. 

Do:
Scuba dive/snorkel: this is the place to do it! You can literally walk right into the water and start snorkeling some unbelievable sites. It won't be hard to find dive shops. Both West End and West Bay are filled with them. We dive with Banarama which is conveniently located right next to the house we rent. 

Ziplining: if you have been ziplining in Costa Rica, then ziplining here won't really impress you. However, it gives you a nice treetop view of the island and is a load of fun. 

Utila: head to Utila for the day and check out the more bohemiam side of the islands. 

Cayos Cochinos: take a catamaran ride out to Cayos Cochinos for a "Robinson Crusoe" trip. Just google it and you'll see why. 

West End: stay in West Bay but make sure to hit up West End for eating and drinking. 

The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is well-known as a regular stop on Caribbean cruises, where sunburned passengers can while away an afternoon browsing duty-free shops in the town of Charlotte Amalie or sunning themselves on the beach at the world-famous Magen's Bay.

However, just off the beaten path -- around 15 minutes from the cruise ship docks and downtown bustle -- more adventurous travelers will find the the relatively undiscovered Peterborg Peninsula, which wraps around the northern side of Magen's Bay. 

Staying in Peterborg
Known as one of the island's more exclusive enclaves, Peterborg is an oasis of luxury villas, many of which are available for rental by the day or week. Looking for a deal? During the summer and early fall, many villas drop their peak season rental rates by up to 30%, meaning that a three-bedroom oceanfront home with air conditioning, high-end amenities, a gourmet kitchen, and a private pool can often be more affordable than a single room at the local Ritz-Carlton.

If you are planning to visit the area during winter high season -- especially the week between Christmas and New Year's -- be sure to book early. Many of the area's most desirable villas can often be sold out by October!

A Day at the Beach
Even the villas located at the far end of the peninsula are just a short drive from the beach at Magen's Bay, where you can easily spend a full day taking advantage of the on-site cafe, picnic tables, and watersports rentals. And no trip to Magen's Bay would be complete without a stop at Famous Delite (formerly known as Udder Delite -- we think political correctness has struck again!). The roadside stand is famous around the island for its creamy, frosty alcoholic and non-alcoholic milkshakes. 

For a more private experience, take a short stroll from your villa to either Platform Beach or Little Magen's Bay Beach. Both of these "pocket beaches," as they are known in the Virgin Islands, boast crystal-clear waters and feel like your own special piece of paradise.

Not in the mood for the beach? No worries -- the championship-caliber Mahogany Run Golf Course is about five minutes away.

Dining Out -- Or In!
Peterborg is located just minutes from some of St. Thomas' best restaurants, including the Old Stone Farmhouse. Originally a stable belonging to an 18th-century Danish sugar plantation, today the Old Stone Farmhouse is one of the island's most charming and romantic restaurants, with stone walls, original hardwood floors, and a delightful palm-lined courtyard. Guests are even invited to meet the chef and select their meat and fish in the restaurant's immaculate kitchen. 

For a more casual experience, don't miss Simply Italian, located near the intersection of Peterborg Road and Magen's Bay Road. The restaurant is popular for its Sunday brunch, as well as its fresh, authentic Italian dishes. Those in need of a caffeine fix should check out the Cup and Cork, a delightful coffee shop/deli combo that whips up the best iced mocha on the island.

Finally, you may find that you prefer staying at your villa, where you can whip up a delicious meal and pour the wine freely while enjoying unparalleled views of the ocean. 

Getting There and Around
Major airlines offer regular flights to St. Thomas via Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, and Washington. If you are planning to visit or stay in Peterborg, you'll need to rent a car ... and don't forget, in St. Thomas you drive on the left side of the road!

Image Credit: All images are from Ocean Haven Villa at http://www.oceanhavenvilla.com/

Author Credit: Thank you, Stacy Hope for the wonderful piece on St. Thomas. 

Wish to learn more about St. Thomas, Peterborg and Ocean Haven Villa? Contact Paprika Travels for more information!