Roatan--More Tempting Than Ever

Remember "Temptation Island"--the television series no one admitted watching?

Couples tested their relationships on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. The Captain Morgan Resort (where the show filmed) reported 2,700 hits on its website following the airing of the first U.S. episode. Local realtors claim land values doubled within the first year of the series debut.

In 2001, "Temptation Island" also filmed on Roatan, but for European audiences only. Now, the Fox show is on island again, this time shooting for American viewers. Will Roatan real estate values enjoy the same spike as those on Ambergris after the show airs in the States? I don't have a crystal ball...but if I were a betting woman...well, I know where I'd put my money.

Shooting starting now for a possible fall release, the show is bunking the male half of the equation at Luna Beach (a stone's throw from popular West End), where a bevy of beauties is trying to lead them astray. The feminine half is housed at the Palmetto Bay Plantation, where male super bods are luring their prey down the garden path...literally.

Luna Beach, a charming hill side development on 15 acres, boasts a restaurant, beach bar, walking trails, small pool, SSI dive shop on site, and Saturday night parties that often last until sunrise. The brain child of Dr. Don Goin (an International Living reader), the homes here offer privacy in an open floor plan that takes advantage of the great view. Well located, Luna Beach has two homes on offer as I write: a two-bedroom with loft that the owner is willing to finance (with 40% down), priced at $199,000; and a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home for $250,000. Both feature decks and Balinese style outdoor showers--very romantic.

Beachside suites here rent for $69.60 per night in low season, up to $98.60 per night high; villas range from $89.32 for two people per night in low season, up to $191.40 for six people per night in high. For more information, go to http://www.lunabeachresort.com/.

I must admit, however, that I'm partial to the 100-acre-plus Palmetto Bay Plantation. This may be because we built our dream house here two years ago. We chose this hideaway because of its mile-long, powder-sugar-fine, white-sand beach, gently sloping jungle-covered hills, flowering landscape, protected bird sanctuary, and proverbial garden paths, which, in this case, are raised wooden walkways protecting the surrounding nature.

Should you decide on our neck of the lush tree-topped woods, you can buy a lot and build in the hill area as we've done. (It's about a 3-minute walk through the bird preserve to the beach.) Or you can invest in a duplex or single family home closer to the beach. Asking prices on land run $45,000 to $95,000 for a half- to one-acre lot. The pre-built custom-designed homes range from $99,000 to $300,000 and more for 900 to 1,800 square feet. Depending on hardware, fittings, and materials used, plan on $50 to $100 per square foot, including all bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances.

Contact Gary Chamer for more information on Palmetto Bay Plantation as a second vacation home, year-round retiree villa, or holiday rental investment; tel. (504)991-0811; e-mail: gary@palmettobayplantation.com; website: www.palmettobayplantation.com.

Catherine McCabe
for International Living

P.S. You can beat the "Temptation Island" crowd. Our next Discovery Tour to these Bay Islands, including Roatan, is scheduled for June 16 to 22. The trip in March sold out. To reserve your place on this one, contact Barbara Perriello, tel. (800)926-6575; e-mail: Tours@InternationalLiving.com.