Paya Bay / Marble Hill Farms - Recommended?

[patterrr]

Hello, I'm new to ScubaBoard (and diving, got OW certified two years ago). My wife and I are planning a trip to Roatan in May, and we’re considering staying at Paya Bay and diving via Marble Hill Farms. We like the idea of being away from the crowds on the west end, and heard Paya Bay is at a very beautiful location. We would like to do one two-tank dive each day, then chill on the beach most of the rest of each day. Maybe a few day trips like Pigeon Cay.
In searching I haven’t seen anything about these places on SB since about 2010. However, the stuff I’ve seen about Paya Bay in the 2009 – 2010 timeframe isn’t so great (and haven’t found anything about Marble Hill Farms). Bad food, could use major updating, un-maintained beaches, etc. However, the TripAdvisor reviews for these places in the last couple of years have been fantastic.
Therefore, I’m hoping for some updated info – what’s the feedback from those who have been to Paya Bay and/or Marble Hills Farms in the last 24 months? We’re interested in diving, food quality, accommodations quality, and beach quality.
Thank you!

 

[Doc]

.... staying at Paya Bay and diving via Marble Hill Farms. We like the idea of being away from the crowds on the west end, and heard Paya Bay is at a very beautiful location. We would like to do one two-tank dive each day, then chill on the beach most of the rest of each day. Maybe a few day trips like Pigeon Cay.

Paya Bay is inarguably the most picturesque piece of land on Roatan. They have laid a heavy hand on the environment by dredging sand to augment their one original spectacular beach.

Where did you find information that would show the availability of a two-tank boat dive?

Their website doesn't show much, but the un-described "dive week", which costs an additional $230 over a non-dive package, it has no details of what is offered for that extra fee. The Marble Hill Farms dive operation's website is equally vague.

Suffice to say, for the $1459 per person for a dive week on Roatan, there are many other choices that are quite well reviewed here on SB.

 

[patterrr]

For diving they drive you to Marble Hill Farms (supposedly < 10 minute drive), you use their diving facility (Trapical Island Divers), and then they drop you off at the Paya Bay dock after the diving (at least that's what they told me how it works). Marble Hill Farms has a descent web site if you google it.

I agree, the all-inclusive diving price seems a bit high. Therefore, we'd just book a room at Paya Bay ($129 / night for a room), then pay for everything else as we go. For instance, a 2-tank dive is $65, rental gear for a week is $60.