Each year, I return to Jim and Kendra's at Off The Wall to renew a sense of tranquility and to connect with nature. And, every year when I return, the staff all welcome me like family, and the island is more lush with new personal touches that befit a Caribbean retreat. I really appreciate their new covered boat, so comfortable, smooth and dry. I just heard they added another paddle board, so this year, a new adventure awaits.

I appreciate Kendra and Jim as hands on owners and their well chosen staff who are so welcoming and full of humor. Eileen, one of their cooks, has catered to my sensitive stomach, by providing extra veggies and tropical fruits. And I love her grilled shrimp, and the deep water snapper they get from the Hopkins' fishermen. She sings when she is cooking, and loves it when I offer to join her in the kitchen. It is another of my favorite places to hang out.

The privacy of each of the cabanas is a big plus here, making them into a personal retreat. I have stayed in them all, but The White Cabana is my favorite. The duplex as well as the thatched cabana have huge verandas. Hammocks are strung on each of the porches with the ocean only a few feet away. With swing beds, thatched umbrellas and hammocks strung among the palm trees around the resort, I can move around between sun and shade, relax, catch the breeze, read my book, take a nap and watch time pass.

Every time I get in the water here, be it diving or snorkeling, I am amazed at the abundant sea life, gorgeous colors and warm, clear water. I felt safe and professionally attended to when I took my PADI dive course from Beverly and Jim. I love snorkeling off the dock, and paddling over to the sandbar on a kayak. Watching the staff and guests sport fish off the dock is extremely entertaining too.

On my first trip to Off The Wall, I wondered if I would be OK not using internet, TV or my phone, (WI-FI is available if you need it), but I actually never missed them. It is my year long desire to go back to OTW and drop down to time without the "buzz" and were humor and personal connection come so easily when not plugged into my digital devices.

When I am at Off The Wall, I am in a paradise, a week there is richly simple and complete. It is worth a month of restoration and realness. In my book, it rates over a 5.

My family stayed for a week at Off the Wall. They have created a magnificent, family like environment on a gorgeous coral atoll 50 miles from the mainland. The diving was the best in the world. 8 foot wide Loggerhead turtle and 8 foot wide Eagle Ray 6 inches from our nose! The food was fantastic. The divemaster was very safety conscious and knowledgeable. Overall it was an incredible experience that far surpassed our wildest hopes. Make your reservation today. You won't be sorry.

First, let me say that Kendra and Jim have a lovely island location and have done a splendid job of outfitting it for shady spots, relaxation, socialization (we met some great folks), and the water sports are great. Dinner conversations were a highlight. Kendra is very artisitic and has creaeted lovely mosaics in the generous outdoor showers and a community table, and Jim has done a fine job creating sources for energy and great outdoor furniture, although if takes a beating in the salt air. They have created a lovely retreat from virtually nothing, but there were a few disappointments that make it less than 5 star, depite its charms..

First, the positive. The dive and snorkeling spots are outstanding, depending on wind and weather. We did not see whale sharks, but that's just luck sometimes. The reefs were spectacular, many sponges and pristine coral formations..Dive the "Aquarium" if you can, it is protected and has HUGE black groupers as well as other large fish that would normally end up as food. We discovered that the turtle grass area in front has little coral mounds with juvenile fish ( see picture) and there are lobsters under the dock in knee deep water. Lots to see and enjoy. We loved the hermit crabs, blue crabs, and other crabs all over the island, as well as lovely iguanas and some birds. If you bring snacks, bring an AIRTIGHT container and consider keeping it on the porch.....just a warning to keep critters outside.

Before I comment on anything we found lacking, let me add that we are very active and fit people who love camping and the outdoors. Not looking for luxury of any kind, just a lovely natural setting and some good water adventures, eating, and relaxation. We selected this resort based on the reviews as well as the impressions we got from the the website.

Our first disappointment was that as companion couples we were put into a "duplex", which is a large cabin split in two by a wall. it was obvious right away that this reduced the cross ventilation, dramatically so in the side away from the wind; it was stifling day and night. The unit was so full of bugs and the heat so oppressive that our fellow travellers slept outside - luckily there are generous swinging beds out in the wind, better than those indoors, as long as the rain holds off. All the other units are on higher ground and have ventilation on all 4 sides. Bring strong repellent and cortizone creams in any case for tiny biters.

Second, we were looking forward to the baked fish dinners, lobster bake, and conch chowder described in the website. We love fresh seafood and were eagerly expecting fresh fish, given the abundance in the area. In actuality, we never got any of those meals, nor anything I think you could reasonably consider "goumet". Mostly chicken, meats, lots of fried foods, including the fresh snapper, which was deep fried with flavored breading. Such a disappointment in the middle of such an area. Why not baked, moist fish?? The cook is eager to please and will try to accommodate any special needs, but in general the food selection is limited although tasty, so beware for picky eaters. There are fresh oranges and grapefruit which you can juice for your breakfast as well as fresh papaya & pineapple daily. If you really like cereal, bring your favorite - they provide yogurt.

I would characterize this resort as a great getaway, lovely and relaxing, but not as described in terms of food and cabin comfort, at least in the duplex. As campers, we have never been so hot and bedevilled by bugs in a tent as we were in the duplex. My ratings reflect comparisons to other "rustic" locations, not fancy resorts, and take into consideration all of the wonderful things to be found here. My pictures include some shots we found interesting which you may not see elsewhere, but which we thought potential visitors might also like.

Basically after reading all the positive reviews we were really excited about the place, but we didn't think it would quite live up to those reviews. Now after being there it's the other way around, the reviews don't quite match how amazing the place really is. Not much else to say, read the reviews and believe them!

Tips (use the info that Kendra sends you, but here are some that we either didn't heed, or found extra useful):
Stay in Hopkins overnight before catching the boat instead of Dangriga. We had a great stay at the Bluefield Lodge, but the town itself didn't seem to cater to tourists.
Solar chargers for things like cameras etc come in handy
Extra towels & sheets if you have room in your luggage (didn't heed and could've used)
Book lights were handy
Skin suit, surf suits, rash guards - great sun protection while snorkeling
We didn't have them, but some other guests brought their Kindles & Nooks