Just returned from a Thanksgivng week dive vacation at LBR. The resort simple and well maintained- they are in the process of updating although not really necessary. . The staff was wonderful and Felica and Amanda took care of all your needs. The food was excellent and nicely presented- limited menue but if you have something you just can't eat the chefs will find something else for you. The diving was great- Captain Wagner was a riot- Adam, Bel and Megan were excellent divemasters- you didn't touch your gear the entire time. Travel to Utilia can be a slight challenge- not too bad- but if you're impatient or a cranky traveler- keep that in mind. Troy the owner was very gracious and interested in making you're stay memorable. The bug are bad and they try to control them - but you will get some bites- bring DEET and use it. If you are a diver- bring everything you need- the dive shop is very limited - they have rental gear- but not much in the way of merchandise. The only thing I would mention is that on Saturday- departure day- they only offered a continenal breakfast to those departing- while offering a full buffet to the guests staying - it was pretty uncomfortable as they hid the food when we entered the dining area. After being so well fed and taken care of for the entire week I wouldn't think an egg or piece of bacon would put the resort in financial ruin- this also came after we had just left over $800 in gratuities for the staff- unfortunately that bad last impression was just that- a bad last impression and so not what this resort deserves- we left that feedback on their survey - so I hope they change that policy.

Can't say enough about my week of diving at the Laguna Beach Resort in mid-September! From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty!

Most important nugget: Utila is a divers island, and the LBR is built around that. The dive operation is top notch, with world-class DMs, and expert Captains! (DM Adam / Captain Wagner = MAGIC!) There are plenty of other activities available at the resort - kayaks, horseback riding, sparkling pool - but it is optimized for diving. We did 19 dives in 5 days, and could have done a couple more if we chose to... The reefs are spectacular!

Accomodations are basic, and quite nice. For the double cabins, the walls are a bit thin, and you can hear conversations pretty easily. Housekeeping was stellar.

What sets the resort apart is the service - Amanda and Felicia in the "front of house" operations set the bar high! Kitchen and office staff are also delightful!

Some things to remember:

- It's not easy to get there. if it were easy, it wouldn't be quite so special! Patience may be required as you make your way to and from the little peninsula that is LBR, on a very small island with a single airstrip!

- Bugs. No-seeums are annoying. When 100% DEET is recommended, you probably should pay attention to that...

My week at LBR was one of the best vacations i've ever experienced, and i hope to return!

The time spent was wonderfully relaxing. It was quiet and well supported by the staff. We spent time relaxing at the pool and snorkelling in the reef surrounding the Resort. While the Resort is set well apart from the the town we were always just a quick boat ride away from town, which was easily arranged.

Eight of us stayed, 6 divers, 2 non. Staff was the best! Felicia, Amanda, Liza, Erin, Franklin, DM, Adam and Sheena, and our favorite, Wagner, the boat captain. The two cooks did an outstanding job, every meal was hot and delicious. They even served appetizers when we went to the bar after the afternoon dive. The accommodations are simple but comfortable. A/C was good, housekeeping good. Pool was clean but unfortunately with the hot weather not too refreshing but felt good after dives and snorkling. Umbrellas by the pool would be nice. Because of other people throwing garbage in ocean it would come ashore but they were resolving that with putting large rocks on the breakwater. Snorkeling was great. The bugs and sand flies? Not much they can do. Just spray yourself down, especially your feet and legs before you leave your cabin. Keep up the good work LBR