The Black Pearl - A Caribbean Golf Delight

How does one go about creating a world-class golf destination?

First, it helps to have an idyllic piece of land. Second, you need course architects with the expertise to seamlessly mesh Mother Nature and the ancient Scottish game. Third, it doesn't hurt to have a course name conjuring up a hint of mystery and thrills yet to unfold. Given these lofty parameters, the Pete and Perry Dye- designed Pristine Bay Resort's Black Pearl golf course on the heavenly island of Roatan succeeds wildly.

"The Black Pearl is laid out on one of the best canvases we've worked with," says legendary course architect Pete Dye. Located 35 miles off the Honduran coast, Roatan is resplendent with unblemished, sugar sand beaches coexisting in harmony with azure Caribbean waters so shockingly blue it almost hurts to gaze too long. Like its pirate ship influenced moniker, it's all sinisterly enticing.

Long a haven for scuba aficionados, Roatan boasts the dramatic Meso-American Barrier Reef; the world's second largest and chockablock with a menagerie of sea life of all shapes and sizes. Whether diving, snorkeling, fishing or simply sitting in a beach chair as the warm, crystal clear aqua laps onto your feet, a more perfect locale for fun in the sun would be tough to find.

For those wearing golf shoes rather than fins, the par-72, 7,179-yard layout overlooking the shimmering sea is a "must play." The Dye's first project in Honduras starts at the ocean's doorstep and rises into the island's rolling foothills before taking golfers on a wild and woolly ride back to the seaside clubhouse. It features one of Dye's signature island greens, and 14 holes with unfettered views of the ocean and Meso-American Barrier Reef. Its championship golf in paradise.

The 157-yard, island-green, par-3 11th is perhaps The Black Pearl's most notable and visually intimidating hole. From the elevated tee, players will enjoy exceptional golf course and sea vistas before tackling the task at hand. The green sits mockingly in the middle of a lake and is ringed by a narrow bunker to give slightly awry shots a glimmer of hope for remaining dry. With the ever-present trade winds, proper club selection is vital to avoiding a big number on the scorecard. Good luck.

In such a beautiful spot on Earth, great care was given to remain eco-friendly. Dye Designs, pioneers of the use of Paspalum turf for tropics-based projects, grassed The Black Pearl with this salt-water tolerant strand known for its environmental compatibility, ease of irrigation and maintenance, and translucent green hue. Its vibrant appearance -- juxtaposed against the turquoise waters offshore - inspired The Black Pearl's tagline: "The Best Greens and the Best Blues."

But golf isn't the only alluring aspect. The 120-room, five-star Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay will open later this year and set the gold standard for customer service on the island. Guests will have access to a beach club as well as the ocean-front Bay Village at Pristine Bay with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options. And a 155-slip full-service marina located near The Black Pearl clubhouse will provide deep-water access for an array of sea-going vessels.

Five hundred years ago, that restless explorer Christopher Columbus sailed through this neck of the sea. Had there been The Black Pearl and Pristine Bay Resort back then, discovering North America would just have to wait.

Accessible via non-stop flights from Houston, Miami, New York and Atlanta, the many delights of Roatan and The Black Pearl await you with friendly smiles and open arms. For more information visit www.pristinebayresort.com, or call 323.203.0623 or 786.315.8657.