It’s not so unusual for a Caribbean private island to come with a bit of history—but it’s incredibly rare that an island can claim connections to Columbus, pirates and the British military. Located just off the coast of Roatan and less than 50 miles from mainland Honduras, Fort Morgan Cay is one of the Bay Islands discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502. The island served as a refueling stop for pirates like Captain Morgan for the next 200+ years, and the British made it part of their Port Royal settlement in the mid-18th century, building Fort George on its west side to protect the local harbor.
Modern visitors come to 40-acre Fort Morgan Cay for its natural beauty, unparalleled tranquility and total pampering at its seven-room guest lodge, each room with in-suite bathroom. Covered in virgin mangroves and situated directly on a breathtaking coral reef, the island and its surrounding area offer incredible fishing, hiking, diving, kite surfing and sailing. Kayaking “mangrove tunnels” is another favorite pastime, through ocean channels covered in mangroves. Winding down is easy too, on one of the island’s three white sand beaches, or ample lounges, shaded terraces and wide sun decks. There’s also a yoga palapa, a large work bodega, a commercial-grade kitchen, indoor dining and library, as well as covered outdoor living and dining areas.
Other features on the island include a boathouse with three stalls, four docks (including two with deep-water access), a six-bedroom two-bathroom staff house and a manager’s apartment. Just a two-hour flight from Atlanta, Miami or Houston, Roatan is easily accessible from North America, and Port Royal is less than an hour’s drive from the international airport. From there, it’s just a quick five-minute boat ride across the bay to Fort Morgan Cay. The island even has its own disused grass runway, which could be reactivated if the new owners so choose.
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