Along the road from West Bay to West End, just before reaching the latter, is Luna Beach Resort (tel. 504/403-8778, U.S. tel. 866/710-5862, www.lunabeachresort.com, US$89–246 s/d, US$25 each extra person), an expanse of wooden buildings and decks spread across the beach and up a hillside between West End and West Bay. It has a fine dock out over the water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset, as well as a pool and beachfront bar.

A hotel-style portion has spacious rooms along the waterfront, while upscale cabins with kitchens and generous living areas are nestled into the tropical hillside. The furniture is made with local wood, the beach is very well-maintained, including a daily spraying with a natural jején repellent, and the amenities (showers, TVs, appliances) are all first-class—pluses that make up for a lack of character in the decor. Enormous four-bedroom houses are available for $408/night.

There is a dive shop on-site with competitive prices (fun dive US$35, Open Water certification US$325 for beginners, US$260 for advanced), and the confined sessions can be completed in the hotel pool, a luxury if the sea is choppy.