Antigua Village

The tranquil Antigua Village spreads over four neatly manicured acres of beachfront property on Dickenson Bay, the most developed beach in Antigua. Not only is it a frequent cruise-ship stop -- the half-mile stretch is also home to two other hotels, a couple restaurants, and an all-inclusive resort, so the area understandably buzzes with activity day and night. Yet despite the hotel’s residence right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, it nevertheless seems to maintain a subdued vibe. Security guards roam the premises all day and night, and the hotel has a lovely pool as its centerpiece in addition to the various swimming coves on the beach. There's not really an identifiable style here, as the hotel's common areas are limited to the pool and beach, and the condo-style setups -- the property is partly made up of timeshares -- encourage independent vacations. Most guests here are mature British and American couples, though a decent number of families pass through as well. 

The hotel is on the northwestern coast of Antigua, right on the beach at Dickenson Bay. There are a fair amount of restaurants within the immediate area -- aside from the two that flank the hotel -- like the popular Putter’s Bar and Grill that's a two-minute walk from the hotel. It serves good for burgers and fries and has a chill late-night vibe. There’s also Bay House Restaurant on the hill above the resort -- a chic bar and lounge with stunning sea views -- that's about a five-minute drive. St. John's, the largest city on the island and home to plenty of restaurants and bars, is eight minutes away by car. The local grocery store, Epicurean, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and comes in handy for stocking the kitchens in the rooms. Expect a 15-minute drive to V.C. Bird International Airport.  

The 94 villas, one-bedroom suites, and studios vary widely here, not just in terms of size -- floor plans range from 540 square feet to 840 square feet (50 to 78 square meters) -- but in terms of style too. A few look like relics, with tired paint jobs and rust cracking the knobs on bathroom fixtures. Some have outdated tropical decor, with rattan furniture, beige tiled floors, and flowery patterns in bedding. The style in these units might not be so problematic, except that there are nicer units to be had, and it's worth requesting a renovated room. The Studio that we saw had handsome dark wood furniture, attractive upholstery and bedding, and sharp abstract art, making it a solid upgrade from the Garden Suite that we photographed. Location also matters: Rooms on the right side that border Sandals Resort tend to be noisier, whereas beachfront apartments are more peaceful, but pricier. Garden-facing rooms are the most private. 

All rooms here are generally sunny, with well-equipped kitchens (or kitchenettes), telephones, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, daily housekeeping, and patios or balconies. Plastic tables and lounge chairs adorn the large patios, which are granted shade and privacy by the bushes and trees strategically planted along the tidy walkways. Depending on the category, some rooms come with flat-screen TVs or tube-style televisions, sitting rooms, or sofa beds. There’s also a fully equipped three-bedroom house with two bathrooms available for rent.  

Features aren't deep here, but it's that unpretentious, humble, and independent-minded vibe that makes this a reliable bet for so many repeat visitors. The beach that's directly in front of Antigua Village consists of a slim strip of sand with just three or four thatched palapas and pretty ocean views. A 30-second walk in either direction leads to some wider areas for relaxing on the sand. To the right is Sandals Resort and the busiest section of beach -- here guests can participate in water sports or cozy up on huge daybeds placed on the farthest point of the boardwalk, directly facing the sea. In the other direction, the path leads to Runaway Beach, a more secluded section of the beach that’s often frequented by locals. The alternative for swimmers is the hotel’s relatively large pool, which is centered in the middle of the property, surrounded by lounge chairs and shaded by a few palm trees. 

Ana’s on the Beach is not officially affiliated with the hotel, but the chic restaurant is directly in front of the property, open for lunch and dinner. Their sparse international menu lacks prices, perhaps the biggest signifier of the hefty bill that will come at the end of the meal. It might be worth it for the romantic ambience: Lamps are tucked into corners and yellow bulbs are strung above the walkways, beautifully framing the scattered daybeds, white tables, and tall bar seats taking up space on the sand.

Antigua Village has a business center behind the front desk, with a single computer available for use at an additional fee -- otherwise Wi-Fi is free and functional everywhere on the property. Parking is secure and free, and the lot is big enough to consistently find a spot.