Yepton Estates, Five Islands, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda | (888) 499-9698
In a peaceful, lakefront, garden pocket, a short walk to the beach
Self-catering cottages with AC, porches, hammocks, and lake views
All cottages have full kitchens and stainless steel barbecues
Tiny outdoor pool with a wooden sundeck and loungers
Check-in drink of wine or beer, and a bottle of welcome wine
Portable beach chairs and beach towels are provided
Cellphones with credits for local calls provided
Free movie library and paperbacks available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Not much to do in the immediate area (pro for some)
Pool is tiny and only suited for a dip
No on-site restaurant or bar
Yepton Estate Cottages is a small, mid-range property made up of five self-catering cottages, in studio and one-bedroom layouts. It sits on a lake, in a serene pocket that’s near a beach and a short drive to St John’s. There’s not much to see or do, but that’s the idea -- it’s a private spot that appeals to travelers escaping their busy lives. There’s a small outdoor pool, and the cottages have large, well-equipped kitchens, TVs (tube-style), DVD players, stereos, barbecues, free Wi-Fi, and lovely porches with water views, but furniture is clunky and dated. Hospitality ranks high here, and the hosts are full of local knowledge and take guests to the supermarket for groceries. Travelers who want to be right on the beach should check out Dutchman’s Bay Cottages.
Scene
A scattering of sunny cottages situated next to a lake amid nature
A haphazard row of sunny yellow-and-white-trimmed cottages freckles a small pocket of land here, offering lakefront views and privacy in droves. Eco-conscious Yepton heats its water through solar panels, and uses mostly LED lights. Grounds are green and thriving, with bright pops of floral in hardy hibiscus, bougainvillea, and frangipani. Bird life is in abundance, and birds can often be heard and observed on the lake. The sound of pelicans duck-diving for fish and leaves rustling are among the few breaks in the silence. Guests frequently mention falling asleep and waking up to sounds of nature. Guests rave about Yepton's husband-and-wife hosts, Douglas and Gabriela, who work to create a homey, welcoming atmosphere with a serious "chill" factor.
Location
A restful pocket, close to the beach and a 15-minute drive to St. John’s
Hidden off the main road in a private pocket of lakefront land, Yepton is serenely isolated -- there’s not much in the immediate vicinity, but it's only a 15-minute drive to the island's capital -- St. John's -- with its candy-colored architecture, historic sights, markets, restaurants, and sailing opportunities. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s Cathedral, and Heritage Quay are a 13-minute drive away, and taxis can be arranged. It’s a five-minute walk to Yepton Beach -- a long sandy stretch with lapping aqua waters, which guests may very well have to themselves.
Rooms
Cozy cottages with well-equipped kitchens, and porches with barbecues
These colonial-style cottages dressed in sunny yellow-and-white trim are more charming than glam. They're full of homey -- even if not the most up to date -- comforts. With their pleasant porch facades (some fitted with hammocks), Georgian-style windows, and a hodgepodge collection of furniture, each cottage exudes personality. Layouts range from Studios to Superior One Bedrooms with separate living areas, pull-out sofas, and dining tables that can seat four. Studios have breakfast bars. Walls are white, floors are beige tile, and sheer white curtains veil windows and French doors. A few colorful paintings adorn the walls.Kitchens are well-organized and equipped, with enough gadgets, sharp knives, pots and pans to please most home cooks. All kitchens include large refrigerators, food processors, toasters, blenders, microwaves, cheese graters, eggcups, salad spinners, and more. Fresh sponges, dish soap, and salt and pepper are provided. Cottages are stocked with fresh bath and beach towels, soap, and toilet paper. Porches look out on the pool and lake, and have stainless-steel barbecues, outdoor dining settings, and racks for drying clothes. All cottages are air-conditioned, and include irons and ironing boards, safes, beach chairs, umbrellas, stereos, tube-style TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and mini torches. One cottage has an accessible ramp.
Features
Tiny outdoor pool, lake, loaner cellphones, and free Wi-Fi
Yepton is low on fancy features -- but that’s the whole idea. Guests come here to stop, recharge, and renew -- not for a frenzy of activities. There's a tiny outdoor pool, and Yepton Beach is a five-minute walk away. Guests praise Yepton’s hosts who are quick to offer recommendations for those looking for off-site activities. Check-in includes a free drink of wine and beer, along with a bottle of welcome wine in the cottage. Loaner cellphones with credit for local calls are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.