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.

The subdued three-pearl Antigua Village offers a range of room types set along the white sands of Dickenson Bay, with neat tropical landscaping and a freshwater pool. The villas, one-bedroom suites, and studios here are individually owned and decorated, and range from dated and worn to fresh and modern. They’re all sunny, spacious, and include full kitchens and separate bedrooms. Plenty of restaurants are within walking distance, plus the shops in St John’s are  eight-minute drive away, making this an appealing choice for mature couples or families who want a low-key, independent vacation. Depending on the room location, noise from neighboring Sandals can be an issue here -- those who want guaranteed peace and quiet can compare with the slightly cheaper Catamaran Hotel, on a discreet sidestreet on Falmouth Harbor.