Keyonna Beach: Is this Antigua’s best-kept secret?

Don’t let the modest star rating of this intimate boutique hotel fool you, Keyonna Beach is a very special place.

What it lacks in extensive facilities it more than makes up for with its location, style, service and unique charm. You’ll feel as though you have discovered Antigua’s best kept secret and when it’s time for you to leave, you’ll find yourself torn between wanting to shout about it from the rooftops and keeping this special place all to yourself.

Here are just a few of our favourite things about Keyonna Beach:

The Tranquil Setting

As soon as you walk into the open-air beachfront lounge you’ll feel a sense of calm wash over you. It’s as if somebody has created a giant treehouse and placed it right on the beachfront. Wooden beams and thatched roofs are intertwined with seagrape trees and provide a wonderful open space that merges the inside with the outside. Dozens of plant pots and lush foliage create a garden-feel while fishing nets hang from the ceiling, conch shells edge the deck and pretty seashells adorn the tables. The plush white sofas are perfectly placed for watching the sun set over the ocean while sipping a fruity ‘cocktail of the day’ from the bar and on a clear day you can see the neighbouring islands of Redonda and Montserrat.

The gorgeous stretch of golden sand is the focal point here and as you hide yourself away under the thatched palm leaves of one of the Carib beach beds it can feel like you’re the only person on the beach – which often, you may well be.

The Romantic Rooms

The simple pairing of dark wood and crisp white furnishings extends from the lounge and restaurant to the rooms and cottages which are sprinkled along pretty flower-lined pathways. The rustic rooms are very spacious with hand-crafted furniture, romantic canopy beds and outdoor showers – if you’ve never showered outside before then you’re in for a treat. You may feel a little exposed to begin with but you’ll soon start to enjoy the unique feeling of the water, fresh air and sunshine on your skin. Opening your curtains to the soothing sea views and stepping out onto the terrace of one of the Beachfront Pool Cottages is a wonderful way to start your day. If you opt for one of the Beachfront Pool Cottages that are tucked away at the side of the resort then you can enjoy the added indulgence of a private plunge pool on your terrace and a designated beach bed.

The Authentic Dining

When it comes to dining there’s no need to plan ahead as dinner reservations aren't required. All meals are à la carte and tables are perfectly spaced so that meals feel very intimate. A few steps take to you from the lounge to the restaurant which is set on a raised wooden deck where white drapes frame the beams and the sound of the waves or steel pan music add to the relaxed ambience. The chefs buy the catch-of-the-day from local fishermen and the fresh and delicious dishes are a blend of local food with infusions from other cuisines such as Italian. The dinner menu changes nightly and on Sundays you can look forward to specials such as suckling pig. If you like to try local dishes when you’re away then you’ll love the lunch specials which can include local favourites such as oxtail-seasoned rice and fungi with salt fish.