Siboney Beach Club

Beautiful pink and red flowers surround the small parking lot at the secluded Siboney Beach Club, and walking through the gateway feels like entering an enchanted secret garden. The magical vibe extends to the shoreline, which starts at the property's tiny beach and extends down the coast to the decidedly fancier Sandals Resort. The Siboney itself sits in a tropical garden that feels like something a child might have dreamed up. Colorful flowers, leafy plants, and royal palm trees clamor for space within a small grassy oasis that's home to a curving pool, lawn chairs, and a huge hammock. Just beyond is a section reserved for bananaquits and hummingbirds that regularly swarm the trees, lured by the sugar water put out by hotel staff. It all amounts to a quaint, under-the-radar atmosphere that tends to appeal to self-sufficient couples seeking privacy and reasonable rates. 

It's easy to miss the entrance to Siboney Beach Club. The property is hidden behind Coconut Grove Restaurant and surrounded on either side by the bigger Buccaneer Beach Club and Antigua Village resort. It sits right on Dickenson Bay, a narrow strip of sand that hosts a handful of hotels and restaurants. Putters’s Bar and Grill (for burgers and fries) and Hao Hao Chinese are both a three-minute walk from the Siboney. 

Otherwise there are limited dining options within walking distance, though plenty within a reasonable drive. Local eateries are found in downtown St John’s (a 10-minute drive), while there's mostly Italian food at Jolly Harbor (a 30-minute drive), and casual beach bars and nightlife at English Harbor (a 45-minute drive). Various grocery stores and pharmacies are within 10 to 15 minutes by car. 

The more secluded Runaway Beach is a 17-minute walk along the sand, and Darkwood Beach is 35 minutes' drive away. VC Bird International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

The rooms here are designed in a fanciful colonial style, with creamy pastel or vibrant tropical colors, curved archways, and dark woodwork. Wicker furniture, fresh flowers, and framed beach photography are nice touches that give each room a homey, island-lite personality. All rooms are one-bedroom suites and while some fittings are a bit dated -- older amenities can include loud air-conditioners -- they are generally well-kept.

Most rooms have views of the lovely garden from the spacious outdoor balconies or patios that come standard. Sea views are available from some rooms. Another notable standard feature is the kitchenette with a coffeemaker, mini-fridge, stove-top, and microwave. These kitchenettes look something like pantries, as their slatted doors can conceal them from view. Each suite also has a cozy living space with a flat-screen TV, couches and armchairs, and a dining table -- these vary from small wooden tables to longer ones. Closets store ironing facilities and safes. Wi-Fi is free and there's daily maid service. 

Some windows lack screens or glass, which lets in fresh air -- as well as mosquitoes. No-see-ums are notorious in Antigua, and the Siboney is no exception. Some suites' glass balcony doors keep the bugs out, and all suites are equipped with bug spray, electric repellent plug-ins, and mosquito nets to combat the pests that attack as soon as the sun sets. Ants can be a problem here too, so it’s advisable to hide food in the mini-fridge whenever possible.

Bathrooms are small, but clean and bright. Showers are walk-in units and the water lacks pressure (but it does get hot). Toiletries are provided. 

According to manager Tony Johnson, the garden here was inspired by feng shui, with an apparently strategic placement of trees and chairs to support the movement of energy. This helps explain the Buddha statue hidden in one corner, sheltered from the wind by the many trees and plants encircling the small space. The fresh-water pool is also located in the garden -- it’s moderately sized and above-ground. While it’s nice and shady during the day, it quickly gets buggy at night here and elsewhere on the property.

All beaches are officially public in Antigua, and the Siboney shares its popular beach with guests of the surrounding hotels, cruise ship guests, and some locals. Dickenson Bay is expansive in both directions, though the area designated for hotel guests is a tiny swimming cove with calm turquoise water, a few beach chairs, and some bushes for privacy. In one direction is the more secluded Runaway Beach, which can be reached by walking along the white sand. The beach narrows and then widens out again near the end, by Sandals Resort, where there's a more social vibe.

The on-site Coconut Grove Restaurant and Bar is perfectly situated to maximize sea views, and restaurant chairs and tables span most of the tiny beach area. The food here is basic and lacking in quality, though the prices don’t reflect as much. But the restaurant certainly win points for its casual, romantic vibe -- especially at night, when lights strung along the ceiling cast a soft glow on the small tables, each of which is decorated with an orange light and flower.

Spa services are available in the garden. There's also a wellness trainer who can provide sessions in Pilates, aqua aerobics, and with bosu balance balls The hotel provides Wi-Fi for free, with a generally reliable signal in the rooms.