The Villas At Sunset Lane

Perched on a hillside overlooking Dickenson Bay, The Villas at Sunset Lane is bursting with color, from the vibrant pink buildings to the fragrant tropical flowers that grow throughout the property. A stark contrast to many of the large all-inclusive resorts on the island, the boutique hotel feels more like a bed-and-breakfast thanks to the personal service and delicious meals cooked by the owner/chef herself. The adult-only property draws a mix of couples, solo travelers, and business travelers looking for a quiet and restful stay away from the bustle of the larger resorts. The property is generally subdued, with handfuls of guests lounging by the pool, enjoying a meal, or taking in the gorgeous sunsets from the restaurant’s terrace. Nights are particularly quiet, which may come as a surprise to those who are expecting a rowdy all-inclusive resort. Guests should expect a good night’s sleep over a party.

Set at the end of a narrow road lined with small houses, The Villas at Sunset Lane is isolated from the activity and nightlife of the capital city, yet still ideally located for exploring some of the island’s most popular areas. Guests can reach the beach on foot in about 10 minutes from the hotel’s back entrance, though the walk is along roads that can be busy and are poorly lit at night. Dickenson Bay, home to a beautiful public beach, restaurants, nightlife, and the Grand Bay Casino, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Cedar Valley Golf Course is a seven-minute drive away. The center of the capital city of St. John’s, home to attractions like the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, the V. C. Bird Monument, and the bustling Saturday market, as well as several popular restaurants, can be reached by car in 10 to 15 minutes. V. C. Bird International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

The 10 individually decorated units at The Villas at Sunset Lane range from large rooms overlooking the pool to two-bedroom villas with full kitchens. There are two entry-level rooms called Poolside Suites, located just a few feet from the hotel’s outdoor pool. Featuring tile floors and colorful, island-inspired artwork and accents, they come equipped with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and beds with queen-size pillow-top mattresses and Egyptian cotton linens. Large closets include robes, slippers, safes, irons, and ironing boards. The bathrooms are equally large and offer Lord & Mayfair toiletries, hairdryers, and standard shower/tub combos.The next level of rooms is a pair of Deluxe Suites, which add dining tables and/or sitting areas, as well as mini-fridges. The four Premium Suites are the largest on the property and feature huge bathrooms with deep whirlpool or massage tubs. Three units include king-size beds, including a black-and-white themed suite used at the hotel’s honeymoon suite, while one has a pair of queen-size beds. These rooms notably lack minibars or coffeemakers.As the hotel’s name implies, there is a pair of two-story villas on the property, each of which has a bedroom upstairs and a living room, full kitchen, dining area, and private terrace downstairs. The one-bedroom villas can be rented separately, or can be combined with the Poolside Suites to create two-bedroom units. 

The food is a major draw at The Villas at Sunset Lane, thanks to home-cooked meals prepared by the hotel’s owner, who is a professionally trained chef. The Carribbean and international menu incorporates a variety of locally sourced ingredients into its breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, which are served in an open-air dining area that shares a space with the hotel's lobby. The restaurant’s terrace offers panoramic views of beautiful Dickenson Bay and is perfectly positioned for sunset viewing. Room service is available during restaurant hours. The basic room rate includes continental breakfast. All-inclusive rates are also offered, which cover hot breakfast, a light lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, as well as house wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. The chef also offers cooking classes to guests for a fee (must be arranged in advance).While the hotel promotes itself as all-inclusive, it lacks the extensive amenities that many guests might expect when they think of a typical all-inclusive property. At the center of the property is an outdoor pool with cushioned sun loungers and a poolside bar that serves drinks during the day. Pool towels are provided. There’s also a lounge area connected to the restaurant for guests who prefer to relax in the shade or hold an informal meeting. Next to the pool is a small 24-hour fitness center with an elliptical machine, a treadmill, and a small room with a single massage table (massages are offered for a fee), but there's no full-service spa or fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Parking is free, though the only option is unsecured parking on the street in front of the hotel.