We stayed at Keyonna Beach while doing a little island hopping in the Caribbean and it was our favourite stop in the whole trip. It definitely is not for everyone, but if you're looking for a quiet spot to chill out on the beach away from the crowds like we were, it is perfect. We stayed in a cottage which was simple but stylish - great four poster bed, outdoor shower and lovely deck with sea views. They're new, just added in December and really are head and shoulders better than the rooms in the main building.

There aren't many rooms so the place is light on facilities. A simple seating area serves both the bar and restaurant and reception! Meals are a la carte with a choice of 2 options, and I saw the staff make specific dishes on request for other visitors too. The food was great, much better than expected for a simple 3* hotel. I think they have brought in an Italian chef since the relaunch in December.

Apart from that, it really is all about the beach. Never crowded and calm enough as it is on the Caribbean side of the island, it is pretty much perfect. You get the odd boat stopping by at the other end of the beach to visit a beachside restaurant. And just past that in the next bay is a beach with no buildings at all! We did see a local couple pull up in a jeep and enjoy some skinny dipping though!

All in all perfect for those looking to escape, not for those looking for facilities or lots of people.

We had a lovely stay here. the staff were charming and accomadating, the owner and his wife were friendly, the food was excellent and the beach lovely. The only downsides were the mosquitos, although the rooms were supplied with anti-mosquito coils and spray, and the sea, which was rather rough, so snorkelling was disappointing (not the hotel's fault, of course). There was some building work, but it didn't really impinge on us.

We chose Keyonna Beach hotel because it was described as "boutique ", secluded and no kids under 12. It promised gourmet food, beautiful beach and for us the perfect getaway. In reality it is a building site, bug riddled with no amenities and THE WORST FOOD we have ever eaten. For an All Inclusive package we have never had so little choice... Oh sorry there wasn't a choice!
Firstly I want to say that the staff were great on the whole - they were working with bad management of the place.
On arrival we are shown a very small room (later to find it is there largest!) and shown a door less cupboard for our clothes - the wooden pole held up by a nail and massive holes where they had removed the safe. When asked to use the hotel safe the housekeeper said it wasn't necessary because in the year shed worked there nothing had been stolen. We carried our money and documents with us daily.
The view from the balcony was stunning but the biting bugs made it impossible to sit out there despite all the sprays, candles and other repellent products. The bug situation was terrible and despite complaints was not fogged until our last night.
The dining room was double tiered decking around wasteland which was cleared during meal times to make gardens for the new sheds - new garden rooms. The floor so bouncy it made you feel sick as staff served meals. The furniture old and tatty. There was no where to sit for pre- dinner drinks or after dinner except 2 benches without cushions. I see now they have a photo on their site with2 benches where we placed them with cushions - this is not a good place to sit due to Mosquitos so don't be fooled - we had nowhere else to chat with friends.
Food was hit and miss. Weekends were worst with no staff and who knows who was cooking. The waitress refused to write down your order, got it wrong every time and you waited for another hour and 15 minutes for a replacement. This woman was the worst. The others were fabulous.
There were two choices on the menu. One fish the other was usually out of stock so instead of steak was offered duck - so nothing again for supper. There is a sample breakfast menu on the website now there was nothing in November. Our first morning was Caribbean breakfast offered by the worst waitress. A plate swimming in spinach, salt cod and tomatoes AND THAT WAS ALL THAT WAS OFFERED AND GIVEN. Ileaving the dining area I called the woman to ask where the supermarket was, she was stuffing her face with food behind the bar! Incredible!
Red wine was served from the fridge, time between courses up to an hour and there was either silence or live music belting out - certainly no boutique ambiance promised.
There weren't enough bug infested Bali beds for everyone. We used broken sun beds on the beach without shade.when asked owner for umbrella he said it was hurricane country so didn't use umbrellas despite the derilect hotel complex next door having umbrellas on their beach and the brochures showing Keyonna beach hotel with lovely sun beds and umbrellas.
The spa was a tent infested with Mosquitos. The others had their massage in the beach but mine was inside the tent as it started raining. The lady came from their sister hotel and was great but I had to jump off the bed half way through and drag it into the tent due to the sand flies... Not relaxing or therapeutic in the slightest.
The pool was unfinished and not cleaned at weekends. Some towels were left on a bed in the rain and sun for 4 days without being taken away. It was infested by ants.
One day we were given dips and poppadum on the beach but the dips and dishes left there for 24 hours. This is not boutique.
As for secluded beach, the party boats start arriving mid morning. They are catamaran trips from the cruise liners up the coast and are just that... Peace is shattered and beach overrun!
I could go on but I hope you realise it is not what it claims to be so be aware.
The taxis are very expensive. A taxi to English Harbour was $80 but JJ was a character and give a running commentary and guided tour of his life, family and local history... Priceless!
Rosemary's herb garden was also a highlight - a talk and walk around the garden for $15 then you can buy her remedies. The extreme bites I had have healed without scarring I'm sure due to her oils and advice... Well worth a visit.

You will notice after this report is posted a glowing letter from an imaginary couple appears on trips advisor and their website. Please do not believe it is genuine. Try out this place if you dare, but don't believe the reports, no one in the hotel on our stay had anything good to say about it.

We are just sad to have to write this type of report and hope that the resort sorts itself out because it has all the ingredients to be what it claims with an injection of money And management.

Keyona Beach is located on a very nice beach. It was relaxing to open the door in the morning and see the ocean right there! True there isn't much to do in that area, but that's why one goes to Antigua, to relax and get away.

The hotel's beach has very comfortable Bali beds. The staff is very friendly. The food was great.

The eating area is outdoors. While you're eating, a couple of birds may visit your table. they are so cute! and if you're lucky, you may see a hummingbird in the little flower garden. It is an eco friendly hotel, so there are no fans to keep mosquitoes at bay, and from the horrible amount of mosquito bites (or whatever insect bit me) I got on my lower legs, I assume they don't do pest control either. You really need to use repellent on your skin if this bothers you. They are so thoughtful at Keyona, to provide the rooms with Off insect repellent and other things to deal with insects. However, the brand off didn't work at all. Neither did the fancy repellent I brought with 34% deet. I suggest you ask the locals which brand they use. I suggest you keep your room's door closed at all times to avoid mosquitoes getting in.

I was having such a great time there. Too bad our stay was so short. I would've been so happy to just go to the beach all day, lay on a bali bed and relax in the afternoon, but my boyfriend wanted to explore the island and we were up and down Antigua and i didn't get to enjoy the hotel much.