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 This is definitely the place to go. Visited: March 2007 |
| Posted by alistairanddee |
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Hawksbill Resort faces the setting sun on the western coast of Antigua near to Five Islands Village. It is set in secluded gardens featuring Tamarind, Turpentine and Palm, Hibiscus and countless other beautiful tropical plants. On arrival, you feel that you may be in paradise but when you meet the staff you know you have. I have never known people so friendly and kind.
The resort has four beaches - all of different character - where you can take the sun, read in the shade, and snorkel in the turquoise waters where multicolored fish can be found on the reef a short distance from the shore. There are facilities for sun-sail yachting, water skiing, and other water sports, and an excellent restaurant and grill for lunch.
Accommodation is in spacious rooms located in an attractive two-storey block or individual semi-detached cottages facing onto the beach.
The main restaurant where breakfast is served, has panoramic views across the beautiful resort with its exotic plants and the blue, blue ocean. Dinner can be taken under the brightest stars to be found on earth, to the sound of gentle waves lapping on the beach. The main restaurant offers a reasonable choice of good food, with an abundance of fresh fish enabling delicious eating, while an a la carte menu is available at Il Vignetto by the main beach.
Did I mention the friendly, friendly people? - Not enough can be said. And not many places in the world can beat this resort. If you love to leave footprints in the sand at sunset, and drink good wine under the stars it is definitely the place to go.
To Richard and the staff my special friends - Thank you all for you everything. |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is the best location on the island with four beautiful beaches Visited: March 2006 |
| Posted by jeremy_smith |
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The Hawksbill provides a very friendly ambience with an excellent team of management and staff.
The resort has four beautiful beaches enabling a variety of activity from sauntering along a long stretch of golden sand to swimming accross a calm bay in the morning.
The main restaurant boasts panoramic views accross the lush green resort and turquoise blue ocean. The food is good, with an abundance of fresh fish enabling delicious and healthy eating. There is also a great selection of accommodations from rooms in a main block to individual semi-detached cottages facing onto beach.
Not many places in the world that can beat this resort. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was nice to relax in tropical surroundings. Visited: September 2003 |
| Posted by dgwestuk |
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Having just returned from the Hawksbill, we are wishing we could return tomorrow.
The gardens were very well tended and manicured giving the Hawksbill an atmosphere of tranquility. The beaches were well cared for, cleaned and raked each day we were there.
The staff was wonderful. Although we were told they could be offish, we found all to be polite and helpful. The rooms were comfortable, although a tea/coffee maker would be an asset.
We found that our three weeks here were the best we have had in 15 years of travel to the Caribbean. We will certainly return - hopefully at Christmas. Our thanks to Mr. Richard Michelin, the manager, for making our stay at the Hawksbill so memorable. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Paradise revisited. Visited: May 2002 |
| Posted by heather_greig |
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It was 10 years ago that we were married at the Hawksbill and we had promised ourselves that we would return. So, when better to return than on our 10th wedding anniversary?
After checking in, we toured the premises and noted that very little had changed. There had been some building work carried out (Club Rooms, etc), but the beauty and tranquility had not been spoilt in any way.
The superior room had two double beds, ceiling fan (adequate) and a small bathroom, terrace and sea view. The lack of phones, televisions, radios, etc. could only be counted as a blessing. Entertainment was provided by an array of tropical wildlife, cheeky birds, goats, pigs, lizards, etc.
However, this time around we found we were particularly bothered by mosquitoes (30 bites in seven days - ouch!) even when using the Vap Map provided and another we brought with us.
We were delighted to meet some of the staff from 10 years ago and were especially pleased to see Karen, who had been a witness at our wedding. The staff was all helpful and polite and once we chilled and adopted the laid-back style of the island, we fit in - no problem.
We were on half-board basis, which was more than sufficient for us. We did try the a-la-carte menu one evening, but were disappointed when compared to the evening meals we were already receiving. The food was well prepared, tasty and plentiful. Unfortunately, the wine was expensive.
This was not a holiday for children - but definitely one for the grown ups. There was lots of time to unwind, read, swim, dine and generally spend precious time together. There were no tours, coaches, etc., to spoil the nature of the place.
Our only complaint would be the hidden cost factor. The 10% service charge, 8.5% Government Tax, 50% on phone calls, £20 taxi fares, temporary driving licences, etc. all soon added up. I hope they do not price themselves out of the market.
Go and enjoy . We hope to go back. It will be a lot sooner than another 10 years! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It is the ultimate in relaxation. Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by jjochorios |
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We just returned from an eight-day stay at Hawksbill. Prior to visiting Antigua, we agonized over where to stay and ended up being very pleased with our decision.
The grounds were very nice with tropical flowers and palms throughout. The rooms were fine, not spectacular, but fine. We started in a garden view superior and then upgraded to a Club room which was well worth it for the air conditioning and view of the ocean. All rooms had mini refrigerators, beach towels, and hair dryers and the rooms were very clean with no bugs. Only the club rooms had air conditioning and phones.
The food and drinks in the restaurants and bars were very good, although pricey which is common to Antiguan resorts. There were plenty of water sports to choose from and you can snorkel right off the beach. The beaches were truly spectacular and you have four to choose from. This gave us some variety with the benefit of knowing we could always find an uncrowded spot.
The staff was friendly and personable. The only complaint we had was that there was only one restaurant for dinner so that got a little old after a few days. Of course, guests could go into St. Johns, but that was a $12 US cab ride each way. We did end up purchasing the full board menu (breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner) which saved up quite a bit.
We would return to Hawksbill in a heartbeat and would not hesitate to recommend it. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent and enjoy your time on Antigua! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere! Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by rickardsm |
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We stayed at the Hawksbill Hotel the week before the Antiguan Sailing Week.
On arrival, we found the room disappointing as it was basic compared to the description given by Kuoni. Having said that, hardly any time was spent in the room. There was no air conditioning, although the huge ceiling fan was fine. The room was a good size. The bathroom was basic (on par with Greek apartment rooms). But all this was not a problem when we had four lovely beaches to lounge on all day!
Beaches one and four were my favorites. Beach two had the most guests around due the the fact that the bar was there and the water sports were based there. I loved the seclusion of beach four - there was a lack of shade, but I came for the sunshine!
The staff was generally friendly and chatty (you have to build up a rapport). However, I found the service slow most of the time.
This was the first year the hotel had all-inclusive guests and it was annoying to be asked if were were all inclusive. Also, at times, I felt like we were bothering the staff by asking for a drink!
The food was good, sometimes adequate. There was a good choice of items like barbeque once a week, seafood buffet and the managers cocktail party.
The hotel provided entertainment on alternate days - a steel band and reggae band - but it was pretty tame. Go to Shirley Heights on Sunday or ask the staff for other places (they will be happy to tell you)!
The taxis were expensive, but the best way to get around was by hiring a car. It took approximately 1.5 hours to get from one side the other. There was a bus service on the island which we used once and it was pretty good.
We found the other guests to be an older, tame crowd. It was mostly the older guests who generally stayed at the hotel for the entire stay. Mainly English and American.
On the whole, I would recommend this hotel - on the caveat that you remember that you are in the Caribbean mon! No Problem! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It lived up to all our expectations. Visited: March 2002 |
| Posted by ngoodrick_turner |
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Having never been to the Caribbean, I did not know exactly what to expect. My husband has travelled there several times as a professional cricketer and had relayed stories of his time in the Caribbean which made me long to visit. Finally, after seven years we decided to holiday there and chose Hawksbill.
We arrived to find that our room had been upgraded to a beachfront cottage which was a welcome surprise. We were next to the beach bar, so did receive an early morning call every day of our stay, but that didn't matter as all we did for the 2 week's was sunbathe on beach two.
For us, the lack of outside communication was fantastic as it meant my husband could take a well earned rest.
We made friends with Terry and Jimmy - the watersports guys, Terry especially took very good care of us even introducing me to snorkeling, which was no mean feat as I am someone who doesn't go past their knees in the sea!
A couple of things did put a dampener on the holiday, the bites being one, but we soon overcame that with spray. The other was the abruptness of certain members of staff. Other than that, we had a fantastic time - especially enjoying the "friendly" game of cricket organized by Jimmy where I caught out my husband the ex-cricket professional.
My husband has promised to take me back next year and I am holding him to it. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Lovely setting, but let down by the sometimes surly staff. Visited: November 2001 |
| Posted by sieghart |
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We stayed at Hawksbill for a week on a last-minute deal, which was admittedly very good value for money. The setting was absolutely gorgeous—spread over four beaches with not another building in sight. The grounds were very well kept and the cottages pretty.
Rooms were okay: clean and well looked-after, but the bathrooms were basic. In our room there was a perfectly adequate overhead fan (no air conditioning) and no phone. Some rooms were bigger than others. Ask for one with two double beds in it.
Our main complaint was noise. We like to have a nap in the afternoon on holiday, and every single day we were awakened either by a lawn mower, the cleaner's trolley clanging past our door, or the generator starting up for the pool bar. Choose a room as far away from the action as you can if you want peace and quiet.
Food was only adequate and was overpriced for the quality. We went to a fabulous French restaurant nearby called Chez Pascal one night, which only cost a little more and was five times better. You can walk there in 40 minutes, which is quite fun in the cool of the night, or you can take a cab.
Service was very variable. Some of the waitresses were absolutely delightful, others surly beyond belief. The latter could barely be bothered to break step if you asked for something as they passed by your table. This infuriated us. Worst was the watersports staff, which was incredibly unhelpful, verging on rude. But we hugely enjoyed sailing the little sunfish dinghies around the neighboring bays.
All in all, it's good value, especially if you get a last-minute package - but you don't exactly feel pampered and appreciated when you're there.
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Antigua's Best Getaway! Visited: October 2001 |
| Posted by Billdacey |
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The week I spent at Hawksbill was the best Caribbean vacation I've ever had - and I've had a few. It's not opulent, not the 'posh' resort some folks like, but it has all I'll ever need.
The general sense is one of tranquility and timelessness. Everywhere you look on the property there is a view—be it the Hawksbill Rock in the sea to the west, the lush hillsides backing the property, or the view from the 3rd and 4th beaches; there’s nothing but palms, sand and sea (maybe a few goats).
The service was fine with friendly local staff going the extra mile to be pleasant. Ornella, Chris, Jeremine, June, 'Smilin' Etta and Glescinda were all happy to help with anything.
If you are looking for commercialism, crowds or haute cuisine, you're in the wrong place. For serenity, beauty and 'island time', you can't do better!
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Fantastic! Visited: August 2001 |
| Posted by cmd |
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All beaches were great. Beach 4 was very peaceful and quiet. The average number of people during busy period was 8!
The staff was wonderful, friendly and helpful. As for bug bites, what do you expect it’s the tropics! For bugs in the room you get a bug guard and OFF for yourself. Keeps the bugs away. You can get the sprays in the Sugar Mill at the hotel. Drinks were a little expensive, so we would recommend that you go the supermarkets for Coke, water, etc.
Can't compliment the staff enough. We met several families/couples from USA and UK.
Air conditioning would be helpful, but it was not the end of the world when you get used to it.
We would recommend this place if you want peace and quiet, excellent staff and friendly guests. Everyone was so friendly and polite!
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Disappointing Visited: July 2001 |
| Posted by teddyja |
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Not a "resort" for African-Americans, unless you like being asked, "Are you a guest here?" after every request. That was the question from everyone including front desk, social desk and wait staff.
The pool was very small and beaches were rocky. We had to rent a car to tour the island, as price gouging was the name of the game at this hotel. Meals were adequate, but overpriced. We also did not like having to sign for dinner before being served.
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Remote, Boring, Disappointing Visited: May 2001 |
| Posted by jtritt |
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We selected Hawksbill for our honeymoon, and were sadly disappointed. The rooms have no air conditioning and we awoke each morning with dozens of bug bites. There were no planned activities and no evening entertainment.
The beaches were beautiful—except for #4, which was rocky.
We rented a jeep and drove a 1/2 hour each night into town for something to do and eat. Most other properties were further north and seemed to have a much livelier crowd.
We won't be going back to this resort.
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Disappear from the face of the earth Visited: March 2001 |
| Posted by rozfineart |
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This resort is not for your typical hotel/resort goer. It's a place to relax, read, sip a glass of wine, and swim in the clear Caribbean waters. Activity is self-directed and the clientele is distinctly European. We only left the property once all week and we loved it. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Beautiful, tranquil and afternoon tea! Visited: January 2000 |
| Posted by ofarrell |
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The grounds of Hawksbill were magnificent, none of the pictures in the travel brochures had prepared me for the reality of 37 acres of tropical gardens. Walking to and from the dining area from our apartment near the third beach, through the blaze of colourful flowers and tropical trees, was a delight that I had not anticipated.
Apart from goats (which occasionally escaped from a neighboring farm), I was surprised by the number of butterflies, lizards and hermit crabs which shared the pathways.
The beaches (especially the second and fourth) were excellent and very underused - the fourth beach was about 300 meters long, half of it was quite civilized with sun shades (seven) and sun beds and the rest had a real wild feel about it; there was a potential shortage of shade but as the most I ever counted on the beach was 20 people it was never a problem (frequently we had a whole tropical beach to ourselves).
When we were here the bushes and trees at the back of the beach were being cleared to create a field and this, no doubt, will make the beach feel less private in the future.
The snorkeling between beach three and four and past the jetty on beach one was not spectacular but interesting enough to keep the novice happy - myriads of seargeant majors with wrasse, stone fish, gurnards, snappers, trumpet fish, squid (or were they cuttlefish?) and a barracuda were the most memorable - though the damage to the coral from a recent hurricane was very evident.
The flights of the pelicans over the sea towards dusk were spectacular.
The hotel had a large staff who were all very friendly and helpful in their own way, e.g. some were very chatty and others polite.
Our room was on the headland overlooking the second beach and gave beautiful views of the bay and the hotel. The room was fairly basic and very clean - similar to other rooms we have had in the Caribbean but, compared to a recent experience in Greece, quite palatial!
The bed linens were changed on alternate days (often daily) but new towels were issued on request as a water saving strategy (you were asked to leave them on the floor if you wanted them changed).
The meals were fine - the hotel genuinely tried hard and, for the most part, succeeded. We took advantage of their meal plan and were pleasantly surprised to discover that this included afternoon tea - though I only saw other Brits take advantage of this treat!
Our fellow guests were mainly from the US, Italy, France and India and it was interesting to see how the character of the hotel seemed to change depending on which group were in the majority - the beach (and restaurant) got quite busy when a group of Italians arrived and the bars did good business when the Americans 'were in town.'
Bands played in the restaurant three nights a week from 7:30 to about 10:30 p.m. (with a short break). On Monday's, the Rio Band performed, who were apparantly the islands 'longest founded' group and played a mixture of reggae, calypso and western music with traditional Antiguan instruments. Saturday, the Harmony Six produced jazz and reggae and on Wednesdays it was the obligatory steel band.
Although I loved Hawksbill and can not wait to return, there were a few minus points: the boutique was expensive and did not carry many locally produced products and taxis into St. John's were also quite pricey (about £20 for a round trip) and therefore we saw less of the island than I had envisioned. But for a peaceful, tropical experience it was wonderful!
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| Set in 37 acres of landscaped tropical gardens and along a beautiful shoreline consisting of four separate beaches, including Antigua’s only clothing-optional beach, all-inclusive Hawksbill hotel is a popular choice with couples and families of all ages. Just 10 miles from the V C Bird International airport, guests quickly find... |
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