We have just returned from another wonderful vacation at the Hawksbill. We love it at Hawksbill. We have been going there since 1990, sometimes with extended family and sometimes (like this time) just the two of us. Lately we have been going more frequently (twice per year) to take advantage of the bargain prices and because it is even quieter than usual.

The best feature of Hawksbill is the four beautiful beaches (please see attached pictures).

If you like a laid back vacation, and uncrowded beaches, this is the place for you. The 37 acre Hawksbill property has four beautiful beaches – a miles worth or more. And just over a hundred rooms, spread out parallel to the water. No high rise buildings here. Hawksbill has the largest beach-to-guest ratio of any resort I have ever seen. I have been there at full capacity (and with 28 relatives in tow) and it was still easy to find peace and quiet on a secluded section of beach. It is especially quiet now (with the recession in UK and USA); I am guessing at third to half of full capacity. This trip we had the whole place to ourselves.

On the other hand, if you like the hustle and bustle of high-rise resorts and crowded beaches, the Hawksbill is not for you. We were sitting on one of the beaches last week and we were literally the only people on the beach. We were watching one of those large cruise ships go past – and I had to laugh – this cruise ship had ten levels and I am guessing 2000 rooms. And all of those people shared a few swimming pools on the top deck. Why in the world would anybody want that? We occasionally see cruise ship patrons that make the 30 minute taxi ride over to use Hawksbills beaches when the ship is in port. I have spoken to some people that have discovered Hawksbill this way and then returned on future land-based vacations.

Hawksbill's Eden beach is the only “clothing optional” beach on Antigua. It is secluded and uncrowded – perfect for the shy ones or first-timers. However, this beach is separated from the other three beaches – so if you are not inclined, then you would never know it is there. We regularly go to Hawksbill with our children and in-laws; no one is ever offended by the presence of the clothing optional beach. Some of us frequent it, and others of us have never even seen it. It is the most secluded of the four beaches, and there is plenty of room to spread out.

The all-inclusive pricing cannot be beat, and the off-season rates are a steal. Four great meals a day (if tea time counts) and open bar. Once we arrive we spend very little extra money except for a few tee-shirts or shell jewelry from Aloma and Sharon, and some tips for the wait staff and maid (Note: tips are not expected with the all-inclusive pricing and are never solicited, however I have found that a few tips are greatly appreciated and are rewarded, especially with the currently slow Antiguan economy.)

The Hawksbill staff is wonderful. We have always gotten very good service there, and this time was no exception. The manager Richard Michelin is very accommodating, as are duty managers Sandy and Agatha. All of Richard’s staff works very hard to make sure that we have everything we want. Thanks to Ornella for giving us our favorite sunset-view room just for asking, and to the wait and bar staff that always kept our coffee cup, cocktail, or wine glass full (extra special thanks to Novella, Milli, and Jeremine), and to the maid who always made sure our room had fresh flowers, and the ground keepers who keep the place looking beautiful. Special thanks also to Shenneth in the front office. I realize that peoples tastes and expectations will vary, but one thing I am sure of: if you need something, all you have to do is make a respectful request and any of the staff from Richard on down will do whatever they can to make sure that you are happy.

We have met some really nice people at the Hawksbill. Guests are mainly from UK, with a few Europeans, and Americans (US and Canada) mixed in to keep it interesting. We often see the same repeat guests year after year, and always make a few new friends each time.

The food is good. Full breakfast, with made to order eggs and omelets made while you watch. Lunch is at the beach-side grill: chicken, hamburger, fish, pasta, etc. with salads, soup, and desert. Even though we are Americans, we enjoy the little sandwiches and cakes at the beach side tea time. Dinner alternates between nice buffets (e.g., roast beef or pork carving tables, Caribbean BBQ, international dishes) and ala carte menu (always has a nicely prepared meat, fish, and vegetarian selection plus soup, appetizer, and desert.) I loved that duck with raspberry sauce, yum. The bars have good cocktails with premium drinks included. All this is included in the all-inclusive price, only pay extra if you want something special such as lobster.

Several times per week there is entertainment at dinner or lunch – steel bands and the like. But no disco scene or loud music; most people that visit Hawksbill come to enjoy the relaxation and maybe some pleasant conversation. You can taxi into St John or one of the big resorts if you really need casinos and that sort of thing, site seeing too. Frankly, we have never missed it. After doing some site-seeing on our first trip, we discovered that Hawksbill had everything we needed, and have stayed put. If you do want to site-see, one of the taxi drivers at Hawksbill will be happy to take you for a personal tour. You can also book day excursions on the large catamarans, sunset horseback rides, etc. (for extra cost) and you will be picked up right at the Hawksbill beach.

Security is very good. We have always felt very safe at Hawksbill. Hawksbill is far enough removed from town that you need not worry about any riff raff spilling in. And the property is fully enclosed by hilly rough terrain except for the one entrance past the always-manned security booth. Security guards also patrol the grounds.

We like the beach club rooms the best (royal palm beach or honeymoon cove). The beach club rooms have A/C, the rest have ceiling fans. The royal palm beach rooms are spread out along the very quiet and beautiful first beach. Honeymoon cove is on a rock outcropping and has the most privacy and closest proximity to Eden (clothing optional) beach (also known as 4th beach), and is also close to the sea grapes (2nd) and honeymoon cove (3rd) beaches. The "superior beachside" and other rooms near sea grapes beach are centrally located if you want to be near the beach bar, pool, lunch, water sports (kayaks, sunfish, etc.). There are two great houses (multiple bedrooms, wrap around porch) if you want to accommodate a large group, or just want the extra luxury.

Children are welcome here. There is always a family or two around. The times that we have brought the kids, they kept entertained catching the small lizards and finding hermit crabs. And of course there’s lots of sand and water to play in. The older kids can kayak and sail, and the sports staff is very helpful with that. There are tennis couts too. The staff will be happy to teach the kids how to catch the lizards (hint – you have to make a lasso out of a palm leaf), etc. There is also a small pool.

However, most guests are couples. There are young honeymooners and old married couples. It leans a little towards an older crowd because once you’ve been here you will keep coming back as long as you are able.

You will wake up to the sounds of the birds singing and the waves lapping. There are lots of birds on the well landscaped property. We found them to be a joy. Some guests get annoyed because the birds will steal your breakfast if you leave it unattended, but this is the price you pay for open-air dining. Much better than an enclosed dining room.

Another plus - there is only one TV on the property (a nice large-screen satellite fed - so you can catch up on the news or sporting event if you must). Just enjoy the peace and quiet and the birds singing. I saw some people with laptops in the lobby signing on via wireless, but I recommend leaving it home and forgetting about the outside world for a week or two.

Mosquitoes and sandflys did not bother us at all. They will bother you only if you are on the grass or sand at sunset. So pack some repellant for your legs if you are concerned. Better plan is to leave the beach right before sunset and catch the sunset from the beach bar.

Email me if you have questions.

We recently visited the Hawksbill, and had a very pleasant stay. Everyone has their own views about great holidays, and for us, it was great for the people that we met, the beautiful location, the friendly staff and the excellent food.

Before I went, I read about "The scene from the birds"....I disagree, the birds do feature as the eating areas are all open. It is to be expected, and they do provide a source of entertainment. If you do not like birds, then I can see this to put some people off.

This resort is very quiet, and at this time of year (also affected by credit crunch) the hotel is half full at best, so there is plenty of space on the beach. Snorkelling in the bay is fantastic, and I saw, a Manta Ray, sting rays, octopus and plenty of pretty reek fish...though missed the turtle said to be around.

Sailing here for beginners is great. The guys are very encouraging and keen to teach novices (me!)

Food, plenty and varied. On the AI package, there is plenty of opportunity to pile on some weight!

Negatives.....
Not all the rooms have Air Con, so if that is important to you check your selection. It is available as an upgrade for $37 per night!
Rooms are dated and basic. It did not bother me too much, as we only slept there, but it will upset some people.
Mosquitoes and sandflys love new arrivals, so pack some repellant.

Staff are very friendly, the best team that I have encountered on any Carribean island, they were helpful and cheerful, ...no problem!

Just come back from this hotel - it might only be classed 3* but the service was excellent. Some of the rooms are a little tired. Four beautiful beaches to choose from. We spent the last few days on the Eden beach which is the "clothing optional" beach. Only 1 or 2 other couples braved it while we were there. Although for the 10 days we were there it was very quiet overall so loads of space on whichever beach you chose.

We are vegetarians and after a few problems the kitchen tried very hard with dishes for us and on buffet nights there were plenty of vegetarian choices.

The onsite shop in the old sugar mill was very expensive US$35 for sun tan lotion so make sure you bring plenty.

There is a shuttle bus to St John's 3 times a week which is much cheaper than a cab at US$8 per person return.

Fantastic place to chill out in - no blaring tv's or disco music to disturb you.

We can't wait to go back!

I've described Hawksbill to friends and family as "almost rustic". It is almost completely devoid of modern technology (air conditioner aside) but for us, who were just there for rest & relaxation, the peace and simplicity of everything was perfect. The rooms (we stayed in the beach club bungalows) were great - very simple - but perfectly adequate. Slight problem one night when a sudden downpour started to seep into the room, but the management were excellent at mopping up and it must have been extreme rain as it didn't happen at any other point (although it did rain again). Food was also perfectly adequate - low occupancy meant we were always up in the main hotel restaurant where we had a mix of a la carte nights and buffet. Both were very nice but I wouldn't describe it as amazing. Bar was great - local beers were very tasty and they didn't seem to hold back when it came to cocktails. The beaches and the hotel surroundings were one of the best elements of the Hawksbill - all of them fantastic, even the clothing optional Eden beach. We did the Treasure Island tour, a catamaran around the island, excellent and pick you up from the resort. We also took a taxi into St Johns - there isn't much there but we found everything we wanted for souvenirs and presents.
Overall fantastic break - just wish we could have stayed for longer