Hawksbill Resort Antigua

Hawksbill Resort Antigua is becoming our second home ,my husband Paul and I have been there around 14 -15 times .Over the years we have seen some changes and improvements ( especially after the recent renovations) ,we love the new infinity Pool and all the wonderful landscape gardens ,such beautiful plants & flowers . I’m happy to say that it still has its old school Antiguan Charm , a little quirky but with a true style full of Caribbean hospitality.We have tried most of the rooms and to be honest I don’t think there is a lot of difference between them .I would say choose a room category within your budget and just enjoy the view . Unlike a lot of the hotels on the island you are literally yards ( metres from the beach and sea ). There are 4 beaches ,I would say Seagrapes is the best beach for swimming ,though I have also swam towards the end of Royal Palm beach too . Even though the beaches are on the hotel complex it is worth remembering that all beaches in Antigua are public ,so you may see some locals ,cruise ship passengers on Royal Palm beach and also a few people walking to Eden Beach .Though all hotel facilities are for guests only . The food at the hotel is improving all the time especially as they now have a new Chef ,you definitely won’t starve as the buffet is plentiful .Im vegetarian and am very happy with the choice .The drinks also are plentiful and served with a smile by the friendly Bar tenders ,especially David,Dalston ,Errol ,Brad -Just to say the staff are amazing very friendly and efficient,especially Chris Henry, Jacquan , Agatha ,Myria, Marie ,Sarina, Daleria ,Juilette ,Bernadette and anyone else I have missed ,also all the chef’s especially Egbert .Also the house the ladies who clean the rooms daily are wonderful ,and work so hard . One of the main reasons we keep coming back is because the owners of the hotel are kind to animals.At present there are 2 cats on the resort a male tabby called Pablo ( who is neutered) he is more feral in fact you probably won’t even see him ,he just pops up for his cat biscuits and water late at night .The other little cat is our beloved 3 legged cat called Lolly , she is a true survivor -when she was a kitten a mongoose attacked her ,so poor Lolly managed with her stump for 5 years . Recently through the kindness of the hotel owners and guests enough Money was raised so she could have her bad stump removed by Dr Frances at ‘ The Ark ‘ in St John’s .The hotel have a little ‘Cat Cafe ‘for her by the mangers office where biscuits and water are put out for her daily -though she loves treats so pack a bag in your case .If you want to bring a little pouch of food give it to the manager Mario as he looks after her . Just to say she hides and will only come to guests that like her,and knows not to go to anyone who is not so keen .You will see other animals on the resort as there is a farm at the back , goats ,cute pigs ,ducks . Just to say the Resort is spread out so the animals are just part of the natural contryside . As with all hotel renovations the cost to stay at Hawksbill has gone up since we first came , but with the refurbished rooms and the attention to detail it is worth every penny,still better value then other resorts .Arlene and Mario run the resort along with Miss Debbie and the team on reception , They are wonderful and very dedicated to making sure you have a wonderful vacation ( holiday ) .Any concerns go straight to them and they will sort it out .So you can tell we love this resort perfect for anyone who wants to chill and relax ,with just enough activities and entertainment to keep you happy .Finally Pam in the Gift Shop is so kind and beautiful, we love chatting to her and of course she sells a wonderful selection in her shop .Looking forward to going back next year . Read less

Hi,My wife and I have just returned from Hawksbill, it’s our 14th visit there, we usually go twice a year. We feel this resort has a real Antiguan feel about it, some resorts you could be anywhere in the world. The resort has 4 amazing beaches, the view from reception is breathtaking ! Notable staff who looked after us. Jacquan, he’s fantastic ! He constantly checks if you need anything. Dalston, David - he’s a legend. Chris Henry, restaurant manager, he’s wonderful. Dalery is very efficient. Stalwarts, Julianne, Bernadette and Agatha. Another reason we go to Hawksbill is their attitude towards the cats on the resort - some resorts aren’t so kind. There were 2 cats there, now one, Lolly. Maverick, a fluffy tabby sadly passed away. His partner, Lolly, a calico cat, is there, she has 3 legs, plus a stump - she lost the lower half of her right leg as kitten, she was attacked by mongoose. The animal welfare and the vets take care of her ,she’s spayed and Mario, the manager, has been wonderful taking care of her. She recently had her bad stump removed and she’s recovering really well ! Her story is a real one of survival. I started a Facebook page ,Hawksbill Resort Cats, a few years ago. It has the history of the cats over the years. On this trip we met a few first time visitors who came to the resort because they heard about the cats ! At this time, Lolly is the only cat at Hawksbill. She’s a bit nervous but you might see her. As with cats, they know who’s friendly. Antigua Spay Neutering Clinic visit the resort, they monitor and check on the animals there. Have included photos of Maverick and Lolly. As mentioned, Maverick sadly passed a about 4 months ago. Photos of Lolly post her operation, we raised money to pay for her procedure. She’s doing really well with a little TLC. Last photo of Lolly before her stump became problematic. We’ll be back to Hawksbill next year in 2025. Read less

Just returned from a one week stay at Hawksbill. Impressed by the newly renovated rooms in the main block. Outdoor (screened and private) showers with view of the ocean. The watersports staff (Fenton and Quentin) were amazing, always putting a smile on our faces and running a very organized shop. We were able to take advantage of all the offerings from snorkeling to kayaking and sailing whenever we wanted. Special mention to the staff at the buffet and restaurant: very attentive, friendly and hard working. Read less

This resort is absolutely beautiful. We went in October 24 and the resort was not at full capacity (renovations etc) which was great for us as we always found a sun lounger around the pool or on the beach and bars and restaurants were not overcrowded. We stayed in the Royal Palms (room 107 - see photos) and it was great, the room is yet to be renovated but I really couldn't care less. Air con was good and silent and room was cleaned every day and mini bar restocked generously (we booked directly). We couldn't really hear our neighbours but it was just possibly luck that they were quiet people. But if you staying at the Royal Palms and like your sleep keep in mind that you will hear all the evening entertainment loud and clear as its all out in the open and sound carry. Next time I probably wouldn't book Royal Palms for 1 reason only, you can't really swim there, not if you are staying in one of the first bungalows (105,106,107,108 etc) maybe if you are right at the end. Current there is just something else and not worth the risk. I had an idea of rolling out of bed and rolling into the sea, - not the case. MAYBE if you are a very strong swimmer or the sea is particularly calm. I did swim off that beach but I went right to the other end towards the local beach, but it was a bit of a walk from room 107 to the end, so not exactly rolling out of bed scenario. Other than that the room was perfect and the bed super comfortable. We had no issues with the food, it was good and you could always find something to eat, selection was not huge but fresh, especially the fish which we had every day. Few nice deserts too. For lunch we went down to the beach restaurant probably 50% of the time. The only small downside to the main restaurant was that its all open, would've been nice to come to an enclosed, air conditioned restaurant at the end of a very hot day but it was not really an issue. Drinks were excellent, probably the best all inclusive drinks ever we had. I had to ask the guys to hold the rum/vodka a bit as they were strong, which have never been the case in any other all inclusive setting. David and Errol made the best drinks and were always friendly. Shout out to Sediqi (sorry if I'm spelling it incorrectly) who kept us well 'watered' around the pool during the day. Every part of the resort was kept nice and clean and we felt welcome and right at home. They organize transfers to few points of interest like St Johns, which we did use, it was about USD12 per person, minimum of 4 people have to sign up (sign up sheet on the notice board in the main restaurant). We also got on very well with our taxi driver, and together with another couple we've met, we asked him to take us on a trip to Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights, the driver was very accommodating and took us were we wanted for how long we wanted. If you need a reliable, pleasant local guide ask in reception for Ricky the taxi driver, he will organize you any trip you want. Shirley Heights and Nelsons Dockyard are not to be missed, spectacular. One issue that the hotel should take a note of (and sort out) was the guy selling boat trip who sits on the beach, taking up the prime spot designated for paying guests, smokes cigarettes and talks on the phone all day. We avoided the main beach for that very reason and always sat as far away from him as possible. There is no problem with him being there as such but he shouldn't be sitting in that spot as the guests have no choice but either be exposed to smoke and him talking all the time or to go elsewhere. This is not just our opinion but other guests we spoke to, he doesn't work for the hotel but he has the right to be there as the beach is public, however he doesn't have the right to use hotel tables and chairs, which is what he's doing, so someone is aware yet nothing is being done. He should be asked to move towards the sports equipment hut and far away from the sun loungers and guests wanting to relax. Speaking of the water sports, we did use the kayak, my first time on a kayak and it's safe to say my last as it was terrifying (but I'm a wimp so there, don't be put off by me). We also borrowed snorkelling kit after being talked into it by Gerald, I never snorkelled before as I almost drowned in the past at I'm not comfortable with my head under the water but he talked me into conquering my fear and I must say snorkelling was amazing and I will definitely do it again. Thanks, Gerald. Gym is pretty much non existent and to be fair it was so hot I wouldn't even dare trying. Staff members I mentioned by name are really a great credit to the resort and made our stay that much better, thank you to all of you. Overall amazing place, lovely people and a great holiday, the few minor things I've mentioned didn't spoil anything but may be worth considering (for some people), hopefully the management can take a note as well. Read less