Hawksbill by Rex Resorts

We booked our trip in January and we were not sure that it would happen secondary to Covid. Flying on American Airlines was a bit tricky you need to have a paper with your name and the “PCR” test on it somewhere when you fly. After three flights... we were ready to relax....and Hawksbill by Rex was the answer. The resort it self is a bit dated...the location and privacy more than makes up for anything else. Situated at the end of a quiet road, every room offers a nice view of their beach. The rooms are clean, the bed was very comfortable and fitted with cooling cotton sheets. The staff - ( disclaimer because of COVID we were the only ones staying at the resort ) this I believe would not have mattered in the least... Mario ( the general manager) was professional, gracious, attentive and forever smiling. He set the example and the rest of the staff followed his lead. The menu was varied and delicious. My girlfriend and I are pescatarians and we had no trouble finding meals that were delicious and well balanced. As for the beaches... we are textile free beach goers and “eden beach,” fit the bill. It is about a 5-8 minute flat walk around a point and through a white gate. Once there... you enjoy approximately 1/2 mile of pristine, gorgeous beach without the fear. We got up the courage to snorkel to the Hawksbill rock- which offers nice viewing of fish, coral, sea fans etc. No beach in Antigua is private... therefore locals are also allowed on the beach. We met some nice colorful locals that are interesting and fun to chat with. The vibe - is pampered relaxation. We loved the resort and we might very well return someday... I feel like we made a friend with Mario and his staff and would recommend this resort to anyone seeking a relaxing textile free stay! Read less

I have good news and bad news-the good far outweighs the bad so I will start with the good. First of all hats off to the staff-Fenton, Mario,Myra, Debbie, & Devon. These guys go above and beyond to accommodate and know how to exemplify hospitality. Big thank you to all of them for all of your help-all of the time! There was never a time that they did not go out of their way for us. If you are looking for a place to disconnect and take long walks or take in the ocean view from anywhere on this huge property and experience amazing sunsets and rainbows-this is the place. It is VERY quiet. We did not have internet service in our rooms-we were only able to connect when we were near the pool cabana or lobby area-we also did not have a TV or phone in our room-so make sure you really enjoy the company of the person/people you are traveling with -bring a good book or deck of cards-something to keep you occupied because it is a very quiet place with nothing to do on site-which is the main reason why people pick this place. The beaches are beautiful and for the most part are empty-you never have to get up early to claim a chair-the property is so big and people are not traveling as much so the place was pretty empty for the duration of our stay. Bring your own snorkeling equipment-you can snorkel at any of the beaches-All the staff wore masks all the time so COVID protocols were being followed. The beauty and location of the property as well as the amazing staff are the best things about the resort. Grounds are well kept. We were there for our anniversary and they decorated our table-had champagne and housekeeping even decorated our bed with towels shaped as swans and rose petals all around. NOW THE BAD: many of the rooms are terribly outdated and in dire need of repairs/upgrades. We stayed in the honeymoon suites and the views from these rooms are priceless-but the old wicker furniture, old faucets, old (very old) decor and leaking & cracked mini fridge take away from it just a little bit. Be very clear this is not the Marriott or any fancy resort-there is no phone or TV in the room, no room service for mid night snacks etc. Meals are very specifically timed and the food was very good-but just basic. The "pastries" on the menu were cupcakes but they gave them to you hot out of the oven-the desert everynight was cake and ice cream-so lack of variety for some things. But they were happy to give us a tray of cheese and crackers or fresh fruit to take back to our room if we wanted snacks for in-between meals. It did seem at times they pulled back on portion size-the sandwiches are tasty but very thin as if resources were scarce. Wait staff is gone by 8:15 due to curfews-so set yourself up for the night because there is nobody to serve drinks after 8:00. There are goats wandering the property which is charming and funny-but watch out for goat poop all around while you are walking-little pellets here and there. Be aware that all beached on the island are public so you will see locals there-a few even came in thru the back with their cars and brought their own BBQ grill-and spent time on the beach. Also one of the beaches is a nude beach where we saw random guy hanging out-and I did not feel comfortable with that-it is different if he came with someone but I felt like he was gawking and it was not cool. We are from NY-traveling during COVID times is challenging and we were looking for isolation from too many people and we found it here-you are able to have your space on an absolutley amazing property. Be prepared to pay for COVID test to fly back home. We paid $250 per person-for the test to be sent to lab-it is $150 for rapid test. If you want fun, loud and action or fancy-this might not be for you. I would go back in a heart beat-and if you go-as for a room that has been renovated-but if you want a sunset view overlooking the ocean-stay at honeymoon cove-the rooms are basic but the view is breathtakingly priceless. If you are going during COVID times-be sure to ask about curfews as it changes from time to time depending on case rate on the island. One last thing-it's supposed to be adults only resort-but they do allow families in for day pass-locals and tourists-so don't be surprised to see kids on the property. Also-the pool is tiny-it's almost comical for the size of this resort. Don't let the picture of the pool fool you. You can do a lap in 3 strokes LOL. But we had a lovely time and would go back in a heart beat! Read less

We spent the Christmas at Hawksbill, we have been several times before, and to be honest it gets better each time. As previous reviews have mentioned the amazing staff, who really do go the extra mile for you. All of them are always polite, friendly and well just amazing in these hard times. The measures for Covid were excellent and we felt safe. The food i thought was excellent, always a choice and personally I loved the Al carte as opposed to the buffet style. The location is a perfect spot to chill out. Thank you all for making a wonderful, memorable Christmas . Read less

"Well Hilary has said it all! Well done Arlene, Mario and all the "team", We have been going to Hawksbill for many years and this was the best, the improvements are what the returnees, have always wanted. The Covid precautions were excellent and we felt very safe ..... so much so we really did not want to return home... We are hoping to return May time, rather than go to Europe... but definetely next Christmas... Stay safe all and keep up the good work. with Love Lynn and Stuart. Read less