 Hawksbill Trip Report |
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Classy Tours, Inc |
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Hawksbill Trip Report |
I liked Hawksbill! While it may not be for everyone, Hawksbill offers a peaceful, relaxing, vacation filled with days of water sports, sunbathing, and just enough adventure for me.
I liked Antigua! Frankly, I felt safe. I appreciated the conservative English influence, and the people were gracious, kind, and proud.
After a pleasant two and half hour flight from Miami, we arrived at V. C. Bird International Airport on Antigua. Immigration and customs were fast, polite, and certainly made us feel welcome. Cabs were available out front, and happily accepted US currency.
Antigua's currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere, and even preferred in most cases. Take small bills (or have them broken up at your hotel or a local bank) for purchases. Shop owners will give you change in EC in most cases at mysterious exchange rates.
The cab ride to Hawksbill cost $20 and is a good introduction to the Northwestern corner of the island. You will go through a portion of the capital of St. Johns and into the countryside before arriving at the resort. Ask your cab driver to point out the shopping and casino district, since you will probably want to return at least once. Also, have him show you a sugar mill and a charcoal pit on your way. They are everywhere!
Hawksbill is nestled in a series of four coves and surrounded by what we Floridians call mountains. Western North Carolinians would call them hills. Climbing the "hill" to gain entry into Hawksbill, your cab driver will be busy dodging the goats; you, however, will be treated to a spectacular view of the ocean and portions of the Hawksbill's four beaches.
The grounds of the resort are lush, dominated by flaming orange/red Flamboyant Trees and Bougainvillea in shades from orange to purple. The property is a long thin strip between the hills and shoreline. In the center a bluff is the dominate feature topped with a sugar mill (converted to a gift shop) and the lobby/main restaurant building. Standing on the porch high over the Caribbean, you can look each direction. To the north is the entry, "first" beach, and club rooms usually occupied by families. To the south, spread along the "second beach", are the Superior Rooms, water sports area, pool, another restaurant/bar, and Beach Cottages. A cluster of new Club Rooms with king-size beds are on top of the bluff separating the "second" and "third" beaches. The "fourth" beach reserved for nude use is 200 yards beyond the last Club Room.
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The "nude beach" is referred to by staff as the "fourth beach." While most of the staff has been at the resort for over 15 years, few have ever ventured to the "fourth beach." One of the department heads, a delightful woman who had been with the resort for 18 years, had been there twice; once when she was oriented when first employed and again to take a message to a guest she knew well. Her shyness at admitting she had even been there was enchanting. |
Only the "second" and "fourth" beaches are really useable for swimming. Topless sunbathing is acceptable at all the beaches.
The "second" beach is sandy with a mostly sandy bottom in the water. The snorkeling is spectacular within 50 yards of shore. Round live coral heads shelter hundreds of varieties of fish and reef life. I saw barracuda, octopus, rock fish, and dozens of types of large and small very colorful fish. All water sports equipment in good condition is supplied free of charge, including mask/fins, sunfish sail boats, paddle boats, one and two man kayaks, and sailboards.
The "fourth" beach is a magnificent isolated very long stretch of beautiful sand and water ending in a sheer rock cliff face. For the shy, the "fourth" beach would be a pleasant experience. Totally uninhabited there is ample room for privacy. I never saw more than a 6 couples using this long spectacular shoreline. Other than Orient Beach (which certainly is more crowded), the "fourth" beach was the nicest clothing-optional beach I have seen in the Caribbean.
If you plan to spend the majority of your time on the "fourth" beach, I would advise the following:
Stay in a Club Room and request a unit between #130 and #141. BTW: #141 is the closest unit to the 4th beach. From 141 it is 125 yards to the gated entry to the beach and then 80 yards to the sand.
Take a small cooler with you from home. There is no water or bar on the beach. Pack powdered Gatorade or more expensive snacks in the cooler to transport down. Peanuts, for instance, do not sell in the stores in Antigua for "peanuts." Buy beer and alcohol locally, however. A 750 ml bottle of Dewars was US$12, for instance.
Beach towels (1 per person) are supplied by the hotel, but are, frankly, rather thin. If you have room in the suitcase, you may want your own.
Shade on the "fourth" beach is limited. There are two thatched shelters, coconut trees, and a line of tall overhanging shrubs along the fence at the back of the beach. If you have an umbrella and can bring it, great, otherwise, go to the beach early each day to stake out your spot.
Do not wear or take valuables. There are room safes. I did not see any evidence of a problem with vendors or outsiders given the isolation of the "fourth" beach, but all the beaches in Antigua are open to the public by law. Common sense dictates to leave your valuables in the safe.
The accommodations are adequate at Hawksbill. Beach cottages are probably the largest rooms and face directly onto the "second" beach. All the rooms have small refrigerators, convenient for keeping your own snacks and beverages.
None of the units, with two exceptions, have air conditioning. During the summer, it can be uncomfortable for that afternoon nap. No problem, though. Just find a shade tree and a chaise lounge and the Caribbean breezes will keep you cool.
Perhaps, I should explain, Hawksbill is not an all-inclusive. They do offer a Modified-American Plan (breakfast and dinner) that I would recommend. Dinner would run a minimum of US$40 per person with tax and tip. MAP meals are served in the nicest setting in the restaurant on top the bluff. Dinner is also served ala carte in the restaurant by the pool most nights if you prefer. Prices start at US$25 for an entree, US$12 for a salad, etc. plus 8.5% tax and 10% gratuity.
Restaurant hours are:
Breakfast - 7:30 - 10:00
Lunch - 12:00 - 2:45
Afternoon Tea - 3:30 - 5:30
Dinner - 7:30 - 10:00
Drinks run from US$3 for a 8+ ounce beer to $5.50 for call brand cocktails plus tax and tip. I recommend having your cab driver stop at the grocery store on your way in to purchase beverages including soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor. All types of beverages are sold at the grocery store. Ice is available from the bar and convenient to store if you brought that little cooler.
Get to know Shek and Jimmy in the watersports department. Jimmy will teach you how to sail and Shek will give you lessons in the rules of Cricket. One major activity is planned each day, e.g. Friday - Doubles Tennis Tourney, Saturday - Cricket Match, Monday - Kayak races, Tuesday - Sailboat races. Definitely . . . join in the Cricket Match! What fun!
There is an excellent tennis court. It is not lighted. A tennis pro will give lessons for US$15 per half hour.
A band plays Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the main restaurant/bar. Dance to the music atop the bluff overlooking the Caribbean and underneath a zillion stars. The Manager's Cocktail Party is Monday at 7:30 pm.
I liked Hawksbill! It was my kind of place and I can't wait to go back!
Call toll free 888-8-CLASSY ( 888-825-2779 ) for a free price quote or write to goclassy@goclassy.com !
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