HAWKSBILL BY REX RESORTS
3 Star All Inclusive Hotel, Antigua
Under a flamboyant tree, with the stars above, is a table set for one… what a perfect start to the first night of my solo holiday in Antigua at the Hawksbill by Rex Resorts.
Hawksbill by Rex Resorts
On a beachfront position, it is honestly one of the most beautiful locations I have stayed in and easy to forget it is actually a 3 star resort. The sun sets at around 5:30pm and each one was truly beautiful to watch. A wonderful place to come for peace and tranquility, a real ‘get away from it all’ destination.
Goats wander freely around the gardens from the farmland to the rear, nibbling away at the grass. They reminded me of the 3 billy goats gruff!
Hawksbill by Rex is an over 18s hotel set amongst 37 acres of tropical gardens, a welcoming resort therefore, attracting repeat visitors, year after year.
Parts of the hotel grounds are quite hilly with steps. There are not any elevators so be aware that this does make it unsuitable for people with wheelchairs or walking difficulties. Entertainment is low key in the evening and no activities program is planned during the day.
Accommodation
Several room types are available:
- Garden Bungalows – close to the beach
- Superior Seaview Rooms – in a block close to the Tamarind Tree
- Superior Seaview Bungalows – facing the beach
- Beach Club Room – a spacious room with seating area and kitchenette
- Great House – a large house in an elevated position with amazing views across the Caribbean Sea. There are 3 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a kitchenette and a wrap-around balcony
My Accommodation
Garden Bungalow
My garden bungalow was very basic. The room was large with a comfortable kingsize bed and a safe. The water in my bathroom was very discoloured, the fridge was rusty and the shower positioned so low, I had to rinse my hair while on my knees. Two ceiling fans were working but each time I turned the light off, the fan switched off as well. There was no air-conditioning unit to use instead and neither was there a television or phone in the room.
Travelling solo, I felt vulnerable without a phone and free wifi was not available in my room. There was also only one door and I worried that if there was a fire near it, I would not be able to get out, or contact anyone to raise an alarm. I voiced my concerns to reception and within 10 minutes I had been moved to a Superior Seaview Room.
Superior Seaview Room
I was pleased with my new room. It was still basic but being a 3 star hotel I wasn’t expecting anything too luxurious. I don’t spend much time in my room anyway. Located on the first floor, my room was very clean with 2 comfortable double beds with mosquito nets above. There were 2 exit points, one to the rear of the room and one to the front, opening onto a balcony with chairs and a table, where I could watch the sunsets. The room also had a large walk-in wardrobe, a safe, fridge, telephone, television, air conditioning unit and a ceiling fan.
Staff
The staff had a ‘no problem’ attitude. Any issues were dealt with quickly and professionally. When I was concerned about my room, I was re-located within 10 minutes. When my toilet wouldn’t flush, maintenance had repaired it within half an hour of reporting the issue.
All staff are pleasant speak to guests in passing. Bar and waiting staff are keen to hear about your day and how your holiday is going. A genuinely, friendly hotel.
Restaurants
There are 2 restaurants on the resort, Seagrapes and Tamarind Tree. One is available for lunch and the other for breakfast and evening meal. Both have bars within them offering a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Seagrapes Restaurant
The tables around the edge benefit from the cool, tropical breeze. Lunch is served from 12pm-3pm. The grill to the side serves delicious chicken, hotdogs, burgers, butterfish or kingfish, chips and salad. The bar area serves drinks from 10am-6pm.
Tamarind Tree Restaurant
Open daily for breakfast and evening meals buffet style. There are 2 areas to dine in, one indoor and one outdoor. The bar to the side is open from 6pm.
Food
Generally the food was good quality with plenty of meat, fish and vegetable dishes to choose from for the main course in the evening. Starters included soup and salads. Keen to try a few local dishes, it was hard to choose just one to put on my plate!! The fish of the day was served in a light batter with a sweet orange sauce. The pork was spicy in a rich, thick, port gravy – very tasty! Sides of courgettes, onions, carrots, yam and plantain complemented the meal.
Other food available included turkey with cranberry sauce, pasta with mixed olives, saffron rice, cheese baked potatoes and peas baked in tomato sauce.
A selection of tempting pastries are available for dessert such as Hersheys chocolate kisses and coconut macaroons.
Breakfast
Breakfast included a range of perfectly ripe, fresh fruit. For those who prefer a cooked breakfast, there were sausages, bacon, beans and an egg bar. The server will also make you an omelette of your choice. In addition, there are a selection of pastries, cereals and toast.
Entertainment
Entertainment is not daily but when provided, is low key. It takes place beside the outdoor dining section of the Tamarind Tree Restaurant and finishes by around 10pm.
Facilities
A Boutique
The sugar mill has been converted to a boutique selling a range of products for your convenience.
Watersports
Non-motorised watersports are included in the all inclusive package.
Tennis Courts
The tennis courts can be used but are in need of some maintenance. They are not in the best condition.
The Pool
A small pool with sun loungers is positioned behind the Seagrapes Restaurant. I never saw anybody use it, but that is probably because the beaches are stunning.
A Spa
I saw people enquiring about it but, nobody seemed to be around to offer treatments. If this is something you are interested in, I suggest contacting Hawksbill by Rex direct to find out if you have to pre-book treatments or find out if it is only open on certain days/times.
Beaches
Hawksbill by Rex Resort is blessed with having 4 stunning beaches, one of which is a clothing optional beach. With so many to choose from, they never feel crowded. The water is warm and clear. Some beautiful sunsets can be seen here.
Would I Return?
Yes I would. Although I had a few issues with my first room, I feel this is a great place to come as a solo traveller for the following reasons…
- Several beaches to choose from so they weren’t crowded
- Superior Seaview Room felt very safe
- Friendly staff
- Good Food
- Problems dealt with quickly and effectively
Tips
There were a lot of mosquitos. I recommend taking some repellant with you to start using as soon as the sun starts to set and early morning too.
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