Hawksbill is a unique and special Caribbean hideaway that you won't want to leave. Set in 37 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the resort offers its guests a choice of four secluded beaches, including Antigua's only ‘clothing optional' beach. So if you love the beach, Hawksbill is the perfect place for you. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Antigua/rex_hawskbill/hotel/1892/24/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 4 Jul 2008 22:15:41 EST The resort offers a wide range of accommodation choices, including detached cottages set amongst the palms, or looking out across the sea. For larger parties, the colonial-style Great House on the tip of the Hawksbill peninsula, is a private suite with its own kitchen-bar, three bedrooms and panoramic sea views. During the day, there are a wide variety of activities to enjoy, either on the beaches or around the pool, as well as tennis. Whilst in the evening, Hawksbill has a wide choice of activities. The Tamarind Tree is a simple yet elegant outdoor restaurant serving a local and international buffet-style menu. Hawksbill's a la carte restaurant, Il Vigento Su Mare, provides a taste of Italy with pasta specialities and superb lobster (advance reservation required). Evening entertainment is authentically Antiguan and located in the friendly and informal Tamarind Bar, with its panoramic views of the sea. What to expect: Hawksbill Beach All Inclusive by Rex Resorts attracts families in summer and during Christmas/New Year season. Otherwise it largely draws couples seeking tranquil, television-free holidays with lots of fresh air, space to be alone, and uncrowded beaches. Throughout the resort after 6 PM, adult guests are required to dress in resortwear, which for men means long pants and collared shirts. Amenity highlights: Four beaches range in length from 75 m (82 yds) to 400 m (437 yds). One offers water sports. Another is quiet. The shortest is located in a horseshoe-shaped cove and is favored by adults. The longest beach is located well away from buildings and is clothing-optional. For freshwater fun there's a little beachfront pool measuring approximately 9.25 x 7.5 m (30 x 25 ft). Guided garden tours are provided twice weekly. Insider tip: Known for its spectacular views, Shirley Heights (24.25 km/15 mi away) draws hordes of visitors, especially for Thursday and Sunday barbecues and dancing. Guests seeking views only should go in the early morning by taxi. Featuring four beaches ranging from 75 m (82 yds) to 400 m (437 yds) long, Hawksbill Beach resort's Caribbean Sea frontage includes rocky points and extends 1,200 m (1,312 yds) along the turquoise water. Although all Antiguan beaches are public, because there is no public land access the beaches are used only by resort guests. A distinctively shaped offshore rock gives the entire area its name of Hawksbill Bay. The longest beach is secluded behind a gate and away from buildings at the south end of the property and is clothing-optional. The shortest beach lies at the head of little horseshoe-shaped Honeymoon Cove and is used primarily by adults. The central beach is the most populated and includes a water-sports center supplying kayaks, windsurfers, small sailboats, pedal boats, and snorkeling gear. Resort staff arrange water skiing and banana-boating on request (surcharges for both) and also books scuba and snorkeling excursions (surcharges). Sunbathing and water activities center on the beaches. But there is a little beachfront pool measuring approximately 9.25 x 7.5 m (30 x 25 ft) and flanked by a small sundeck. Because the resort emphasizes rest and relaxation, group activities are few. Those offered include lawn volleyball, beach cricket, kayak and sailboat races, and twice-weekly guided tours of the resort's gardens. The tennis court is unlighted. Hawksbill is an all-inclusive only resort. All-inclusive Package: * Full buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner * A choice of Caribbean cocktails * Local beers, soft drinks, house spirits and house wines * Windsurfing, sunfish sailing, pedaloes and snorkelling * Daytime tennis * Regular evening entertainment * Taxes and tips Please note that á la carte meals, snacks, non-house brand wines and spirits and bottled water are excluded and must be paid for locally. No credit or reduction in price is offered on drinks. All other extras including water skiing, scuba diving, sports tuition, floodlit tennis, telephone calls, laundry, car hire, tours etc must be paid for locally. Type: All Inclusive No. of Rooms: 107 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Antigua/rex_hawskbill/hotel/1892/24/ Fri, 4 Jul 2008 22:15:41 EST