The Tale of Two Bungalows in Antigua

50 years ago Hawksbill opened its doors in Antigua. This new style of hotel had bungalows along two beautiful beaches. It was a chic location on an idyllic island. Hawksbill is now an excellent value for money three star hotel run by the rex group.

It has grown to 111 rooms across three beaches and has a fourth beach - the only “clothing optional” beach on the island. Richard Michelin the laid back Jamaican manager says  “people still want the bungalows rather than the blocks”. The hotel still retains much of its roots - some rooms have no air conditioning and fans and vents with the constant wind keeping them cool”. There are no phones in the base room types and the only TV is in the beach bar. However, the idyllic location and well kept gardens make this a wonderful value for money hideaway.

One of the latest editions to the Antigua scene, now three years old, is the ultimate hideaway hotel Hermitage. Only 25 rooms on an isolated bay, this hotel is also all cottages. The owner Andrew Michelin, cousin of Richard, said ” it is modelled on the concept of Hawksbill, people love cottages”. These ones are eastern in style with an all wood finish of Balinese nature. A large rear bathroom has an outside shower with a view. There is a bath big enough for two. You can choose air-conditioning or open all the vents and use the wind and a fan to cool the room. There are three categories and the most expensive is surprisingly the furthest from the beach. They have small plunge pools and views to die for.

The beach is a collection point for small shells and locals come to collect them to make necklaces. Close to the hotel are four or five idyllic isolated beaches. Some with only sea access, the watersports leader Devon can drop you off for a picnic.

The staff at Hawksbill are often long serving - Ornella who showed us around had worked there for 15 years. Sandra Francis a cleaner we met had worked there for 24 years. The food at lunch was simple and served from the beach bar but there was a choice of dishes Great fried mahe mahe, Antiguan hotpot, burgers and hot dogs. Salad rice and French fries were served with it. Every one was tucking in.

Hermitage is a top of the range all inclusive with branded drinks, excellent served food and lots of excellent touches. The range at breakfast included bicher-muesli, Antiguan fresh fruit, special local juices such as water melon, carrot and ginger, all sorts of eggs including antiguan omelette, eggs Antiguan chop up.. Lunch and dinner had an excellent variety too. Staff here are also of excellent quality. Lots of smiles, anything you asked for was done swiftly and service standards were exceeded.

Hawksbill is mainly British in clientele and there are lots of people who return here again and again. Hermitage is more universal. Brits, Italians, Americans and other Europeans were amongst the guests. Many were on honeymoon.

If you want excellent value for money from a three star plus hotel come to Hawksbill with Tropical Sky this Autumn. A week can be bought for £799 inclusive of flights, transfers and All Inclusive accommodation.

If you want a weeks ultimate all inclusive in 5 star luxury come to Hermitage. 7 nights all inclusive with Tropical Sky comes to £1699. Flights, transfers and All Inclusive accommodation is included.

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