Hawksbill Resort Antigua

Hawksbill Resort Antigua sits at Five Islands on the island's northwest coast, around fifteen minutes from St John's. Four beaches, calm sheltered water and hills left green and wild set an unhurried tone from the first morning. Rates are all inclusive, so meals, drinks and watersports are covered, and the mood stays relaxed rather than formal. One of the four beaches is clothing optional, while the other three are for those who prefer to stay covered.

Seven room categories run from the Standard Room to the Two-Bedroom Beachfront Bungalow, which suits a group of three or four. Royal Palm Beachfront Rooms and Beachfront Bungalows open straight onto the beach, Oceanfront Rooms look across the sea with easy access to two beaches, and Garden View Bungalows offer good value. Every room has air conditioning, a safe, tea and coffee making facilities and either one king bed or two doubles.

Paddle boards, kayaks, sunfish and Hobie Cat sailing boats are included, and free snorkelling equipment makes the most of the bay. Healing Hands Wellness Spa, open from 9am to 5pm, offers massage and beauty treatments with views of the Caribbean Sea, and a free one hour yoga class runs on Wednesdays at 10am. Evenings bring entertainment, from solo pianists and jazz ensembles to steel orchestras and local string bands.

Days revolve around the beach and the main pool, which is open from 8am to 7pm. Wi-Fi is complimentary in the rooms and in other areas of the property, and a gift shop stands beside SeaGrapes Restaurant. Laundry is available, and the front desk arranges guided hikes into the hills. Rooms sit only a few steps from the sand, and most room categories now have a 42 inch Smart TV.

Three restaurants cover the day. Tamarind Tree Restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, SeaGrapes Restaurant offers a la carte lunch with dinner by reservation, and PD's Grille opens for a la carte lunch by reservation. Menus include seafood, vegetarian and vegan choices. Bars pour tropical cocktails from 10am until midnight, and weekly Antiguan barbecue nights add a local flavour.

Romantic occasions are well served here. Private Beach Dinners place a couple in a decorated cabana on the sand at sunset, with a dedicated butler and a choice of two menus to mix and match. Bookings need at least 24 hours notice, and only one dinner is served each night. Beach weddings are also offered at the resort.