When it comes to traveling abroad, so much has changed in the past year! Entry requirements are fluid and can sometimes cause unsuspecting travelers to incur additional expenses. My advice for anyone traveling abroad is to ensure you are fully vaccinated. Most destinations waive quarantine if you are fully vaccinated and can produce a valid negative PCR Covid-19 test result. Carefully read the entry requirements for your intended destination. Ensure that the validity of your Covid-19 test will not expire during your travel time. If the validity of your test expires you will have to pay for another PCR test and you may be required to quarantine for 5-7 days!
Be just as careful before you commence your return journey. Check that entry requirements have not changed while you were abroad. Ensure you allow adequate time for your Covid-19 test results to be ready prior to your departure date. The airline will not allow you to check-in for your flight with test results. This may cause you to incur the additional expense of changing your flight date.
Just like that my 5-day vacation is over! I had fun but as always, I wish I had a few more days. The good thing about my 5-day vacation is that I really relaxed and did not think about work! I also spent 2 days at the Hawksbill by Rex resort. I know you are waiting to hear all about it. You are probably wondering – was it a good experience? Did I regret choosing this particular resort over the ones I had listed? What did I like the most? what did I hate? and finally – would I recommend it?
Overcast but beautiful
I enjoyed my stay
My answer to the first questions would be yes – overall it was a good experience. Do I regret choosing this resort? Unfortunately yes, it is not a modern resort, it is more of what you might refer to as ‘rustic’. I have nothing against rustic hotels, I enjoy the simplicity of a cottage on the beach but the Hawksbill is not quite what I expected. While the location and the views are gorgeous, the resort is clearly not well maintained. The buildings are old and some once-beautiful seaside villas are in fact derelict. Perfectly good banana boats, dinghy and outdoor furnishings are discarded here and there which lends to the general air of neglect. That is what I hated!
Strawberry pancakes with bacon and eggs
Cheshire grin
We liked having it all to ourselves
What did I like the most? Since the summer/tourist season has not officially began, we practically had the place to ourselves! There were only about 20 guests on the property who kept mostly to themselves. We also liked the walking paths, the beach, and the food. One of the things I have learnt about resorts is that there are usually large quantities of food but not always of good quality. The opposite holds true at the Hawksbill, there is an à la carte menu and the food is surprisingly good.
Walking path
The derelict Great House gateway
I also liked that the staff were unobtrusive, courteous and friendly. The bartender Kerry-ann makes tart, sweet lemonade from fresh squeezed limes with a dash of Angostura bitters just the way I like it. The head Chef has been with the resort for a number of years, and has recently returned from studying abroad. He told me that the resort is staffed by some of the original staff who started on the first day the resort opened its doors!
Hard lemonade and coconut crush
Beached!
Would I recommend this resort?
If you enjoy modern luxury then I certainly will not recommend this resort for you. On the other hand, if you like peace and quiet then you can really enjoy it here. I met two couples who spend as much as a two or three months at the resort each year! one British couple has been using it as their summer home since they first visited the island in the ‘90s! An American couple said they stayed here for the first time in 2004 and have been returning each year since then. One of the ladies I met said it was her first time and she definitely plans to return in the future.
The Hawk’s bill-like rock the resort is named for
All in all, despite its air of neglect, the resort is still reasonably appointed and everything works. The rooms are clean, the food is good and although drinks are not top shelf there is plenty! The grounds are reasonably well-kept and the views are fabulous! The property is also home to the only nude beach on the island. Its the perfect location if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I’m guessing the rates will increase once it gets to the height of summer but at the moment it is a steal.
Sigh! My 5-day vacation is over already?
I can’t believe that my 5-day vacation is over! Today is my last day of carefree self-indulgence and I plan to make the most of it. Maybe next time I will take a longer break, I feel as though my 5-day vacation is over much too soon! Do you know what I love most about vacations? Taking a vacation reminds me how much I enjoy the life I chose for myself. Many of us are not living the lives we truly want to live. Most people put their ‘dream life’ on hold- sometimes indefinitely while dealing with the challenges of everyday life. For others, the dream life is just that! a dream – but it shouldn’t be that way. That is why vacations are so special! Vacations allow us to live that life we dream of even if its only for 2 weeks of the year!
Are you ready for your next vacation?
We are smack dab in the middle of a stressful year, if you have worked hard all year then you deserve a vacation! Remember the old saying, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Even if you opt not to travel abroad (or cannot) I’m sure there are fun, inexpensive things to do in your neck of the woods. An all inclusive resort stay for a day or two is always a great option as well!
My staycation adventures have started! I spent Sunday afternoon at my favorite spot in Dickenson Bay at the beach by Salt Plage Antigua and Siboney Beach Club. Although my vacation hadn’t officially begun it felt like a vacation day especially with drinks and sweet potato fries (my new favorite). Remember to try those and the soft fish tacos here, they are delish! So are the burgers!
The beach here is great for swimming and there are no rocks underfoot. The Salt Plage has a varied menu and they offer beach and cabana service so it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon and watch the sunset. If you decide to hang out here, do ask for Delroy, he will set you up comfortably and take your cocktail order. He is always friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The sunset was spectacular! the perfect end to my perfect day.
Beautiful Dickenson Bay, sweet potato fries and gorgeous sunset
Staycation Adventures Day 1
Yesterday was my first official day of a staycation in beautiful Antigua! What can I say? My staycation adventures couldn’t be better. My day was perfect and I honestly couldn’t ask for more. I woke up late (of course!) had a leisurely breakfast then ran a few errands before meeting a friend for lunch at The Vineyard Restaurant and bar. I hadn’t eaten there in a while and I enjoyed the atmosphere. The deliciously tart lemonade and grilled mahi-mahi were a match made in heaven! Definitely check them out for lunch or drinks whenever you’re in Antigua.
Icy cold tart lemonade and delicious Mahi-Mahi
Later in the afternoon I headed to the beach for a swim and to watch the sun go down. I enjoyed my swim but the sunset was a bit of a disappointment, it became quite cloudy around 6 pm so it wasn’t the show I expected. All in all a good first day though! today I am hanging out with a friend and of course writing a bit as well. Tomorrow I will be at Hawksbill by Rex Resort so stay tuned for more of my staycation adventures.
