Hotels near Darkwood Beach, Urlings

Apologies for repeating the WelshGirlCardiff review from Aug 2022 - but she is spot on! Hawksbill is a 3-star resort and does not pretend to be a 5-star 'Sandals' resort with regimentally lined beach umbrellas hiding the natural beauty of the Caribbean coastline. The four beaches each offer something slightly different from easy swimming areas, to rocky snorkelling opportunities and the beautiful clothing optional Eden beach. The latter is the longest and less than ten people on the beach at any one time. A water was available from the cooler brought down from the resort. The food variety was fine and plenty of it, with catering and table staff friendly and accommodating. The requirement to book you evening meal preference was no issue with no strict enforcement, probably just an efficient way of gauging the cooking requirements for the evening. Vegetarians may feel aggrieved at the choice but for us this was not an issue! Caribbean flavours served throughout the day with the bars serving a variety of local cocktails along with the more familiar ones. All served with smiles and friendliness. The little Sugar Mill shop in an old Martello Tower on the resort sold tobacco, drink and souvenirs with a lovely helpful lady always chatting away and cheerful. Natural beauty oozes through the resort with goats roaming, pigs visiting the beach to cool down, the occasional mongoose scampering around, ducks scavenging with a variety of birds providing birdsong and occasionally raiding the sugar sachets in the rooms if you left the door open! The two cats collectively having 7 and a half legs, know how to cajole guests for some nibbles. There are many reviews pointing out specific issues they had with the resort: Paul M - You have to pay for water?? If you have a bottle there is free water from water coolers around the resort. Chervil R - Slow WIFI? It worked, but you have Caribbean beaches, azure blue sea and sunshine is this really an issue? Comments about staff being rude and unhelpful must have been visiting a different place! We booked the all-inclusive 14 day break through a British Airways package. Airport taxi transfer was efficient with a guided tour all the way to the resort. Welcome at the resort was friendly, informative and we were escorted to our beach front bungalow. 12 steps to the beach, 18 steps to the sea. Yes, the rooms were a little tired and the resort was closing for 5 months for a refurbishment, but did it matter. No, not one bit.

It should feel okay, it’s been too long, have you forgotten the feeling?

Connie’s Comfort Suites was a great find at a great price... would definitely stay here again! A great base to explore the island. Connie’s has fantastically friendly people that make you feel at home and everything I needed including comfortable bed, kitchen area (fridge/freezer, oven/hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, well stocked with utensils, plates, cutlery, etc), dining table/chairs, sofa, TV and good WiFi (video calls). They also offer laundry service. Little shop next door for basics and big supermarket/pharmacy at Wood’s Mall in 10min walk. Food options Toy toys &KFC within 5min walk and st John’s center in 20min. I used QuikServe app (similar to Uber eats) to have food delivered to the room ! They also have rental cars which brings closest beach within 5min drive. Great find and feel that I’ve seen the local side of Antigua that you wouldn’t get at an all-inclusive beach front resort. Tip: some of the big resorts offer day passes if you want to lounge by a pool for a day while in Antigua.

Hodges Bay is absolutely beautiful! The resort is very unique and well designed. Every room feels unique and special! We stayed ocean front and garden view! Both were fantastic! The staff makes you feel like family. We had the pleasure of meeting the owners Jeff and Sarah and they are the kindest warmest people you could meet. The trip over to the prickly pear was an absolute highlight! We spent most days there. Captain Sean was great! Chef Wes, Veveen, and Ashanti were super kind and attentive! The main bar by the pool was our evening destination! Marvelous, Delvin, Anastasia and Kayenne were friendly and fun! I’ve told numerous people about our trip already! Sorry if missed anyone! Can’t wait to return!!!