Its reputation as one of the islands’ best hotels has been formed not only for its magical setting of secluded beach coves and acres of tropical gardens, but also for its high level of service which treats guests as if they’ve been invited into an exclusive home.
With a boutique feel, Blue Waters first opened its doors in 1960. Today, with a trophy cabinet of awards to its name, it offers an experience for all, including all-inclusive packages, family-friendly holidays, group bookings and honeymoons.
Amid the 17 acres of immaculately kept tropical gardens are several freshwater pools; villas, cottages, suites and rooms; three restaurants; an ila spa; and activities ranging from kayak tours along the coast to a tennis clinic for the whole family.
Though small in size, Blue Waters Resort & Spa on the Caribbean island of Antigua has the facilities and feel of a much larger resort, ensuring a private space of calm for every visitor through its doors.
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Stay
Deluxe Beachfront Rooms have views of the Caribbean Sea and are just a short stroll from the beach. These can be interconnected for families.
Luxury Suites boast a living area and Jacuzzi in the bathroom, while additional space can be found at the The Cove Suites & Penthouses. Groups can book one of the three palatial villas at Blue Waters.
Eat
Palm Restaurant overlooks the sea with its outdoor seating positioned to maximise the vista. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner the menu is a la carte, featuring favourites like calamari and steak alongside Caribbean specialties including Jerk pork loin with sweet potato mash and sweetcorn succotash.
Cove Restaurant is the place to book for a sunset spot, lit by candlelight and open for dinner, serving plates of fresh local seafood including plenty of lobster dishes. At Carolyn’s light lunches are on the menu including salads and flatbreads, right alongside the swimming pool.
Veronica’s Bar and Pelican Bar are on hand so guests can mix up their sundowners setting.
Explore
The island is well known for its 365 beaches, but there’s also a wealth of history here including the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Nelson’s Dockyard and the former military lookout at Shirley Heights.
A boat trip around the island is a great way to get a real sense of the beauty of Antigua, and the resort’s concierge can arrange everything from private charters to snorkelling tours on the reefs.
Don’t miss the incredible Sting Ray City where you can get up close to these magical underwater creatures, or for an adrenalin kick there’s zip lining through the Fig Tree Rainforest. Golfers can play 18 glorious greens at the Championship Cedar Valley Golf Course.
Why here?
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Numerous swimming pools, including a beachfront pool, child-friendly pool, adult-only pool and a Jacuzzi. Cove Suites have the use of additional swimming pools too. Three secluded beach coves offer an alternative spot to soak up the Caribbean sun and non-motorized watersports are included with each stay.
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The Spa at Blue Waters works in partnership with high-end brand ila which use British herbs in their products for a healing effect.
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The fitness centre has state-of-the-art equipment including Cybex cardio machines, treadmills and cross trainers, alongside strength equipment. There is also a floodlit tennis court.
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Facilities for families include children’s menus in the restaurants, and there’s the Blue Waters Kids’ Club, a complimentary service for children over the age of five to enjoy a range of activities. Nanny and babysitting services can also be booked at an additional cost.
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The resort arranges for evening entertainment on selected nights throughout the week.
Our take
Did you know Prince Harry stayed at Blue Waters on an Official Tour of the Caribbean in 2016? Staff at the luxury hotel tell us the Duke of Sussex resided in one of their Cove Suites during his trip. And a few years earlier his grandmother HRH The Queen awarded the hotel the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for its contribution to the island.
Endeavouring to up its eco-credentials, Blue Waters has put in place a number of sustainability measures. These include a refillable water scheme, where guests are gifted a BPA-free water bottle that they can refill around the resort at water stations. Bathroom amenities have also been replaced with Neem Avenue products; a fully-organic and sustainable solution to one of the hotel industry’s biggest single use plastic culprits.
