I visited Antigua, the bigger island of Antigua & Barbuda, recently when I hopped Caribbean islands. There are many resorts on the island and after some research I booked the Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua. I stayed 4 nights on all-inclusive basis and I had a great time at this secluded resort. My experience I share with you in this hotel review and I’m sure you will want to stay too.
The hotel
Blue Waters Resort & Spa is on the northern tip of Antigua on a small hillside directly at the Caribbean Sea. When I arrived at the airport from Miami the driver was already waiting for me and 15 minutes later I was at the resort. Check-in is fast in the spacious open lobby. A cold towel and welcome drink were provided. I stayed in one of the villa rooms, so I was brought there by buggy. It’s just a minute or two walking but with luggage it’s much more convenient to get there by buggy.
The resort buildings are laid out convenient along the three beaches in a garden setting. Restaurants are located around the pools but the classier one at the end of the resort at the top of a cliff. I really enjoyed the tranquility when walking around the resort. It has just over 100 rooms and was occupied almost completely but it was not crowded at all.
One thing that really stood out about the friendly staff is that they greeted everyone by name. They truly care about the guest and make their stay unforgettable.
The rooms at Blue Waters Resort
Blue Waters Hotel & Spa Antigua has two parts. One part near the lobby has the deluxe rooms and junior suites. The second part are the villas. I highly recommend booking a suite in one of the Cove villas. Each villa has 5 rooms with their own garden and pool. That pool is just for the residents of that villa and I had it just for me most of the time.
My room, 1G, was a corner suite on the ground floor with direct access to the garden and pool. It’s a spacious suite with a large king bed and sitting area with couch and comfortable seats. The mini bar is well stocked (free for all-inclusive), Wi-Fi is fast and there are two televisions. The bathroom is as spacious as the room itself and features a free-standing bath. I enjoyed the bath with open (sliding) doors with a view into the garden and the Caribbean Sea behind it. Bathroom amenities are of high quality which is necessity for me as I normally don’t carry any shampoo and body wash.
When I wasn’t out exploring Antigua or relaxing at the pools I had a comfortable time. A cold beer in the evening on the terrace looking out into the darkness over the ocean really cleared my mind. Something I did every evening.
Facilities at Blue Waters Hotel
The Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua has so many facilities that I don’t know where to start. I will highlight those that I think are a must do. Of course, the hotel offers all the regular facilities as laundry, business facilities too. All activity schedules are on the leaflet you get at check-in.
I highly recommend going to the rum tasting. It’s the local spirit but not just spirit. There are many varieties and those that are aged for sure can compete with a whiskey or cognac. Mixology class is awesome too as you get to make a variety of cocktails yourself. If you love wine, then the wine tasting session is something for you. Each session is fun and led by one of the knowledgeable staff of the Blue Waters Hotel.
Water activities are plentiful. There are three beaches and three pools (not counting the private ones) so space enough. It won’t get crowded and there is always a sunbed free. You can take sailing lessons, go peddling or take a snorkel tour. The snorkeling is great, and you might be able to spot a shark, stingray, or turtle.
A luxury resort isn’t complete without a spa. I went for a short 30-minute treatment just before I had to fly to St. Lucia. It was good and my muscles fully relaxed. The spa staff is friendly and very professional. Make sure to stop by!
Overall, there were to many facilities and activities at the Blue Waters Hotel & Spa Antigua. I could not take part in all of them as I also went out exploring Antigua. Other activities include: fishing, garden walk, yoga lessons and much more. If you stay 4 nights like me or two weeks you won’t get bored. I’m sure of that.
Dining & Drinking at Blue Waters Resort
Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua has 6 restaurants and bars. That’s a lot! I booked my stay with the all-inclusive option which isn’t something I regularly do. My idea with all-inclusive is always those loud tourists drinking alcohol all day and a buffet for food that’s there all day. At Blue Waters Resort however it’s different with 3 restaurants serving a-la-carte dinner! Cove Restaurant serves high quality dishes and is the must go to place to have dinner on the days it’s open. Bartley’s is the 2nd a la carte restaurant, different dishes, same high-quality food. Palm Restaurant is the all-day dining restaurant which is partly a la carte and partly buffet. Make sure to do the BBQ evening too! My favorites? Tuna tartar is great, and the steak is perfect!
The lobby bar is called Pelican Bar and is open all day till late. In the evening bands play live music. The perfect place to have a late-night cocktail. Except some vintage liquors everything is included of which I recommend trying the old-fashioned rum punch. Veronica’s is the bar at the main pool and Carolyn’s the bar at the second pool. During the day they serve salads and flat breads. Their flat breads are amazing!
With all these options to dine at I could vary every single night which is perfect. The only other time I had food elsewhere on the island was at the Yacht Club. They serve the local 2SIX8 craft beer and their tuna poke is delicious. Who knows, maybe Blue Waters Resort will serve the craft beer in the future too. They already started aging their own rum!
Conclusion
I had a lovely stay at Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua. Its location is perfect, not far from St. Johns and the airport and the English Harbor in the south is easily reached on a day trip. Antigua is small and can be explored in two-days as you can read in my Caribbean island-hopping itinerary to Antigua. The other days you don’t have to be worried to get bored as Blue Waters Hotel offers so many activities you can spend there 10 days without doing any twice. With 3 restaurants, BBQ’s, and other special events there is a huge choice for dinner. Three bars will keep you hydrated during the day too. The villas are comfortable with huge rooms and private swimming pools. I had a great stay and wished that I could have stayed longer to enjoy more of the pools and beaches.
If you would like to know what you can do in and around Antigua then see one of these options: Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados: Caribbean island-hopping itinerary. I will add more destination information over time.
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Gallery of Blue Waters Resort & Spa
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
