From the moment you step off the plane and inhale the tropical air of Antigua, you know you’ve arrived in an island paradise. However, this feeling truly deepens once you’ve reached a private bay on Antigua’s northwestern coast, home to the pristine Blue Waters Resort & Spa.
Upon setting foot in the hotel, the glittering turquoise water of the Caribbean and Atlantic coastline immediately unfolds before your eyes. The resort’s ambiance is meticulously crafted to complement its environment, with island-themed decor adorning every corner: teal-hued furnishings, white-washed woods, and charming conch shell trappings are just a few stylistic attributes. Its grand foyer’s soaring A-frame ceilings and open layout maximize the sunlight and sultry air influx into each space.
As guests stroll along the palm-lined paved pathways that wind through the 17-acre property, manicured gardens filled with native bougainvillea, hibiscus, and frangipani blooms—exuding bold magenta and golden yellow colors—accompany the way to their rooms. History buffs will be captivated by The Boone’s Windmill Tower, an original sugar mill proudly situated on the grounds, which stands as a relic of the 109 that used to dot the island centuries ago.
There are 85 intimate villas and beachfront suites sprawling across the estate, each offering the same upscale amenities: a daily restocked minibar, spacious en suite washrooms with freestanding bathtubs, navy blue and shell-colored bathrobes, and crisp white upholstery that provide accommodations for every type of guest. Those traveling with larger groups can stay in either three inns—Pelican House, Turtle Cottage, and Rock Cottage—for that extra ounce of attention and privacy.
While many rooms host secluded lidos, numerous communal pools are flanked by hidden nooks, perfect for enjoying a beach read. Guests can relax seaside in a deluxe lounge chair or retreat to the adults-only area, complete with cabanas and sweeping island vistas. As the temperature rises throughout the day, reaching a peak UV index of 12, dipping in the bathwater-warm Caribbean Sea provides a refreshing way to cool down.
Soaking in the slow-living ambiance, guests can book a treatment at the lavish Spa at Blue Waters, which supplies a range of facials and massages upon request. Your skin will thank you for the Ananda Face Therapy by esthetician Shawna, comprising an aloe vera and pomegranate cleanse, a gentle blackcurrant and honey exfoliation, and the application of Rose Damascene Otto to rejuvenate your complexion. (If you have long enough hair, you’ll leave with a beautiful braid—a classy touch that channeled our true island girl self.)
Indulging in all that relaxation builds up quite an appetite, but guests can take comfort in knowing they won’t depart with empty stomachs, thanks to the array of dining choices available. The Palm serves à la carte and buffet-style breakfast and dinner, while the Reef Restaurant and Veronica Bar provide light lunch bites and poolside cocktails. (Did someone mention a mojito or a piña colada?) Given that rum is a Caribbean specialty, sipping a local brand like Cavalier at the Pelican Bar is perfect for cocktail hour. For a formal dinner setting, The Cove Restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and French cuisine, highlighting dishes like lobster ravioli, lamb chops, and scallops.
If you’re looking to escape the fast-paced way of life, then heading to Blue Waters Resort for a taste of slow-paced island living is just what you need.
Top Takeaways
Location: Soldier’s Bay, Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
Address: Atlantic Ave AG Atlantic Avenue, Antigua & Barbuda
Rating: Five-Star
The vibe: An upscale, all-inclusive boutique hotel that epitomizes island living: slow, unhurried, and soothing, with an oceanfront view at every turn.
Food + Drink: At each al fresco imbibing spot—The Palm Restaurant, The Cove Restaurant, The Reef Restaurant, Pelican Bar, and Veronica Bar—guests can savor seafood-focused cuisine infused with contemporary English and French influences.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: There’s so much to love about Blue Waters, but since we must choose a favorite, it would be the ocean views from every point of the hotel.
Amenities: All-inclusive food & drink; Private beach area; Outdoor swimming pools; Spa; Fitness center; Watersports; Room service; Free WiFi
What’s Nearby? Nelsons Dockyard; Soldier Beach; Dickenson Bay Beach; Runaway Beach; Jabberwock Beach; Jumby Bay (Long Island); Great Bird Island; Town of St. John’s
Any personal neighborhood recs? Be sure to experience the resort’s watersport offerings, especially the private all-day charter with Owen to Great Bird Island. This excursion includes snorkeling with turtles, nature walks on the secluded island, and sailing past the exclusive, ultra-wealthy Jumby Bay (also known as Long Island).
Rooms: 85 rooms, villas, and suites.
Pricing: Rates start at $525 per night.
Closest Airport: VC Bird International Airport
