There’s a gorgeous gem of a resort tucked into the northwestern corner of Antigua, just where the Caribbean Sea seduces the shore. The elegant resort recently completed a major renovation and presents a refreshing mix of luxury and seclusion with 69 rooms & suites, 28 Cove Suites, and three unique villas. Prince Harry recently stayed at the idyllic tropical paradise sprawling across seventeen acres of perfectly manicured and blissful paradise.
Gay factor
It can be challenging to find a gay friendly vacation in the Caribbean but the Blue Waters Resort & Spa is safe and completely gay friendly boutique resort (and who doesn’t love a boutique resort?). The property is considered one of Antigua’s pioneers of hospitality and has a great deal of loyal British and European guests who are friendly and social. Rockstar General Manager Alistar Forrest remains committed to making all guests feel comfortable and rolls out the azure blue carpet for at Bartley’s Restaurant, across the lobby, and Pelican Bar and the hotel staff is personable, kind, and accommodating.
- For the laws regarding homosexuality in Antigua, visit ILGA’s website.
- For more information about gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean, check out coverage in the February issue.
Rates
Blue Waters Resort & Spa offers competitive rates for such a luxurious property. Superior Hillside rooms range from $656 to $992 depending on the season. Deluxe Beachfront rooms are slightly higher, from $910 to $1146. If you wish to stay on an All Inclusive Basis the supplement is $173 per night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the Blue Waters decadent suites a basic Luxury Suite is from $1,644 to $2,174 seasonally, or their famed Turtle Cottage is between $2,146 to $2,989 depending on the season. The Penthouse (which can sleep 7 adults) runs from $2,922 to $4,500). All rates are based on two adults sharing on a Bed & Breakfast basis. The Bed and Breakfast rates include: Full English Breakfast, accommodation, extensive water-sports including: Hobie Cats, Sailboats, Windsurfing, Kayaks, Snorkeling Equipment, 3 main swimming pools and 4 additional pools for Cove Suites guests only, 4 bars, 3 restaurants (Bartleys Restaurant is adults only) , indoor/outdoor dining, tennis, sun loungers, umbrellas, tables at beach or pool, beach towels, live music as well as entertainment (nightly singers/musicians) and the fitness center.
Basics
There’s no wrong time to check out Blue Waters, though you can definitely have a bit more privacy if you shy away from big holidays. If sweeping ocean views and perfectly manicured tropical surroundings is your idea of a vacation look no further than this slice of Caribbean paradise.Blue Waters offers a surprising mix of luxury seclusion and social activities across their 69 rooms & suites, 28 Cove Suites and four unique villas. There’s an amazing sense of community you can experience whether it’s rubbing elbows with other guests at Pelican Bar, Veronica’s or the new Carolyn’s down at the pool bar (tell Carolyn we say “hey”!). Be sure to check out some of the great live music offered each night. Incredible local musicians like Buell: Strings That Sing bring a rich sense of local artistry and local cover and Soca bands stir an already fun atmosphere and entice everyone to get up and dance the night away. Hit the community bookshelf in the hotel lobby and grab a new book to snuggle up with at any of the three secluded beaches overlooking Soldier’s Bay. I nabbed a Bridget Jones and ended up having Caroly make me a special punch for my beach adventure. Be sure to go for a few nice walks and explore the property in its entirety. The adults-only pool is an optimal location to get a bit of sun, but the picturesque old Sugar Mill over by the spa is such a gorgeous spot to watch the sun rise or set. Dinner at the Palm Restaurant is casual and fun but the decadent Cove Restaurant and Bartley’s are rich in luxury and indulgence. Dress up in your best resort look and get ready for an epic romantic feast.
Location
Blue Waters is located at Soldier’s Bay, St. John’s on the North Western tip of Antigua west-facing onto the Caribbean Sea, just fifteen minutes from VC Bird International Airport. Antigua is one of the Leeward Islands and the main island of the country Antigua and Barbuda. Close islands include St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, and Guadeloupe.
Room
Superior Hillside Guestrooms (roughly 265-322 square feet) redefine tropical luxury with either one king or two twin beds and an en suite bathroom. The swank Caribbean flair features designer beach furniture and textiles, crisp white bedding with accents of cool colors (teals & turquoise) and soft touches reminding you that no, you’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. Each room has air-conditioning & a ceiling fan, complimentary WiFi, complimentary coffee and tea, a flat screen TV, and mini-fridge (stocked to order!) Deluxe Beachfront Rooms kick it up a notch with private pools and ocean views. The suites also offer 302-357 square feet for you to throw on a sarong and twirl as you take in the morning Caribbean air.
Bathroom and Amenities
Leave all the windows open and climb into the bathtub for an incredible soak with the Caribbean breeze swirling around you. Blue Waters offers lux Elemis toiletries, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, and enormous bathrooms with a separate shower and a bath. Things feel brand new everywhere you look. All rooms have ceiling fans and air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi and 110v and 220v outlets, a safe, hair dryer, flat screen TV and mini-fridge (stocked to order if staying All-inclusive). Housekeeping comes twice a day including the evening turn down and there’s always plenty of coffee and tea for your enjoyment.
Images courtesy of Blue Waters Resort and Spa
About the CheckOut
ManAboutWorld highlights properties we have recently and personally stayed at, and is editorial, not advertorial. Like virtually all travel publications, we sometimes accept discounted and sponsored travel, but ManAboutWorld is beholden to no one but you. Our recommendations are based solely on the experience and opinions of our editorial team and trusted network, putting our readers’ interests above all. If you ever have an issue with anything we recommend, please let us know. We always have your back, and your travel satisfaction in mind. Read our full disclosure here.
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