Blue Waters Resort & Spa

North Eastern corner of Antigua We visited in early February as two couples on a ten day ‘all inclusive’ Virgin Holiday. The first seven days of our stay certainly lived up to the billing - beautiful surroundings, great food from three on-site restaurants, with just a tinge of typical laid back Caribbean service. The last three days, however, felt as though we had been transported to a completely different location.These days coincided with the beginning of half term in the UK and mid winter break in the USA. Suddenly everywhere became packed, the main restaurant morphed into primarily a buffet rather than a la carte and service suffered accordingly. In addition, having pointed out a loose light fitting in the adults only pool, that was promptly closed for the duration of our stay. All in all what started off as a 5 Star experience, became a more run of the mill, 3/4 Star one - still good, but reduced our overall rating from what otherwise would have been a straight 5.

We booked direct with the hotel. 50 % deposit paid and balance taken via American Express a few weeks before arrival. So we were shocked at the end of a fantastic week to be told at check out that the hotel had made an error and had not charged the full amount in US dollars. So we were hit with another US 600 dollars on top of our seperate incidentals. Very poor service from accounts / reservations. Funny how they didn’t tell us when we checked in - it took the gloss off the holiday. Definitely need to pre book restaurant choices in advance. We found the Cove dissapointing after waiting all week to dine there. The Reef is great for lunch but it seemed to have a small menu when we dined in the evening ( again on the only night we could get a booking ) The Palm is relaxed and food very good.

Blue Waters Resort and Spa, the name is obvious the second you arrive -- you see blue waters from reception ! Our third 9 night visit in three years , the experience as marvellous as ever , so well run with amazing staff. Book the Cove Restaurant for at least a couple of evenings, if you want to eat with the sea and sunset in view book for 6,30pm -- amazing . No long beaches to walk on its true but busy would be 10 guests in the sea at any one time, sun beds and umbrellas always available , fruit on a cocktail stick and drinks to hand without moving !! All in all a fantastic property to holiday at if you are looking for relaxation, if you want night life St John's is 15 minutes away.

This is one of the best spas I've ever visited. The service was great, the massage was amazing and the views are breathtaking. I would absolutely recommend for locals and international travelers. I recommend staying on site for the entire day to take in all Blue Waters has to offer.

If you’re after daily aqua aerobic classes, cardio tennis, bagging a sun lounger with a towel at 5am or karaoke evenings, then this is not the resort for you. If, on the other hand, you like beautiful gardens, a gently lapping ocean, nooks and crannies to escape to, great food and bar staff who remember your drinks order from the get-go, then book a trip to Blue Waters immediately. There is plenty to do if you choose to - including hobie cats, kayaks, yoga and Pilates, garden walks, fishing off the point etc - but the beauty of this place is that there is absolutely no compunction to do anything except sleep, eat and drink if that’s what you feel like. The staff are so friendly and efficient - shout out to Nicole in her gorgeous coordinated outfits, to Tramaine who runs Veronica’s bar with miraculous efficiency and also the cocktail guys at Pelican’s who make a mean dry martini. The food is lovely - three restaurants, all of which are a la carte, so none of the ghastly buffets you often get at all-inclusive resorts. Huge variety of things for breakfast, including a DIY Bloody Mary station, smoothie of the day, and juices made up to your specification if you ask nicely. We are definitely going back next year.