Blue Waters Resort & Spa

Antigua, Caribbean

Star rating

The hotel

This is a truly superb recently refreshed hotel with elegant surroundings, outstanding service and an enviable location on two white sand beaches lapped by gentle aqua waves, epitomising the Caribbean fantasy. The 17 tropical acres of gardens are beautifully tended and each of the buildings is romantically draped with brightly coloured bougainvillea — just adding to the delightful ambience. There's plenty to do during the day and you'll no doubt be tempted on to the beach by one of a generous array of water sports. Table tennis is popular and there's an 18-hole golf course 5 minutes away. Wind down in the evening (if you haven't done so already!) with a delicious coconut crush — liberally splashed with local rum — while you watch pelicans dive and swoop for their meals. Your dinner can be taken at one of the hotel's gourmet restaurants, complimented with an excellent Claret from the wine list. An amazing holiday experience.

Amenities

  • Hobie Cats
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Windsurfing
  • Yoga
  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym

Where is it

Located in historic Soldiers Bay on two white sandy beaches at the northwest tip of the island. Transfer time from airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

85 luxury rooms, villas, and suites on 2 floors with no lifts. All with private patio or balcony (most with sea views), air-conditioning, ceiling fan, complimentary WiFi access, satellite TV, alarm/clock radio, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar or fridge, safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, bathroom amenities, and hairdryer. 

Deluxe Beachfront Rooms are just steps from the white sand beach, featuring bathrooms with separate shower enclosure and free standing bath, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child (on a rollaway bed).

All Inclusive of: all meals, some premium-brand drinks, house wines and mini-bar items. Sundowner service at Veronica’s bar (includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 5:00pm-7:00pm each evening). All activities unless stated, including daily activities programme.

Please note: the All Inclusive programme is available from 3:00pm on the day of arrival and until 12:00pm on the day of departure. If you want to dine outside of these times, you can do this and charge to your account.

Luxury Suites are on the 2nd floor with balcony and 1 king-size bed, with doors separating the lounge area which can accommodate either a queen-size bed or rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (with 3 rollaway beds).

Pelican House is a 3-bedroom villa which has a shared pool with 2 neighbouring villas, featuring views over Soldier's Bay and private beach access, kitchen, living room, outdoor and indoor dining area, and concierge service. Each 3-bedroom villa sleeps maximum 7 adults, or 6 adults and 4 children.

Turtle Cottage is a luxury 4-bedroom villa with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea, secluded sunbathing areas, private pool fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and concierge service. Each of the 4 bedrooms has a king-size bed and en suite, sleeping maximum 9 adults, or 8 adults and 4 children.

Rock Cottage spans 2,000 sq ft and overlooks the Caribbean sea, with beach inspired dècor, living area, kitchen and private pool overlooking the ocean, as well as concierge service. Sleeps maximum 9 adults and 3 children.

The Palm Restaurant (open daily for à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner), The Cove Restaurant (open on a rotation basis during the evening for à la carte dinner, combining Caribbean and French cuisine), The Reef (serving light lunch and drinks). Pelican Bar (adjacent to the lobby). Veronica's (poolside bar serving drinks throughout the day, as well as sundowner cocktails and antipasti).

Daytime activities and live evening entertainment most days.

7 swimming pools (4 exclusively for Cove Suites guests), Jacuzzi. Spa* with Elemis & ila treatments. Salon*. Fitness centre. Tennis. Table tennis. Pool table. Water sports centre offering sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking (safari tours included), Hobie Cat sailing, and snorkelling. Yoga. Pilates. Aqua aerobics. Walking and garden tours. Games room (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Blue Waters Kids Club is open all year round, with a wide range of activities available for children ages 5-12 years (Monday-Friday).

Complimentary WiFi access. Room service*. Babysitting available* (reservations required). Gift shop. Laundry service*. Complimentary self-parking.

Please note: a government room levy of $5 per guest, per night applies to guests aged 6 years and above (payable locally, subject to change).

7 nights between 27 Dec-1 Jan.

10 nights between 22-26 Dec. 

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: families booking the Deluxe room category with children under 12 will be allocated ground floor rooms.

Dress code: when wearing wet swimwear, you are requested to use outdoor terraces for dining and cocktails. In the interest of safety, children require footwear at all times. In the evening, all restaurants are smart casual - this includes tailored shorts and collard shirts (including polo shirts).

Please note: this hotel may be unsuitable for guests with mobility restrictions as there are steps around the grounds and down to the beach.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2009)
  • Very good (393)
  • Average (111)
  • Poor (55)
  • Terrible (25)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our Favorite Hotel in Antigua

Jul 18, 2025 Ghenet P New York, New York, United States

We have stayed numerous times at Blue Waters and it is always a delight. The rooms are comfortable and all the amenities leave nothing to be desired. The staff are attentive and personable, and often remember you from previous visit. We’ve even gotten some great staff recommendations on things to do in Antigua and local places to eat. The Friday… Read more
We have stayed numerous times at Blue Waters and it is always a delight. The rooms are comfortable and all the amenities leave nothing to be desired. The staff are attentive and personable, and often remember you from previous visit. We’ve even gotten some great staff recommendations on things to do in Antigua and local places to eat. The Friday night barbecue with live music was really enjoyable and is always a highlight. The cocktails at Pelican bar are dangerously delicious. This is the hotel we always come back to when visiting Antigua because of the wonderful staff, the beautiful beaches and the general atmosphere. It’s a little piece of paradise. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Previously - Now a Mediocre Shadow of Itself

Jul 17, 2025 conscientiousguide Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Our family of five returned to Blue Waters in July 25 hoping to replicate our previous visit two short years ago, unfortunately, on this occasion things fell short - a lot. On arrival, we were informed “in order to meet our expectations” that only one restaurant was now available for both lunch and dinner and breakfast was à la carte only… Read more
Our family of five returned to Blue Waters in July 25 hoping to replicate our previous visit two short years ago, unfortunately, on this occasion things fell short - a lot. On arrival, we were informed “in order to meet our expectations” that only one restaurant was now available for both lunch and dinner and breakfast was à la carte only (previously included a buffet). This should have been communicated before we travelled, not on arrival. Food quality in the Palm & Cove restaurants has deteriorated significantly since our last visit. Previously, food was good, not on par with Cap Maison in St Lucia or Calabash in Grenada but we always had a good meal. On many occasions during this visit we were left underwhelmed and disappointed, something other guests commented frequently. On both BBQ nights at the Palm, the meat was better than the Cove when we paid a supplemental charge - not good! On a positive note, the Reef restaurant at lunch was a welcome, quality experience, good food, service and attentive staff. Staff in all areas were clearly frustrated, under pressure on many occasions which seemed to reflect low staffing levels (on one occasion, we waiting 1h 45mins for one course at the Cove). Kevin, the previous senior manager was always visible, approachable and presented a proactive and professional persona however the new senior manager was invisible - literally. The hotel owners wider family were present during our stay however, dining with guests in swim and pilates gear in the Cove (formal restaurant) when paying guests clearly made the effort to adhere to the dress code was disrespectful at best - do as I say, not as I do scenario. On a positive note, we were staying in a Cove Suite Penthouse as we did previously and it did not disappoint. Accommodation is well proportioned, airy, light and clean. The lavish gardens are exquisite and meticulously maintained, enhancing the overall guest experience. Pools and surrounding areas were also kept to a very high standard. Overall, a disappointing vacation at Blue Waters. When cost optimization affects food quality & guest experience, something has clearly gone wrong. Inconsistent best describes our visit. We are sorry to say we won’t be returning any time soon. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating More like BROWN waters.

Jul 14, 2025 Trail724153

If you’re looking for crystal clear waters and any kind of snorkeling, this is NOT the resort to choose. If you are just wanting a beautiful resort, nice pools and expensive food, then this is an option to consider. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. It’s no one’s fault. It’s just how this resort is situated on the island and ocean… Read more
If you’re looking for crystal clear waters and any kind of snorkeling, this is NOT the resort to choose. If you are just wanting a beautiful resort, nice pools and expensive food, then this is an option to consider. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. It’s no one’s fault. It’s just how this resort is situated on the island and ocean currents. IF we ever go back, I’d look at tamarind hills or hawksbill. Beaches there were spectacular. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous!!!

Jul 2, 2025 Janie B

The resort, staff, food, drinks and entertainment was fabulous. I will recommend it to my family and friends. I had a wonderful time.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect location, magnificent resort

Jun 24, 2025 David P

It's quite something to have a place function like a Swiss watch yet maintain Caribbean levels of friendliness and informality. Every aspect of Blue Waters impressed. The staff are magnificent. One server, Nia, was about the most conscientious I've encountered anywhere. Quality rooms: Check Generous cocktails: Check Nice fellow guests:… Read more
It's quite something to have a place function like a Swiss watch yet maintain Caribbean levels of friendliness and informality. Every aspect of Blue Waters impressed. The staff are magnificent. One server, Nia, was about the most conscientious I've encountered anywhere. Quality rooms: Check Generous cocktails: Check Nice fellow guests: Check Great Staff: Check Nice beach: Check Good weather: Check Happy family: Check What's not to like? The facilities for children are thoughtful and engaging. There was zero guilt in dropping him off and enjoying a day to ourselves, knowing he would be more than happy. My child cried on the final day and made us promise to return soonest. But then, no children disturbed us or got in the way of enjoying an adult's holiday either. In short, that was a blissful week. And next year, if I have the time, I will do two weeks instead. Cannot recommend it enough. Read less