The Cove Suites at Blue Waters

From the moment we arrived in Antigua for the first time we totally fell in love with the island, with its natural beauty, the friendliest of people and its laid back vibe. The Bluewaters had arranged a fast track arrival at The Airport, and we were amazed that from touching down in Antigua to arriving at the stunning resort took just 45 minutes. Our first impressions were good. Our taxi driver was the nicest chattiest man, and told us so much about the island in the short drive from airport to resort. As we had already completed the online check in we very quickly were shown to the Cove Suites to settle in our room, after a refreshing arrival drink. When we arrived at The Cove Suites we were shown a room on the first floor. We asked to move as we have a child who we felt would be better on the ground floor with direct access to the pool. Toleifa (Cove Suite Manager) immediately got on to moving us, and although a room was not ready, she saw to it that housekeeping sorted a room out and we were in and settled within an hour and a half. This did have a huge effect on our holiday, as being on the ground floor made a huge difference to us. I have to say the Cove Suites are total luxury, with bags of space, a stunning pool which is shared with just a few other guests and access to a private bar serving cocktails and beverages until 6pm. It was heaven retreating to the cool air con of our room late afternoon, either choosing a drink from our well stocked mini bar (part of the all inclusive package) or ordering a cocktail from the bar, having a swim and socialising with the other guests in the Cove Suites watching the Pelicans fly by then relaxing in the roll top bath with all the Elemis products then popping on super soft robes and slippers chilling out on the worlds most comfortable bed! It was well kept, tastefully furnished and the housekeeping was faultless. We loved coming back to our room turned down. The only one thing would be to cut the hedge lower, or put in the walls of glass as from the ground floor the view of the sea was a bit limiting. Though you could hear it, which was wonderful! The rest of the resort did not disappoint. We loved the pool around Carolyns bar, we chose to sit with a view of the pool and the white sandy cove. It was stunning. The food at Carolyns during the day was fantastic, the daily specials of fish and flat bread were simple but just so tasty. The pizza flat bread were really good too. Carolyn is a real character and really cares about her bar. She always remembered your room number and your drink! Sometimes the service can be slow by some of the other bar staff, but if you want robot staff who are uber efficient then go to Dubai. The locals that worked at Blue waters were obviously happy to work there, which rubbed off on us, as we were happy to stay there, even if things were a bit slow. Its the Caribbean! Some employees went the extra mile, like Curtesa did for us on many occasions during our stay. These are the people you really appreciate. Breakfast in the Palm was nice, the egg lady was amazing, she must of been so hot yet she had the most beautiful winning smile and the best omelettes/ pancakes/ eggs! I found the birds a little scary that flew inside during breakfast, but I just sat outside and got my husband and daughter to get me food!! We didn’t eat in the palm much other than breakfast - we aren’t big on buffet food. We had one afternoon tea/ one alacarte dinner & lunch and one BBQ. All of which was ok and perfectly fine. The two other restaurants were outstanding. The situation, service and food at the Cove was five star. Not much else to say other than do try the lobster on the connoisseur menu, it's to die for! Bartley's was Asian fusion, which we loved too. Its a shame it was not in a better location/ Al fresco, but the air con is nice, the food and service is five star and we loved that it was named after the resorts oldest employee. A nice touch. Out of the two restaurants The Cove had the edge, also because it was the only restaurant that did a full kids menu. On that note too, I would like to suggest that Carlyns Bar offers something for children too, as there wasn’t any menu choice for them, and it was very popular with kids being next to the pool. My daughter used the kids club a few times. The fishing was a great activity from the rocks which she loved and actually caught lots of fish. I didn’t feel the other activities on offer were as inspired but it was great to have an inside area fir kids none the less to get out of the sun. I thought a kids disco once a week might have been nice too. There was 2 movie nights whilst we were there (one a week) but both movies were deemed to boyish for my daughter, so she didn’t go along. The water sports is great, you have a variety of activities at your disposal to go out snorkelling/ kayaking/ paddle boarding etc. It was great there were no motorised water sports, as the noise can be annoying. I went to the gym, its decent and has good range of all the latest equipment and weights etc. There isn’t much to do at night, but that is what we liked. There are a couple of bars open but we found ourselves up early every day with time change and enjoyed going to bed early after a lovely dinner. There was some live entertainment/ steel drums to be enjoyed. The only thing I think would have been an addition is a beach bar/shack serving "sundowners", so you could watch the sun go down with sand between your toes. And perhaps a hammock! I had visions of lying in a hammock between two palm trees! On that note, the grounds are outstanding. It was so beautiful. When we went out of the resort it was hard to find anywhere else with such natural lush beauty. We went out of the resort a couple of times, with the help of the wonderful Tony who sorted us out a boat for half a day for snorkelling, which was amazing, we also went to Shirley Heights. This should not be missed even with kids. The sun set is to die for and the steel band is MESMERISING! Our final trip was to Stingray City then on to Sheer Rocks for lunch - I could not recommend a better day out on the island. I will never forget it! I really hope we will return to the Bluewaters Resort. Its been about 2 weeks since we got back and I am still closing my eyes and drifting off to my happy place and it's there - The Blue Waters Resort, with is views, its beautiful small private cove and all it wonderful Antiguan charm and personality. TAKE ME BACK!!!! Read less

Hotel is classy and clean. On my arrival I was greeted with a cocktail that was lovey and refreshing. The staff welcomed me with open arms. During the stay I had a sea view room. The view was amazing, blue sky’s and blue seas was my permanent view. The rooms are clean and equipped with a kettle. Bed very comfortable. The beach is quiet so easy to relax by the sea. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Very impressed by the level of professionalism. The manager is always in sight at hotel and pleasant and approachable. He is always checking everything is ok with your stay. I had a breakfast package. The breakfast was lovely. A good variety of food on offer. Great omelettes made perfectly everyday. The location of hotel is in easy reach of most places as Antigua is not that big. Had a great stay at this hotel and would definitely go back. Read less

Just returned from an amazing week at Blue Waters with my daughter (13th August '19.) From the moment we arrived we were truly spoilt. The attention to detail was outstanding and everything was taken care of from the moment we arrived, enabling us to instantly 'relax' into our holiday. We were greeted by Kevin, the manager who welcomed us and whilst checking in were given cold flannels and welcome drinks. Our room, a beachfront apartment was beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. This was maintained throughout our stay by the lovely housekeeping staff who also turned our beds down each evening and kept our minibar very well stocked! Our view of the beach and the sea was simply stunning and we awoke each morning to the sound of the waves gently lapping onto the beach - perfection! Staff made sure our holiday was one of the best we have had; all were really friendly and worked hard to ensure we had everything we could possibly want. A stay at Blue Waters would not be complete without a visit to The Spa and a luxurious treatment in a setting overlooking the sea. The perfect end to the most fantastic holiday. Thank you everyone at Blue Waters, we look forward to returning soon. Hazel and Lucy Earl. Read less

I simply cannot recommend this hotel enough. A family run establishment, clearly run from the heart. Every little touch is personal, the staff here welcome you like friends instead of guests and we are always addressed by our names. The owner is onsite, so friendly, welcoming and always happy to stop to talk to us. We have been made to feel so happy and settled, never have we taken to a hotel and the people as we have here. Kevin has been an absolute delight, even before we arrived. I had a few requests and each and every one was honoured. We can clearly see why he is the general manager here as his job is fulfilled with such passion and dedication. The Cove suites are simply stunning, as is the remainder of the hotel. Our parents have a Beach front room, located perfectly beside all of the amenities. Close enough to the pool, beach and restaurant but certainly not bothered by any noise. Although able to walk, my mother is registered disabled. These rooms are ideal for anyone with any form of disability. There are golf buggies readily available for any guests wishing to be transported to anywhere else in the hotel. This is by no means a necessity, just an extra perk. The hotel is peaceful and a retreat for those looking for a little bit of paradise. We are yet to try the Elemis spa on the resort, however I have heard very good things from other guests. All toiletries provided are also Elemis, another lovely touch. We have made great use of our Cove suite and terrace, which we have found private, relaxing and perfectly spacious. The Coves are serviced by a bar next to us, prompt and efficient we couldn’t ask for more. We have found the evening entertainment to be just enough. Nothing too loud, which is simply what we were looking for in paradise. All of the restaurants are beautiful, offering a wide selection of food, although my absolute favourite is the Cove. Just wow. The beach, the blue waters (which I believe is where this running hotel has taken its name from), the gardens, where do I start? All incredible and frankly words wouldn’t do any of this justice. My family and I have visited the Caribbean many many times and this setting tops everywhere, hands down. Antigua has been a firm favourite of ours as an island and now, after discovering everything this hotel has to offer, we will undoubtedly return. Thank you all for a wonderful holiday and although we are still here, loving every minute, we are already planning to return. I’m truly in love with this resort and the people running it. I’ll be very sad to leave. Right now, I’m off to the pool! Read less