When looking for an escape from the everyday slog, travelers often opt for a Caribbean getaway to relax and unwind. Antigua, a volcanic island part of the greater Antigua and Barbuda, boasts 95 pristine miles of coastline filled with white, sandy beaches and translucent blue waters. Plus, this vibrant island is easy to get to, only a four-hour flight from New York City. 

A quick drive from the airport lies Blue Waters Resort & Spa, where paradise awaits. The luxurious resort is one of a kind, its staff making you feel right at home and its ambiance making you never want to leave. The family-owned property dates back over 40 years, but its modern villas and suites would have you thinking its fairly new. Although the resort lies on a sprawling 17 acres of land, it still feels intimate, with 85 rooms, villas, and suites sprinkled throughout the property. Because of its versatile array of rooms, Blue Waters can make any type of traveler feel at ease – whether you’ve got a family in tow, are on a friends’ getaway, couples’ retreat, or a solo escape. You truly feel as though you’ve been whisked away once settled here, and you won’t find many fellow Americans at the resort – the hotel attracts a large British clientele (and who can resist those charming accents?). 

Explore

This tropical island is worth exploring, whether on property or off. Start your journey by exploring the lush gardens around the resort. Knowledgable and enthusiastic, the resort’s head of landscaping will take you on a tour, pointing out the colorful and vibrant species of plants strewn throughout the hotel’s grounds. You’ll also likely stumble upon one of many abandoned sugar mills on the island here, which are now protected sites and a beautiful part of the island’s history. 

However, if you want to give your sea legs a try, the property also offers an array of water activities, including windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The resort also offers a dreamy champagne sunset cruise for interested guests. We highly recommend getting out on the water and seeing the resort from a different perspective. For an extended stay on the water, Tropical Adventure Antigua offers a lively circumnavigation tour on its catamarans, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, swim, relax on the beaches with rum punch in hand, and enjoy a Caribbean-style buffet – but careful, too many punches and you might find yourself dancing to the music with fellow travelers. 

Those seeking a dose of culture and history should hit up UNESCO World Heritage Site Nelson’s Dockyard. Dating back to the 18th century, the site was established by the British Royal Navy and today hosts exhibits, gift shops, restaurants, and art galleries that pay homage to the historical significance of the famous dockyard.

Nearby lies Shirley Heights, a famous lookout point showcasing breathtaking views of the island as far as the eye can see. Make sure to stop by on Sunday evenings for the infamous weekend barbeque party, where both tourists and locals dance to local music, drink, and dine with stunning sunset views until it’s time to hit the hay. 

Chow Down

While in Antigua, don’t miss out on the fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors inherent to the island. You need not even go far to experience the delights the island has to offer – Blue Waters Resort has three different restaurants on property: The Reef, a tiki-style restaurant and bar; The Cove, a French Caribbean restaurant; and The Palm, which offers diners smoky bbq and fresh fish. All restaurants are helmed by Executive Chef Michael Harrison, who hails from Barbados and is the recipient of many awards and accolades. And don’t leave the island without stopping at a nearby KFC…yes, you read that right. The island’s unique recipes at the fast-food chain is notorious for being some of the best you can find and trust us, it’s finger-lickin’ good. 

Relax

It should also be noted that the resort, in addition to catering to any and all of your needs, makes relaxing almost too easy. The Spa at Blue Waters is a serene backdrop to an array of treatments designed to promote relaxation – from hot stone massages to face therapy to chakra well-being treatments. For those traveling with kids, you can keep the adult vibes going thanks to the resort’s kids’ club, which welcomes children aged 5-12. Here, your kids will be exposed to fun, island-friendly activities like catching lizards, fishing, painting, and more. 

To get the most out of the resort, those who want to get a sweat in can hop to the fitness center or tennis courts. The fitness center is fully equipped with all of the latest equipment, from free weights and kettlebells to treadmills and power mill steppers. Guests can also take advantage of Blue Waters’ yoga or cardio classes, as well as tennis lessons. 

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Antigua and much of it can be found within the 17-acre premises of Blue Waters. It’s not every day you travel to a place that you’re content to spend most of your time at the hotel, but this spot makes it feel well-rounded, sprinkling in just the right amount of rest and relaxation with exploration.