The Blue Waters resort has genuine quality to stand out from an exceptional crowd.
Simon Cowell may have the Midas touch when it comes to producing TV gold but he needs a holiday. Seriously, whose idea was it to have the X Factor boot camp for Nicole Scherzinger’s girls in Antigua?
This is the sun-drenched island of dreams where you don’t need to work hard to chase the X Factor.
Luxury and paradise awaits at the Blue Waters resort. From the warm welcome on arrival till the fond farewell on departure, you are made to feel like a celebrity. Everyone knows your name and goes out of their way to ensure you have the perfect holiday.
The award-winning resort nestles in Soldier’s Bay with its own private beach, numerous pools and 17 acres of beautiful tropical gardens.
The latter is a source of pride for the English owner, Ronald Randall, who takes a personal interest in the resort’s upkeep, plants and landscaping. And it was that love for the place that saw his family buy their favourite holiday destination more than 25 years ago.
In many ways it feels like you are invited guests to their very special Caribbean holiday home. That personal touch and friendly interest in your enjoyment shows. The resort is ideal for couples and families seeking luxury without the snob factor.
The service is of the highest standard and is friendly, not fawning.
The accommodation is stunning, from the hillside rooms to the VIP suites and private villas that simply take your breath away. Rock Cottage on the point, a favourite of Lionel Richie who often stays there, was voted one of the best luxury villas in the world. And the Cove penthouse apartment we stayed in was fantastic. Or, as the previous incumbent, TOWIE star Lauren Goodger, would say “well reem”.
Admittedly, our sunbathing pictures weren’t quite as glamorous as hers, but the accommodation certainly was. It sleeps six with a full length terrace off two lovely bedrooms and a massive lounge/dining/kitchen area. There are free-standing baths adjoining the two main bedrooms and an en-suite with power shower in the third.
The furnishings are of a high standard and there are lovely little touches including a concierge service and a restockable minibar for those on inclusive. It has its own infinite pool below and a private bar for the exclusive use of Cove guests.
Even the hillside or beachfront rooms are modern and stylish and all have spacious balconies or patios. Air conditioning, fridge, satellite TV, safes and bathrobes are all standard.
For larger groups or special occasions though, private villas certainly have the X Factor. The resort is just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 from the hub of the island, St John’s and Dickenson Bay. It is a delightful paradise to explore with stunning scenery and interesting history.
There may be 365 beaches, one for every day of the year as the Antiguans proudly boast, but it doesn’t take long to drive round and really should be on your holiday itinerary.
However, if you love your food there’s no need to leave the resort. There are three excellent restaurants, all among the finest in Antigua, and a pool-side grill bar. The main dining room, The Palm, is at the centre of the complex where the bars and main pool areas are. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, an all too tempting selection of Mediterranean and International/Caribbean food. Go all-inclusive and indulge in a feast of flavours including traditional Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings!
Bartleys is more intimate and offers lovely food in an elegant, air-conditioned setting. And, to top these culinary delights, the Cove restaurant combines the finest of French and Caribbean food with breathtaking views from its cliff top position.
We watched transfixed as the birds swooped, fishing amid the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.
All of us feasting on the freshest and tastiest food!
Of course a Caribbean holiday wouldn’t be complete without some cocktails. And the Pelican Bar has a wonderful relaxed ambiance to help you wind down in the evening whilst sipping an exotic drink or three.
The hotel also has a full water sports and activities centre including gym and tennis court. And for special pampering the beauty salon and spa offers a range of fabulous treatments.
Nicole urged her young singers to “give it everything” if they wanted to get that break. Blue Waters gives you everything and a little bit more. It’s certainly No1 in our holiday charts.
Virgin and British Airways fly to Antigua from Gatwick. For more on the hotel, visit bluewaters.net
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