Why Antigua is great for a multi-generational holiday
Antigua is just for honeymooners and lovey-dovey couples, right? Wrong! I’ve just got back and was surprised at how great the island is for an extended family holiday with the kids and grandparents in tow. Here’s why Blue Waters Resort & Spa in Antigua is my top choice for a multigenerational holiday in the Caribbean.
By Ben Eddon-Carruthers
I touched down in Antigua, with the sun high in the sky and the sea sparkling in the distance. My home for a few nights is Blue Waters Resort & Spa, a hotel that really stands apart for families. The first perk is that it is only 20 minutes from the airport!
If you’re travelling as an extended family it pays to go for a Cove Penthouse or villa, and not just because it allows you to share a larger space rather than splitting yourselves across separate rooms. Doing so means you get free VIP arrival, with a concierge to take you through passport control and customs and straight to your transfer. That’s a huge win if you’ve got little ones in tow who might be weary after a long flight.
I loved the Cove Penthouse in particular. It has three ensuite bedrooms surrounding a large lounge and kitchen area, plus a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea. It’s perfectly suited to families travelling with grandparents and children. The excellent Luxury Suites and Cove Suites are ideal if you’re a smaller family of three or four.
What makes Blue Waters so special is its location. Tucked away in its own private bay in the north of Antigua, the resort doesn’t feel too big, as it has just 85 rooms, villas and suites opening out onto the sandy beach. From here, you can paddle or swim in the sea, or head out on kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
While the kids are guaranteed to love splashing about in the ocean all day, the superb kids’ club is open from Monday to Friday for little ones aged five to 12. They can try their hand at cricket, arts and crafts, or even head out fishing while you take some much-needed time to lie in a cabana by the pool.
The 17 acres of lush tropical gardens and the simple white and blue colonial-style architecture are so peaceful, and I found out the hotel is actually owned by a British family. The seaside vibe is calming and classic, unlike many Caribbean hotels that opt for the typical bold and garish florals. As soon as I arrived I felt an immediate sense of relaxation that only deepened as my stay went on. However, this isn’t a precious place – kids are more than welcome to run around and enjoy themselves. Blue Waters is clearly beloved by all ages, and there’s always somewhere to escape to and relax, no matter the time of day.
The spa at Blue Waters is an essential stop-off if you’re looking to shake-off the stresses and strains of everyday life. Its shady, communal areas look out to sea, while its menu of Blue Waters treatments is the stuff of dreams. The 60-minute Signature Treatment, using Ila products, includes a traditional West Indian head and face massage, hot stones and reflexology, leaving you completely blissed out.
When you come on holiday with your family, you’ll want to be sure that everyone will be happy come meal times. And Blue Waters certainly delivers, whether you want a fun start to the day with the kids or something more intimate come dinner time.
There are three restaurants: The Palm, where you can settle down to an al fresco breakfast, grab a coffee or enjoy the weekly barbecue night as the sun goes down; The Reef, which serves up delicious salads and flatbreads for lunch and offers a pool and beach service, so you don’t even need to leave your lounger; and The Cove, which serves up French and Caribbean fusion in a romantic setting in a candlelit hall. If you’re keen to try the latter, you can always book the kids into the regular pizza and movie nights run by the kids’ club, or book a babysitter, available in all rooms, so you can enjoy a special meal together.
Although coming to Blue Waters is all about taking it easy, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time here lounging in the sun. I made the most of the watersports on offer — snorkelling out over the reef is something you’ll never forget! I’d also highly recommend taking a catamaran trip for a private charter, which will take you to secluded beaches along the coast or for a leisurely nature walk on the amazing Great Bird Island.
You can also arrange trips to Shirley Heights and look out over English Harbour, which will give you a taste of the colonial history of Antigua and how the island has changed over recent decades. Head there on a Sunday or Thursday for live music and a memorable BBQ party!
What I really love about Blue Waters Resort & Spa is that it offers such good deals for families in the shoulder season. Stay at the end of September (after hurricane season) and you’ll enjoy gorgeous weather without the crowds, or opt for a trip in April or May as the high season comes to an end. Either way, you’ll find this resort is built for every generation, with something to suit every age. It’s a place that you’ll be desperate to return to time and again.
Want to know more?
Contact us and chat with Ben about the resort and holiday offers for Blue Waters Antigua.