Our Travel Specialist Kate has just returned from a fantastic trip to Antigua! She stayed at two wonderful resorts, Blue Waters Resort & Spa and Curtain Bluff, and dived headfirst into a host of exciting activities all over the island. This was Kate’s first visit to Antigua, and she was blown away by the hospitality, not to mention the outstanding beauty of the sugar-soft beaches! It’s clear to see why Antigua is such a popular destination, with so much to see, do, and experience.
Day 1
Kate’s first stop was at Blue Waters Resort & Spa, only a 15 minute drive from the airport. The resort is surrounded by stunning tropical gardens, and the reception offers a beautiful, airy space with view of the nearby ocean, making a very special first impression.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa has some of the most versatile accommodation on the island. All of the accommodation caters for luxury living, from the deluxe beachfront rooms just a short stroll from the beach and the cove suites with their private access to four infinity pools to the exclusive villas and cottages. Rock Cottage is an exclusive and luxurious option, boasting five bedrooms plus a private infinity pool and outdoor seating areas on its own private bluff. Luxury at its finest!
Kate dined at Reef Restaurant, on a beautiful spot jutting out into the ocean. Serving fresh fish caught locally on the island, the restaurant’s food was exquisite and the service was fantastic. Blue Waters Resort & Spa offers three restaurants and two bars. The Cove Restaurant offers a stunning setting, inside a candlelit hall right beside the ocean serving classic French cuisine with a twist. The Palm Restaurant offers a Caribbean al fresco dining experience located in the resort’s lush gardens.
Kate was lucky enough to spend a morning relaxing on the beach at Blue Waters Resort & Spa. Water sports are available, including snorkelling, windsurfing, and kayaking, many with introductory lessons for beginners. Out to sea is a pontoon and floating trampoline, posing the perfect challenge for guests to see who can swim out the fastest! It’s also a great choice for families, as kids can be entertained at the beach all day, and parents can enjoy the beach service, where drinks and fresh fruit can be brought direct to your lounger. As you can see below, Kate loved it!
Day 2
After a fabulous breakfast at Blue Waters Resort & Spa and a lovely morning swim in the ocean, it was off to the next stop on Kate’s trip. The second resort Kate visited was the stunning Curtain Bluff. Set on a rocky promontory between an Atlantic beach and a Caribbean one, Curtain Bluff combines luxury service, quality dining, and relaxation all in a scenic location.
The beach on the Atlantic side is perfect for surfing, whilst the Caribbean side is great for swimming and water sports. The resort itself has a traditional country club style with many guests returning every year. The hotel’s 72 rooms and suites all overlook the Atlantic beach, ensuring guests never feel far away from ocean views at any point. All of the elegant accommodation options have French doors leading out onto a private balcony or terrace, with the most luxurious suites offering private Jacuzzis and infinity pools.
Dining at Curtain Bluff is continuously evolving under the watchful eye of the head Chef who focuses on fresh, local produce presented with an elegant flair. Guests are able to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Tamarind Tree Restaurant or at lunch The Sea Grape, right beside the beach.
Day 3
Time for some adventure! Kate was lucky enough to join 268 Buggies on an exciting and immersive tour of the island. With professional tour guides leading the way, Kate explored her way through local farms, fields, and rolling hills.
It’s a fantastic way to see the island from a completely different perspective. The buggies are automatic and easy to drive, and fun too! Kate had an exhilarating time, but recommends that anyone interested wear something they don’t mind getting muddy! Drinks and snacks were provided, and a 15 minute break for a quick swim!
After a thrilling day out, there’s only one way to end the evening – with a party! Shirley Heights Lookout is a breathtaking location with incredible views of the coast and the nearby English Harbour. Every Sunday and Thursday, they host a sunset BBQ party, complete with reggae music, steel pan drums, plenty of drinks and even more dancing. It offers an authentic, lively atmosphere and is a great way to get involved in local Caribbean culture.
Day 4
Kate also had the opportunity to visit a host of other resorts in Antigua, from The Inn at English Harbour with its traditional style to the contemporary Hammock Cove. Antigua has so many wonderful resorts to choose from, so no matter what you are looking for, there’s certain to be one that suits you. Families will enjoy Carlisle Bay, boasting an extensive kids club with excellent facilities. Couples looking for a romantic spot will love Hermitage Bay, offering a quiet, peaceful, and laid back atmosphere with stunning accommodation and exquisite dining.
There are also plenty of locations nearby that are definitely worth a visit. English Harbour is just a stone’s throw away from The Inn at English Harbour, and is where you will find Nelson’s Dockyard, with its beautiful architecture, gourmet restaurants, and a chance to immerse yourself in the island’s unique history. Kate would also highly recommend a visit to Sheer Rocks Restaurant – a gourmet 4-star establishment serving spectacular Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, to which guests and locals alike flock. With award-winning chefs, unique tasting menus, and breathtaking vistas, it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
To book your holiday to to Antigua, call your Caribbean travel experts at Tropic Breeze on 01752 880 880 or email [email protected]
Author Anna WilliamsCategories Caribbean, News