BLUE WATERS

The balcony view from any of the Cove Suites is one of the best features of the Blue Waters Resort, located on Antigua’s north coast.

Picture this, opening the sliding glass doors and slipping outside to take in the steady sound of the water and the big expanse of blue-black sea and sky beyond. Picture yourself stepping onto that same balcony in the morning, to that same view in turquoise hues, and the sight of brown pelicans diving for their breakfast from a nearby jetty, before making your way down to the open air Palm restaurant for your own. Nature is never far away even amidst the modern amenities – TV, DVD, Internet: from the unusually rocky coastline and sandy-white, quiet bays to the birdsong accompanying your walk through the winding lanes cutting through well laid gardens and buildings. In fact, the entire set-up …the abundance of Palms – royal, date, coconut – and bougainvilleas … the old landmark sugar mill … has an appealing outdoorsy feel.
 

You’ll find it’s a relaxing place with a friendly atmosphere, and that, while tailor made for couples and romance – from the low lit ambience of the Cove restaurant to the remote gazebo where many a couple have, privately, said their ‘I do’s’ – it’s friendly to singles and families as well. A staffer stopping to chat up a baby in its stroller. A family, the same family observed enjoying an Asian feast at the Cove, in daylight, drawing a draught of coconut water straight from the source. A single woman sipping a beer at the poolside bar while Bob Marley plays on the stereo or curled up with a book in the open air lounge near the Pelican bar while a steel band gets ready to set the day to music. Singles and couples, all ages and sizes, stretched out poolside, on the beach, or further out on a wooden raft seemingly built for just that purpose soaking up some of that famous Antigua sun. A general air of bonhomie.
 

The only question remaining is, we suppose, what are you in the mood for?

If dinner is all you desire, you could do no better than the Cove for an evening of elegance in the open air setting with the moonlight view and vined terrace; superb service, and – courtesy Chef Bernie and company – cuisine that proves a pleasant surprise to the palate. Try their sushi platter (with chop sticks if you’re feeling adventurous) or, say, the Trio Mousse dessert; you’ll see what we mean.
 

Depending on how long you stay, you’ll no doubt partake of the wide range of amenities which include the pools and Jacuzzis, water activities like snorkeling and kayaking, spa or fitness activities.
 

If you’ve been feeling the weight of life, you’ll be tempted to retreat to your choice of luxury room, villa or suite, where a welcome bottle, a tub for soaking, or perhaps a dip in the private pools exclusive to Cove Suites residents, and a four poster for stretching out in awaits you. So ensconced, you may well find that even a single night is vacation enough. Of course, you may well find that you’re tempted to stay longer. It’s that kind of place, the ease seeping into your bones incrementally until you’re doe-eyed and lax-limbed.
 

Blue Waters knows the business of relaxation – has perfected it over these 35 years of existence; and even a single night there, where the calm waters lap gently at Soldiers Bay, feels like your own private escape.