Blue Waters Resort & Spa

eight years, the hotel has been extended and the number of facilities increased. A great deal of reinvesting has resulted in the modernization of the décor and upgrading amenities, such as light- ing, sound system, soft furnishings – and a new outdoor restaurant and a kids club have been added. “We’re 117 rooms – that’s 107 keys –on a very large site of 20 acres with beautiful extensive gardens throughout the property,” says Randall. “That’s something we’re known for. It’s not dense as a hotel complex, it’s actually quite spread out. In fact, a lot of people that stay here often feel like they’re staying in a smaller hotel, because it’s never particularly crowded.We have 11 swim- ming pools and four restaurants (Bartley’s, the Cove Restaurant, the Pelican Bar, the Palm Restau- rant, and Carolyn’s on the beach for lighter ‘salad’ fare). That’s quite excessive and unique for 107 keys. Our beaches are not the biggest, but they are pristine and perfect, and we have three of them.” Previously marketed primarily to U.K. tourists, BLUEWATERS RESORT & SPA Blue Waters has significantly shifted focus in the last 24 months to increase the percentage of U.S. business. Finding the right marketing partner, Karen Bull, has contributed to Blue Waters’ suc- cess through representation stateside. Randall strongly believes that the American market re- sponds well to a property with modern specifica- tions. He notes, “We’ve done that. I think we used to be too ‘Englishy’– a little bit too ‘twee’ and Colonial. Now, we’ve become more appealing in the way we look, as well as the variety and quality of our menu offerings.We’ve gone away from the English-influenced heavier food to lighter, fresher, healthier - salads, fresh fruit, fish.” No worries for guests who want online acces- sibility on vacation, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The resort runs at 75 to 77 percent year-round occupancy, keeping the staff of 240 employees extremely busy through the high season. Of course, the threat and unpredictability of hurricanes is always hovering. But, historically, Antigua and Blue Waters have been fortunate to evade direct hits for the most part. Last year, Hur- ricane Irma skirted past, leaving about $300,000 U.S. in damage to the hotel. They were already