Business View Caribbean, November/December 2018

26 27 www.island-provision.com info@island-provision.biz We take pride in supplying the best hotels, restaurants and yachts and are truly committed to our motto “Where Quality Comes First” ISLAND PROVISION GROUP T: +(268) 480-5151 // F: +(268) 480-5173 BLUEWATERS RESORT & SPA closing to refurbish the main reception and bar, at the time, and had to extend that for an extra two weeks.Now, severe storms are factored in when it comes to building materials, tools, and construction methods, to try to protect the resort as much as possible for that eventuality. As for competing for tourist dollars with other resorts on the island, Randall says,“Because the hotel has been around for 50 years, and we’ve owned it for 34, one of the things we’re best known for is that we’ve retained a lot of our staff for a long period of time.Much of our business is repeat guests; they come here and knowmany of the staff, so there’s an experience of friendliness and familiarity that other places don’t have. It definitely makes us unique. Besides that, Blue Waters is just a magical location–where it’s situated and the large variety of dining options in relation to the scale of the property.” According to Trip Advisor reviews, “It’s a very beautiful property” is one of the most repeat- ed guest comments. Indeed, the grounds are wonderfully mature, and a great deal of ongo- ing effort and expense is put into maintaining the local flora and fauna, as well as the build- ings. The site, itself, is within a secluded bay area with a steep hillside behind, making it a private sanctuary for visitors. For those seeking a more active lifestyle, there are water sports, including paddle boards, Hobie-Cat catamarans and kayaks; a flood-lit tennis court; morning yoga classes in a dedicated pavilion; live enter- tainment, including a steel band during Sunday brunch and the weeklyManager’s Cocktail Party; andAntigua’s onlychampionship golf course is a quick,five-minute drive away.Or take a 15-minute drive to the capital where awonderful selection of stores,boutiques,and duty-free shopping awaits. Environmental sustainability came into play during the revamp of the facilities and is import- ant to future growth.“We’ve been trying to use as much low energy equipment as we can,” says Randall. “That’s one of the main things. Some- thing else we’re pursuing at the moment – and it’s not easy to implement because it’s a com- plicated project–is to stop supplying water in plastic bottles for guests.We would be giving them water in glass bottles when they arrive, that they can then fill up themselves.” In another “green”effort, Blue Waters is no longer supplying straws with drinks. If requested, they are available–made from PLA, a biodegradable ther- moplastic that comes from corn starch, a natural bioactive alternative to traditional plastic straws. To control the spread of mosquitoes, a treatment programcalled“fogging”(because of the smoke it cre- ates) is normallydone on aweeklybasis.The process is not harmful and quicklydissipates; even the beautiful butterflies are not affected. Looking ahead, Randall shares some ambitious plans.“We have some land and we’re debating whether to potentially add some high-end villa components to the property to sell as timeshares. That’s high on the agenda. People would have complete flexibility as to when they wanted to rent them out, but we would manage the rentals through our operation.We are also focused on expanding our share of the American tourist market here, as well as implementing more sustainable initiatives on the property in the future.” Over the years, Blue Waters has won multiple awards, including the World Travel Award for the Leading Hotel in Antigua & Barbuda, six years in a row, and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for contribution to the island.With such a gorgeous landscape, friendly staff, and impeccable attention to every whim, it’s no surprise that second and third generation familymembers are coming backas guests and newvisitors can’t wait to return to thisAnti- gua paradise.