Blue Horizons Garden Resort

There are just 32 rooms, which include a mix of suites and studios, on a six-acre hillside property, so there is plenty of room and guests won’t feel crowded. The resort exudes a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that suits couples, friends, and families alike. It’s a very casual environment, and as the rooms are self-catering, guests tend to keep to themselves. The beach is about a five-minute walk away, where Blue Horizons guests can access some amenities, including beach chairs and a gym, at the nearby Spice Island Beach Resort, a much more upscale (and pricier) beachfront property. While evenings are quiet at the resort, there are a few bars are located close by.

There is a small lobby at the entrance of Blue Horizons Garden Resort, but this resort takes advantage of the outdoors, with lots of open space. The second part of the hotel’s name, “Garden Resort,” is an accurate description -- the property is covered with well-kept green gardens, featuring a variety of plants and flowers. In fact, the eco-friendly hotel is said to be a sanctuary to dozens of different kinds of tropical birds, which can be seen and heard tweeting all throughout the grounds.

Blue Horizons is set on a hillside that borders on a tropical forest in the southwest corner of the island, a bustling area where many hotels and resorts are located. Although it’s not situated directly on the beach, it’s only a five-minute walk to the popular Grand Anse beach.  

The hotel is conveniently located close to many bars and restaurants, and there is a small shopping mall right down the street that contains a large supermarket. It’s about a 15-minute ride by car to the capital city of St. George’s up the coast, and just about a 10-minute drive to the airport.

Rooms are a decent size (suites are more spacious than studios) and have modern furniture in a mix of dark woods and wicker finishes. The breezy decor features soft colors such as sage greens, light blues, and neutral tones. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams make rooms feel open and airy.

Each room includes a kitchenette, a small terrace, and a living room or sitting area. The kitchenettes are equipped with small stoves, full refrigerators, toasters, and coffeemakers, but dishes and cookware are limited. Some suites have flat-screen TVs, while others have old tube-style TVs and old clock radios. The bathrooms are clean, but basic and in need of an update. Pull-out sofa beds allow extra sleeping room for kids (children under 16 stay free when sharing with parents).

There are two restaurants, each with a  bar. La Belle Creole is an upscale restaurant featuring continental cuisine and with a West Indian influence, serving breakfast and dinner. The Aqua Pool Bar & Grill serves bistro-style plates and sandwiches for lunch, poolside.

The large, rectangular pool is nothing special, but there are many lounge chairs and shaded areas available. There is a local road that runs right behind the pool, so you may hear cars going by when lounging. There is a large outdoor playground for kids, though it looks a bit tired, and a spacious library/lounge area for guest use. Meeting rooms and a business center are available on site, as well.

Blue Horizons isn’t located on the beachfront. It’s a five-minute walk to the popular, bustling Grand Anse beach. The hotel works with an associated property, the super chic and tranquil Spice Island Beach Resort, to allow guests free access to beach lounge chairs, a fitness center, non-motorized water sports such as kayaks and sailing, and other amenities.