Hotel review: Curtain Bluff, Antigua
AOL Travel reviews laidback, family-run hotel Curtain Bluff in Antigua
Written by: Ruth Doherty
Curtain Bluff hotel
Date published: 11/30/2010
4.5 / 5 stars
What stands Curtain Bluff apart from the slew of picture-perfect 5-star hotels in the Caribbean is, put simply, its service. This is a family run hotel, set up by the late Howard Hulford and his lovely wife Chelle - and, boy, can you tell.
The staff here are super-friendly and the atmosphere intimate, with guests returning year after year on a know-name basis. The benevolent Chelle still wanders around checking everyone is OK, and the sommeliers will even remember your favourite tipple.
But that doesn't mean it's not fabulous too. The quiet cove beach is not only postcard-perfect but uber-relaxed, and the lively team will take you out waterskiing or on the ultra-fun rings – a good time and lots of smiles are the goal on this stretch of sand.
What will really blow you away, though, is the seaside spa perched atop a hill with unparalleled views of the Caribbean sea. Go there for the best-ever full-body massage, drink lemongrass and ginger tea - made from the spa's herb garden – on the open-air terrace, and sip a glass of bubbly in the hot water infinity plunge pool.
All of the 72 suites have ocean views, and the décor is cosy tropical, rather than sleek and modern. The all-inclusive basis means you can put your Chloe purse away and grab a cocktail at any time of the day.
And for dinner? Head to the Sugar Mill Terrace restaurant, where Alain Ducasse-trained chef Christophe Blatz will tickle your tastebuds with his French-Caribbean fusion fare. A daily-fresh buffet lunch can be enjoyed by the sea at the Beach Club, just steps away from your hammock home for the week.
And if you want to step away from the beach for a while (unlikely, but hey), the resort can organise a trip for you to visit Shirley Heights, the most famous clifftop lookout in Antigua, offering unbeatable sunsets, and home to weekly Sunday and Thursday night bbq parties, where you can not only drink in the local rum, but the brilliant Steel Pan Band, too. Good times a-plenty in a down-to-earth, people-focused resort with a stunning spa and pool? You may well see us on the repeat guest list in ten years' time!
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6, saving £950 per couple.
Includes accommodation in a Deluxe Room, all inclusive, flights with British Airways and private transfers. From £2395pp. Valid 15 May – 30 Jul 11, based on two sharing.
For reservations call 01244 202 000 or visit Seaons in Style
