Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Why book Curtain Bluff?

For tropical seclusion, sea views, sandy toes and a dose of Caribbean sunshine.

Set the scene

Embrace island life with barefoot luxury living on a 20-acre, palm-covered peninsular with private beaches on either end. On one side, feel the breeze and surf the waves of the rugged Caribbean sea; on the other, lounge beside calm waters on the white sand bay.

The backstory

A stand-out hotel amongst many on the island, Curtain Bluff has been known and loved by locals and holidaymakers for 62 years. Its loyal following has kept the Caribbean magic alive through generations of visitors. The same family, Howard and Chelle Hulford, have owned and operated the hotel for over half a century. In November 2024 Tim and Patt Scott took over the ownership. They plan to renovate the hotel during its 2025 seasonal closure. This multi-million-dollar project includes a restaurant makeover and bedroom upgrades.

The rooms

72 sea-facing suites and rooms sit within manicured gardens of palms and tropical foliage. Step out from beachfront rooms straight onto sand, or bunker down in a super spacious suite spread over two floors, with a separate lounge, terrace for sunbathing and private plunge pool. While all rooms sleep two, neighbouring suites can be interlinked for larger party sizes and little ones. Interiors bring together dusky pinks and ocean blues for a soothing colour scheme, and palm-printed fabrics dress the wicker furnishings. Large coral lamps, marine-themed artwork and deep blue ceramic ornaments are in keeping with the castaway island vibe. Watch the ocean from the comfort of your bed and fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves on the shore below.

Food and drink

Like most hotels on the island, Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive hotel. Two restaurants rotate their menu daily to keep things interesting for guests. The Sea Grape, located at the far end of the resort, has views of the ocean with tables reaching right up to the sea's edge. Dinner is a rather formal affair with guests dressed to impress for an evening of Italian cuisine served on white-linen-draped tables illuminated by candlelight. During the day, The Sea Grape transforms into an al fresco buffet with a salad bar, pasta station, platters of meat and dessert spread. The other restaurant, Tamarind Tree, is found in the central courtyard, open for breakfast and dinner, serving a combination of European and Caribbean dishes by French head chef Christophe Blatz, who trained alongside Alain Ducasse and previously worked at the impressive Hotel du Crillon in Paris. Live music provides the soundtrack to dinner – often, a handful of guests will round off the night with a dance.

Wellness

Nestled at the back of the resort facing towards the ocean, guests visiting the wellness centre should dedicate a lazy day to pampering and relaxation. Lose track of time, with an adults-only infinity pool fitted with bubbling jacuzzis, terraces with lounging day beds, five treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion and an all-functioning beauty and hair salon. Treatments range from chocolate facials to bamboo massages. We recommend booking in for the full works, starting with an anti-ageing body scrub to exfoliate, followed by the Curtain Bluff signature massage and a foot reflexology massage or mani-pedi. If you can peel yourself away from a sun lounger for the day, there’s also an option to book a six-hour package, which is best enjoyed as a couple. Four professional-sized tennis courts draw in global tennis enthusiasts and competitive players who participate in the annual tennis weeks spread throughout the year. Beginners, fear not – you can pay for private lessons from the in-house coach.

The area

You’ll need a car or a driver to hop around the island and all its craggy coves with soft, sandy beaches. It takes around 40 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other, so wherever you visit on the island won’t be too far. Visit English Harbour, an pretty spot just a 30-minute drive away, dotted with super yachts and plenty of restaurants to dine at. Shirley Heights is the place to be for sunset – soak in the view with a cocktail from one of the shorefront bars. Set sail from Jolly Harbour on an all-day snorkelling and island cruise, or visit Trappas, a local joint serving traditional Caribbean food with plenty of fresh seafood and jerk chicken.

The service

On check-in, we’re given a quick hotel tour by the hotel owner, who is on-site at all times of day and knows guests by name. Once settled, we’re left to our own devices, but staff are always available at the front desk to help with excursions, transport or water sports. It’s a slow existence at Curtin Bluff, a pace greatly appreciated by all who stay here.

For families

We don’t see any teens during our stay, however there are plenty of babies and toddlers. There’s a playground hidden from guests amongst the palms, Cee Bee Kids Camp, which runs daily arts and crafts workshops, and a room full of board games and computer programmes. On-site nannies whisk little ones off to bed, leaving parents to enjoy valuable quality time. There are plenty of activities to keep older children entertained, including tennis, squash and shuffleboard, as well as all the water activities – snorkelling trips to colourful Cades Reef, wind sailing, wakeboarding and kayaking.

Who comes here?

Most guests are couples over 60 travelling with friends, except a few families with toddlers. We also see a few multigenerational families. With 65 per cent of guests returning year after year, this special spot clearly never loses its sparkle. The combination of sun and sea breeze and all-inclusive food and activities appeals to all; many guests don’t leave the hotel grounds for an entire stay.

Eco effort

Giving back to Antigua through The Old Road Fund is one of the ways Curtain Bluff earns its keep on the island. Since launching the initiative, the hotel has donated over three million dollars to the local community to improve healthcare, school supplies, and food for those in need. Locals are also invited to come and use the tennis facilities and training programmes.

Accessibility

A select few of the beachfront rooms are accessible for wheelchair users – ask the hotel which ones before booking. Ramps feature throughout the hotel and can be installed in the lower-ground rooms where necessary.

Anything else to mention?

Planning a wedding? If you have cash to splash, loop in the resort's wedding planner to conjure up the dream destination wedding with an island backdrop. Whether it be an intimate occasion or a huge affair, the resort is available for a full buyout for up to 140 guests.

Is it worth it?

If hopping between pool loungers, dipping in the salty sea and drying off in a palm-shaded hammock with a rum punch in hand sounds like your cup of tea, this is the Antiguan island hideaway for you.