Nestled on a rocky promontory on Antigua’s south side, Curtain Bluff captivates visitors with its breathtaking cove, where teal waters and lush, foliage-covered hills meet the Caribbean Sea. In the distance, Montserrat, another West Indies island, is ideally in view, confirming the sense that you’re in an island paradise.
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Opened in 1962 by Howard and Chelle Hulford as a sanctuary for family and friends, the now award-winning Relais & Châteaux resort was once a quaint 22-key hotel—and its historic charm has only grown since. It’s the kind of place you fall in love with once and return to forever more.
With 220 employees, several of whom have been with Curtain Bluff for over 40 years, the hotel thrives on staff dedication. Rob Sherman, the property manager for 25 seasons and counting, hosts the weekly cocktail party at Bluff House, a fan-favorite event. He delivers a heartfelt and humorous speech celebrating returning guests for over a decade and welcoming first-time visitors.
Blush-pink stuccoed buildings cradle the 72 guestrooms in this shangri-la, many featuring private balconies overlooking its two palm-fringed coves. Specific accommodations, like the Bluff Rooms, span two stories: a living room and nook area with indoor-outdoor seating on the first floor, while the mezzanine houses a spacious bedroom with an expansive bathroom hosting a freestanding bathtub and a plush king-size bed facing the ocean.
When travelers hear “all-inclusive,” doubts often arise about quality, especially regarding food and beverage. However, Curtain Bluff dispels those concerns upon arrival. The attentive staff goes beyond typical hospitality, seeking to know guests personally. Moreover, the culinary experience surpasses expectations with daily rotating menus featuring fresh, gourmet options at its oceanfront Sea Grape and centrally located Tamarind restaurants. Gone are the days of repetitive buffet offerings; instead, enjoy dishes like fresh tomatoes with micro greens, grilled seafood, meats, and a full a la carte menu.
Contrary to beach boredom, apathy is nowhere to be found here. There’s plenty to keep you occupied with over a dozen activities, ranging from an abundance of watersports—including waterskiing, snorkeling, tubing, and scuba diving—to pristine tennis courts. However, if you’re inclined to relax from sun up until sundown (it’s a vacation, after all), ample lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds are available at your leisure. For an even deeper level of relaxation, consider booking a soothing massage or facial therapy at the exceptional spa.
This nurturing employee culture, strong sense of community, and authentic island-escape atmosphere combine to make Curtain Bluff a memorable vacation destination in Antigua.
Top Takeaways
Location: Morris Bay, Antigua
Address: Morris Bay St. Mary’s Parish Old Road, Antigua & Barbuda
Rating: Five-Star
The vibe: A luxurious beach resort with a homey ambiance—quickly making guests feel like they’re visiting their second vacation bungalow with its warm hospitality.
Food + Drink: Sea Grape, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, offers lunch, dinner, and nightly specials. Tamarind, the main open-air dining space—named after its centerpiece, the tamarind tree—serves breakfast and dinner, with live music performances at night. Both offer a Mediterranean-influenced menu that features seafood items, including tuna and red snapper caught daily, alongside classic and innovative pasta dishes (think: spaghetti carbonara and pea-filled ravioli with crispy pancetta, and a cream sauce), plus an English-style breakfast with eggs, bacon, and fresh-squeezed juices. Before you go, indulge in scoops of the coconut and pistachio ice cream flavors; trust us, it’s a decision you won’t regret.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Where to begin? Truthfully, what resonates most—aside from the hotel’s striking beauty along this Caribbean cove and its palm-fringed beach, bringing our ideas of paradise to life—is the hospitality. It felt tangible enough to call it a ‘thing,’ and you can’t beat a place that makes you feel right at home.
Amenities: Water sports (paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding); pro-grade tennis courts; a serene ocean-facing spa; an adults-only pool, an in-room snack bar; all-inclusive meals and drinks; a modern fitness center (with a view of the beach); daily yoga and pilates; and room service for breakfast, lunch, and dessert.
What’s Nearby? English Harbor; Nelsons Dockyard; Turner’s Beach; Darkwood Beach; Ffryes Beach
Any personal neighborhood recs? Drive to English Harbor—about a 30-minute endeavor if you make it off-property—where colorful homes to residents, painted in hues of pink, orange, and blue, soak in the authentic Antiguan feel. Majestic vessels float in the harbor nearby, juxtaposing these adorably colored homes. For dinner and drinks, dine at Colibri and enjoy authentic French and Créole cuisine. Sit on the outdoor patio surrounded by verdant greenery or indoors amidst befitting nautical artwork.
Rooms: 72
Pricing: Rates start at $1,050 per night.
Closest Airport: V. C. Bird International Airport
