Curtain Bluff - All Inclusive

We have visited Antigua many times and each visit we are very lucky and privileged to choose two hotel resorts to stay at. No longer, we’ve found our perfect home from home at Curtain Bluff and have already booked our flights back to Antigua and will be staying at Curtain Bluff for our whole trip next year instead of visiting 2 resorts. The Bluff is a truly exceptional hotel that has been lovingly cared for and managed by Rob with each member of staff looked after. On arrival we were shown to our beachside room which was light and spacious with direct access over a small wall that you could climb over to the beach, incredible. A huge comfortable bed, walk in power shower and lovely room amenities. The rooms face the surf beach and whilst I wasn’t brave enough to swim on that side of the resort, I very much enjoyed the hammock by my room and a coffee in the porch terrace in the morning looking out at the bluff. We arrived during Thanksgiving and there was a lovely family vibe across the resort which has a large American clientele - we made quite a new friends from across the Atlantic. Our first evening was spent on the beach at a barbecue which we normally tend to avoid but it set the standard of food for the whole week, the food was exceptional and extremely varied, we enjoyed every meal..Our only niggle was having to book tables in advance at the beach restaurant, which we thought was slightly better and menus more to our taste . The drinks were also great, with signature cocktails and branded spirits. Both my partner and I love tennis, the court and tennis facilities are first rate, I don’t think I’ve ever played on a court with such fantastic views. The new adult spa pool was also amazing and perfect for a sundown glass of wine. We really enjoyed the free snorkelling trips and sailing with Ali, one of the highlights of the trip was the sail over to Carlisle bay on the hobbie cats. Whilst we there, there was much discussion about the new British owners as many guests are repeat visitors and each week are entertained in a cocktail party up in the bluff house which is such a lovely touch and something that the previous owners who sadly passed way started many years ago. I hope the new owners will continue the tradition with Rob and perhaps create some of their own! Can’t wait to see the resort develop and hope it will be in time for when we return next December. This is an exceptional all inclusive and the reason why so many people return.

We spent a pleasant week at Curtain Bluff, but this is another trip that really makes me question the ‘Travellers Choice Best of The Best’ that it seems to have won. Why does this place review so well on here? We really didn’t see it. The Location - Beautiful, set on a bay with palm trees on the beach and forested hills behind it. The beach was extremely relaxing, seemed to be enough sun beds for everyone. No music, just very relaxing. The grounds were nice, albeit small, tropical plants, well kept etc. The beach was the highlight of our trip. The Room - Old but ‘fine’. A stunning view with the waves crashing on a beach a few metres from our balcony and an unblocked view of the seas. The room was however very tired. At this end of the market standards have changed a lot in the past ten years for the better and Curtain Bluff has failed to catch up. The bathroom felt old and dated. The Food - Not up to a modern hotel at this price range. There are two restaurants, we didn’t think either were great. Breakfast was ‘fine’ although a little boring. The lunch by the beach has both a la carte and buffet service, which were again ‘fine’ but nothing to get excited about. Dinner, again ‘fine’ but not great. An example - the steak is not a steak but is in fact a slice of beef. Why not charge people a few $ more and actually provide decent food? Service - Certainly very friendly, but at times slow. Eg getting drinks at the beach involved predicting you might want a drink in 45 mins and so ordering ahead. Gym - Again very small and not well equipped. Dumbbells up to 75lb and some basic machines but got very crowded before breakfast. Spa - Again, ‘fine’ nothing wrong with the massages but the treatment rooms etc not up to the standard of a modern luxury hotel. An annoyance - Breakfast finishes at 9. So impossible to sleep til 730, have some coffee, get a workout and then get breakfast. Meant our mornings were rushed, again not acceptable at this end of the market. Why does it review so well? We observed that most of the guests were older retired people who have returned multiple times - perhaps they don’t have anything to compare it too? As a couple in our 40s who travel regularly and have a lot of comparison points we had a decent trip but were not impressed and wouldn’t return - you can do a lot better in this price range. To top it all off, hotel car to the airport was late, airport a chaotic mess when we got there. Nearly missed our flight, had no time to get anything to eat before our flight. Sad way to end a vacation but very Curtain Bluff. At this price range you have to be better than ‘fine’.

This hotel is stunning. The staff and management are exceptional, the food and drink are exceptional, the water sports, tennis and pickleball facilities are fabulous. I have never been to a hotel before where absolutely nothing was too much trouble. Also, our fellow guests were absolutely lovely and we made some great friends. The majority of the guests we met had been visiting this resort for many years which demonstrates not only the quality of the resort but also the friendliness of the staff. I am sure we will be coming back.

Our second visit. A fabulous room on The Bluff, with great views and facilities. All inclusive except for an excellent high end wine list and taxi Airport transfers. The price reflects the quality of the room and facilities - and some!,, compounded by exorbitant taxes of 27% plus, and a flat rate service charge on the room rate which seems excessive given the increasing rates for the rooms. Food offering is generally excellent and varied, and another key positive is the excellence of a team of over 200 staff for guests in c 70 rooms. A concern for the future may be that if you are under 70 you may well lower the average guest age, but potentially a new ownership and joining Relaix and Chareaux my lead to improvements, so long as there is not a change in the general character of CB. The location is stunning and there is a very high return guest ratio.

We had a wonderful 10 day visit to CB. Our 19th annual visit, obviously we love CB. It continues to get better every yr. And will continue to do so with new ownership and the continued great management by Rob and Wendy. The staff is wonderful. Trevor, Carlos, Danny , Glouster, and all others. Literally everyone is so nice and accommodating for anything we want. The other guests are so nice also, we have made many friends over the years. We have already booked for next January.

Quite superb. Not our 1st stay at this family owned resort however it is amazing that each stay is better than before and our 1st stay was already very good. Nothing is too much trouble with excellent and friendly service. Unlike other resorts, everything is included so that one can truly relax and enjoy the vibe.