Curtain Bluff
St John's, Antigua
Good Hotel Guide Review
On a bluff on the south side of Antigua stands this much-loved resort hotel. Founded in 1962, it has a loyal clientele. Guests who came as children now come with their children and grandchildren. The hands-on owner, Chelle Hulford, and her managing director, Robert Sherman, both much in evidence, run it in generous style, with a large staff, many long-serving. The chef, Christopher Blatz, has presided for 22 years over the large alfresco restaurant. His daily-changing dinner menus of delicious soups and salads, fresh fish, and calorific puddings cater for all appetites and are served to the accompaniment of live music of the Harry Belafonte era. There are two beaches, one exhilarating, with pounding breakers, the other tranquil, lined with palm trees, sun loungers and parasols. Tennis is taken seriously, there are floodlit championship courts, three coaches and four tennis weeks every year featuring former stars such as Annabel Croft, Tracy Austin, and Fred Stolle.. You can walk in the flowery garden with its huge variety of palm trees, go sailing, diving or deep-sea fishing. Lunch is a lavish buffet/barbecue in the beach restaurant, which becomes an intimate Italian restaurant at night. Almost everything – including drink, is included in the price, so there is no signing of chits or awkwardness about tipping or who pays. Blue skies, sunshine, birdsong, yoga classes, spa treatments (for a payment), sunsets, putting and garden walks are among the many things on offer in this idyllic place. No muzak, no TV in the unfussy, well equipped, family accommodation in adjoining rooms. And thanks to the Hulfords’ altruism, the Old Road fund supports the local community, from which many of the staff are recruited -it is dedicated to improving the local quality of life.
Hotel details
Address
Po Box 288
St John's
Antigua
West Indies
Telephone
08000 518956
Bedrooms
72 rooms and suites.
Open
All year.
Facilities
Water sports centre offering scuba, water skiing, Hobi Cats, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing. Beachside swimming pool. Four tennis courts, squash court, gym, two restaurants.
Background music
Live music in main restaurant at dinner
Children
Welcomed
Credit cards
All major cards
Prices
$875-$4360 per night