Curtain Bluff on the picture-perfect island of Antigua is the ideal base for a Caribbean family holiday this winter.
Antigua is a firm favourite with families, and Curtain Bluff is one of the most loved places to stay. Whether you are travelling with little ones who want to paddle in the warm shallow waters and play in the kids’ club, or older children who can enjoy the excellent sports facilities, there is something for everyone: including a fantastic spa and wonderful dining for mums and dads.
For a winter-sun getaway that is sure to make everyone happy, this stunning beachfront property has all you could wish for. Citizen Enfants checked in to find out more.
The Vibe
Warm, welcoming and incredibly charming, this privately-owned slice of paradise, tucked away on a rocky peninsula on Antigua’s south side, is a Caribbean haven. Just ask the numerous repeat guests who’ve been returning to Curtain Bluff year after year – some for more than three decades. The friendly, relaxed hospitality is second-to-none and guests are quickly made to feel like family by the staff who make everyone (especially little ones), feel right at home. Occupying a prime location on a small outcrop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the hotel boasts two private beaches – crashing wild surf on one side, calm crystal blue waters on the other – while 20 acres of lush, landscaped grounds sweep down to the swathes of beach below, ready for sunbathers to seek shade – preferably with an icy piña colada in hand.
The Food + Drink
Pioneers of all-inclusive luxury since 1962, US war fighter pilot, Howard Hulford and his wife Chelle Hulford, opened the resort with a vision of getting people to come together and enjoy paradise as new-found friends. The all-inclusive rate really does mean all-inclusive here (even down to the mini bar), making it all too easy to kick back and relax, carefree, while letting the kids have as much ice cream as they like. Dining is of an excellent standard: The Tamarind Restaurant is the hub of the hotel, with terraced seating wrapped around an ancient tamarind tree that majestically juts out from the courtyard. The more formal of the two restaurants, it’s here that you’ll head for delicious à la carte breakfasts and dinners.
Evenings see a different band playing nightly; expect to be serenaded with soul and reggae classics as you tuck into decadent three-plus course, candlelit meals. While The Tamarind Restaurant does require a formal dress code (trousers and a collared shirt) babies and children are still welcome, and high chairs are available. The kids’ menu serves up crowd-pleasers including burgers, spaghetti and meatballs, as well as fresh catch of the day. At the far end of the beach you’ll find The Sea Grape, where buffet-style spreads are served up daily at lunch time, accompanied by the ocean breeze and sound of gently lapping waves. À la carte options, including jerk chicken wraps and fried catch of the day, are also available if the buffet offering doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The Rooms
With 72 rooms and suites to choose from, some of which have recently undergone extensive renovation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are inter-connecting options to suit families, and the suites are in a league of their own. The split-level Bluff Suites have panoramic views of the ocean as well as a unique open-air living space allowing you to soak in the beauty of the verdant gardens and ocean views at all times of the day. Upstairs, the huge marble bathroom complete with free-standing tub is kitted out with Molton Brown toiletries and fluffy white towels. Shades of ocean blue and turquoise echo the colours of the sea below and the super-king beds are seriously comfy – and perfectly-sized for hosting little ones who haven’t quite adjusted to the time difference. Cots with mosquito nets are provided in the rooms and there’s plenty of storage throughout – ideal when packing light is a thing of the past.
The Child’s Play
This place is renowned for welcoming all generations. Families have been coming back to Curtain Bluff from the time their children were babes in arms right through to their university years, thanks to the resort’s home-from-home feel. The CEE BEE Kid’s Camp operates five days a week for children between the ages of three and 12. Daily activities include turtle feeding, T-shirt printing and freshly-baked cookie decorating. Situated at the end of the calm beach, the camp also boasts a sandy jungle gym, bocce ball, basketball and shuffleboard courts as well as table tennis. Older children and teens can take advantage of the myriad of water sports included in the room rate, so they can sail, ski, snorkel and paddle to their heart’s content. Tennis camps, pickleball and air-conditioned squash courts are also on hand for children looking to burn off some steam. Under-threes require a babysitting service, or to be accompanied by an adult, to use the facilities at Cee Bee. Babysitting services are available day and night, and are reasonably priced at $15 an hour, which is payable upon checkout. Be sure to ask for Dee Dee who’s been looking after children (including the hotel manager’s) on the island for years.
The Spa
Situated next to the newly-opened, adults-only infinity pool, this 5,000 square foot oasis is the ideal spot to soak up hard-earned me time. Pampering treatments come at an extra charge, but are well worthy of the splurge. The four treatment rooms overlook the ocean below, each with a small terrace to enjoy the endless views and sounds of the crashing waves. Before your treatment, unwind on the large outdoor deck with freshly-brewed herbal tea, or champagne if the mood strikes. The spa jacuzzi is perilously perched on the corner of the deck, carved into the cliff edge, with unparalleled vistas towards Montserrat and beyond. Block out extra time, before or after your treatment, to take full advantage of a soak with a serious view.
The To Do List
Antigua is the ultimate Caribbean playground for families. Outside of Curtain Bluff there are 365 beautiful beaches to explore. Snorkel, sail or visit Stingray City to get up close to some of many different species of aquatic life as well as to meet some of the island’s giant tortoises. Or, take a break from the beach, and head inland to check out the many historical sights and museums that will help children learn about the island’s heritage.
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