Today’s Guest Post is by Christi Ruddy who works with Covington Meeting Management assisting clients with meetings, events and incentives. She has earned her Certified Meeting Professional designation, often speaks to local professional organizations, and is an active member of the Virginia chapter of Meeting Professionals International.

  This summer, I vacationed at Curtain Bluff on the island of Antigua. This lovely resort ranks as one of the top places I’ve stayed and is indeed Paradise in the Caribbean.

This property is extremely compact yet it feels spread out. Seventy oceanfront rooms are built on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Some, like ours, open directly on to the beach with the ocean thirty feet beyond. Only an inviting hammock obstructed the view. Our junior suite was very spacious with an oversized bathroom and large sitting area. While air conditioning is available in guest rooms, it was not needed as strong prevailing winds blow and ceiling fans cooled the room nicely.

 

Curtain Bluff is all-inclusive with all meals, all beverages with top shelf liquor, and a host of water sports included in the room rate. A variety of newspapers, both British and American, are available daily. High tea service is available in the afternoon as well as hors d’oeuvres before dinner, a small touch that sets Curtain Bluff apart. Most meals are á la carte. Banana pancakes were my favorite for breakfast but the Swiss Musilix was also delicious. Lunch is served at the beach and features an á la carte menu as well as a buffet with several hot entrees and cold salads. Nightly entertainment plays on the patio during dinner. The five course menu changes nightly and showcases an extremely talented chef.

The large beach is dotted with small huts and plenty of chaises tucked under palm trees for those that don’t want to be in the sun. After lunch the hammocks scattered among the trees are fully occupied. The soft, smooth, sparkling white sand beckons swimmers to the water’s edge and the westerly exposure of the beach make it easy to get in and out of the water. Available at no charge are kayaks, paddle boats, wind surf equipment, catamarans and floats. A daily snorkel trip to Cades Reef, just offshore is also complimentary. Deep sea fishing, scuba diving and sailing can also be arranged for a fee and leave directly from the dock at Curtain Bluff. There is no need to go off resort for any of these water sports.

 

Curtain Bluff has the best tennis facility on the island. Four lighted courts and a pro shop are camouflaged by palm trees and landscaping. Three pros are available or lessons and clinics. Just beyond the tennis courts is the spa with five treatment rooms including one for couples, a favorite with honeymooners. The list of treatments is extensive and they offer a 35% discount to all guests when I was there in May so the spa was impossible to resist.

By booking with Covington, you are entitled to a $100 per room resort credit to be used toward incidentals and an upgrade upon arrival, based on availability. Two ways to spend the credit would be in the spa or wine cellar. This resort is extremely well-managed and guests feel comfortable very quickly. The staff is friendly and anxious to please and many have been there for years, so they actually know the repeat guests. The resort is closed each year from August to mid-October for annual refurbishment. The most popular season is over the holiday period through the winter months, so reservations should be made well in advance for stays during that timeframe.Once you have experienced this very special resort, you will always want to go back and may not even want to consider trying someplace else. Your room is waiting at Curtain Bluff. Come, experience Paradise.