Holiday in the Lap Of Luxury at Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Check any travel magazine’s list of most luxurious Caribbean destinations, and you’ll certainly find Curtain Bluff, Antigua among the top ten. And it’s definitely top-tier luxury you’ll find there – it's opulent, extravagant, and simply gorgeous.

Whether you were born among the silver spoon set, or just want to see how the other half lives, Curtain Bluff, Antigua can afford you the kind of lavish pampering reserved for the jet set. So juts how can you maximize your "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" experience?

Here are a few tips – just in case you need them!

Live The High Life

The minute you arrive, why not treat yourself to a very special mode of transport – a helicopter. You can survey the island from end to end and there’s nothing like an aerial island tour to give you an overview of what will be your domain for the next week or two. If you have time, you could fly a little further and check out Soufriere Hills volcano nearby from the air – it's an awesome sight.

Go Gourmet

At the resort you'll have your choice of two world-class restaurants: the open-walled Tamarind Tree, and the beachcomber favourite Sea Grape. Highly acclaimed by culinary magazines such as Gourmet, meals here are an event – the food is one of the main reasons loyal customers keep coming back year after year to Curtain Bluff. Antigua, believe it or not, also observes high tea, and you can experience that at the fabulous Sugar Mill terraces overlooking the gardens. The nearby Sugar Mill bar serves cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres to tide you over before dinner, while meeting and greeting other guests.

Of course, quite aside from the resort, the island has many other culinary treasures too. The Shirley Heights Lookout bar and restaurant is popular for its casual, Caribbean flavour - there’s a reggae barbecue bash every Sunday that shouldn’t be missed. Le Bistro is the place to go to for elegant French classics, but you may also want to check out East, where you can hobnob with a celebrity or two while sampling fusion cuisine inspired by Thailand, Japan and Indonesia. As well, stop by popular hangout Papa Zouk and try their sophisticated take on casual yet delicious seafood dishes. Have Some Rare Wine

The 25,000-bottle wine cellar is one of the attractions that bring many wine connoisseurs (and would-be experts) to the resort. Well known local figure Howard Hulford had a passion for the best that vineyards had to offer, and his legacy is something the current management of the resort, as well as the loyal clientele, is intent on upholding.

Sail Away

Nothing says high-end holidays quite like spending a few days on a yacht, cruising to nearby deserted islands. Take a day away from Curtain Bluff, Antigua, and sail to its less-developed sister island, Barbuda; or head over to Great Bird Island, in the northeast, and spend some time with its locals, the endangered red- billed hornbirds.

Olivia Chetham works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you’re looking for superb accommodation, like the world famous Curtain Bluff, Antigua, we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.