Just got back from a week at this amazing resort. I’ve stayed at a lot of very high end Caribbean resorts – all beautifully appointed with magnificent views – but I have never stayed anywhere before that all that in harness with such an accommodating, welcoming staff, old school elegance and a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
It was a long journey from the UK – 16 hours all together. But worth every minute.
The Rooms
The rooms all overlook the ‘surf’ beach’ – were comfortable, well-appointed and well-maintained. The bed was super comfy and the view from the bed was glorious. And for once, plenty of towels. Why do so many places give you the absolute bare minimum of towels? Same with hangers in the closets. Was delighted to see lots of hangers (it is a rare occasion when I don’t have to call down for more). Lots of little touches that made the stay particularly nice – lovely toiletries, handy mini-bar (stocked to your preferences), etc.
Even the plunge pool has a view”
The Food
There are two onsite restaurants – the Tamarind (in the central building) and the Sea Grape (down at the beach). I cannot say enough about how fantastic the food at the Sea Grape was. The daily lunch buffet was superb (the grilled tuna topped with fruit salsa ended up on my plate every day). The Sea Grape also does dinner several times a week and those meals were true highlights – we were a party of six and could not fault a single thing we ordered there.
Breakfast at the Tamarind was a fab way to start the day. Omelettes to order, plenty of coffee and quite simply the best banana bread I have ever had. They also offer up a complimentary fruit smoothie type beverage in the mornings that is absolutely delicious! Best bets for dinner at The Tamarind – dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients – anything they’ve grilled was top notch from fish (be it mahi-mahi or wahoo) to flat iron steak (meltingly tender and well-seasoned).
The view across the courtyard at breakfast
The Staff
I cannot say enough about the helpful, friendliness of this staff. From reception to housekeeping, from the waiters to the spa attendants. Nothing was too much trouble – even random and last minute special requests (a particular type of stout, a late checkout, a birthday cake). That kind of thing might have sent a more ‘by the book’ staff into a tailspin but the staff here is clearly empowered to do whatever they can do to make everyone’s stay as memorable as possible.
The recreational facilities and beaches
“the view from my lounge chair toward the activities jetty”
Two beaches – ‘surf’ beach which is the one the rooms all overlook and ‘calm beach’ where the all-important sun tanning and recreational activities happen. ‘Calm beach is just fantastic – plenty of lounge chairs, hammocks and space (as there are only 72 rooms at Curtain Bluff, the beach is never crowded) and staff regularly circulate offering bottled water, cold towels and taking drink orders. Also on ‘calm beach’ is the activities jetty.
View across ‘calm beach’ and the activities jetty from the start of the board walk
When Curtain Bluff says ‘all inclusive’ – it really means it. Not just room and board but all the equipment and use of the water sports equipment is included, as are the snorkelling and scuba trips. On the beach, they’ve got waterboards, floats, kayaks (clear bottomed so you can see what’s happening under all that blue water) and peddle boats. All yours to use or not as you wish.
One of the things that will stick with me about (apart from all the usual stuff about amazing service, relaxing atmosphere and the like) is the paths that connect the spaces. They haven’t just thought about the rooms; they’ve through the approaches to those areas as well. 360° of gorgeous.
My verdict?
I would go back again in a heartbeat -and that would make me just one more of the many repeat guests to Curtain Bluff. Once you’ve been here, you totally understand why people go back again and again. Everyone at Curtain Bluff makes you feel like family.