Curtain Bluff Resort - Antigua

They call this a tropical paradise and that's hard to dispute. Run by former pilot Howard W. Hulford for the past 41 years, Curtain Bluff exudes care and planning with an understated elegance in an almost perfect setting. Hulford had spotted this promontory overlooking two beautiful white sand beaches on either side (one with surf and one without) and chose it for his 12-acre resort. It's a place you would like to visit time and time again, which is what most people do. Their repeat business is 65 percent.

The simple, yet tropical-perfect dining spot is located in a re-creation of an old stone sugar mill-style building with a thatched roof. Chef Ruedi Portmann serves up delectable meals, making sure you see their wine cellar, where 10,000 bottles are there for the asking.

The rooms are memorable, not only for what's inside, but also for their spectacular views overlooking the sea below the bluff. Inside, the rooms have a casual decorator look with colorful fabrics, bathrooms (outfitted with rum near the tub) and sitting areas.

Though peaceful and quiet, there is entertainment nightly: dance combos, steel band and calypso music. Guests still dress for dinner (although ties and jackets are optional). In May, the Antigua Tennis Week moves in at the resort, a program began by Hulford in 1975 to send island kids to tennis camp. It eventually became a scholarship fund and has sent many Antiguans to college.

Effective, mid-December through mid-April, Curtain Bluff has loosened its dress requirements for men to involve losing the tie on weeknights when a jacket is required and losing the jacket and tie altogether on Sundays and Wednesdays.

The newest addition to Curtain Bluff is the beautiful 4000 square foot Spa which sits on the water with 5 treatment rooms (4 single rooms and 1 couples suite).