May of 2007 was the right time for a visit to Antigua. We'd honeymooned there many years prior and had stopped in once on a cruise, but this time was different: a truly relaxing getaway was in order. The Curtain Bluff Resort, the island's oldest hotel/resort, was about as far away from Sandals' loud/party atmosphere as you could get...and we loved it.

Down a private lane at the southern end of the island lies the resort. Beautifully landscaped, we could feel tranquility overtaking us as soon as we passed the entrance gates. Reputed to be more of an "old money" crowd-drawer, we were concerned about being too "beer-budget" at the place, but we felt at ease from the moment we were greeted at the front desk.

Our room was a junior suite, overlooking the "rough" Atlantic beach. Literally 20 feet from the shoreline, we just enjoyed the sounds and scents of the ocean from our balcony, and fell asleep to the same each night. The fans and open windows sufficed for air conditioning, but they have also installed true air conditioners throughout.

-- more to come --

Antigua is a relatively tame island as compared with others in the Caribbean.

To be continued...

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