A labor of love built by a husband-and-wife team over the course of several decades, this is a local landmark with which you might fall in love—and you won't be alone. Everything is top-notch, from the food to the facilities, and the all-inclusive rate encompasses activities that usually carry an extra charge—most notably, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and water-skiing. Service is a priority, and the founder of the property (recently passed away; however his wife still lives on the island) made a habit of hiring locals from the nearby village, and then sending them to school in Europe or the United States. Thus, the chef trained under Alain Ducasse, while the sommeliers studied in France. Management likes to note that "the guests' return rate is about the same as the staff's."

The property sits on a bluff, and actually got its name from the effect the breaking waves create—when looking from above, the owner thought they resembled the bottom of a lace

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A labor of love built by a husband-and-wife team over the course of several decades, this is a local landmark with which you might fall in love—and you won't be alone. Everything is top-notch, from the food to the facilities, and the all-inclusive rate encompasses activities that usually carry an extra charge—most notably, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and water-skiing. Service is a priority, and the founder of the property (recently passed away; however his wife still lives on the island) made a habit of hiring locals from the nearby village, and then sending them to school in Europe or the United States. Thus, the chef trained under Alain Ducasse, while the sommeliers studied in France. Management likes to note that "the guests' return rate is about the same as the staff's."

The property sits on a bluff, and actually got its name from the effect the breaking waves create—when looking from above, the owner thought they resembled the bottom of a lace curtain. Every one of the 72 guestrooms and suites has an ocean view, as well as a private balcony or deck. The oceanfront is more of a hangout spot than the swimming pool. And of the two beaches on the property, Surf Beach is the hub of activity. All the ocean expeditions depart from here, plus it's also where you pick up snorkels, non-motorized watercraft, and other gear. The beach bar is also on Surf Beach, where beach butler service is available. Up the peninsula a bit is Calm Beach; many of the private patios and decks look out onto this stretch of sand, and guests usually drop by for an al fresco lunch or to nap undisturbed in a hammock.

When it comes to ambience, Curtain Bluff is a bit genteel, with traditional activities like daily afternoon tea and a weekly "welcome reception" at the original owners' house. (The widow co-hosts with the general manager.) The dress code for dinner in the main dining room is only now relaxing to "resort casual" after many decades of jacket-and-tie standards. However, for the forty- to fifty-somethings who frequent the place, this adds to the special-occasion feel of the place. You can water-ski and play tennis by day, enjoy French-Caribbean cuisine with a fine wine from the 25,000-bottle cellar (largest in the Caribbean, and yes, these wines carry an extra charge), and then go to the terrace right outside and dance—not in a "disco," not to DJ music, but to a real live band. Imagine.

Lena Katz is the author of the Travel Temptations series, published by Globe Pequot, including the recently published SUN: California and SIP: California guides.

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Curtain Bluff is Antigua's classiest luxury resort, with excellent rooms, terrific beaches, and impeccable service. As if that weren't enough, the resort's all-inclusive policy goes beyond food, drinks, and room service, and extends to scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, water skiing, and more. With other unique features, like live-in owners, nightly live music, and world class food and wine, it's not hard to see why Curtain Bluff regularly ranks among the Caribbean's best-loved resorts. Rooms here are divided into several categories, beginning with Beachfront and Bluff; the former having the advantage of being just steps from two beautiful beaches, while the latter boasts stunning views from their private terraces. Rooms range from standard deluxe rooms with king size beds and large sliding glass doors that open onto the beach, to huge one- and two-bedroom suites complete with private jacuzzi on an oversize terrace. D�cor is rich and inventive, from wicker love seats and modern

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Curtain Bluff is Antigua's classiest luxury resort, with excellent rooms, terrific beaches, and impeccable service. As if that weren't enough, the resort's all-inclusive policy goes beyond food, drinks, and room service, and extends to scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, water skiing, and more. With other unique features, like live-in owners, nightly live music, and world class food and wine, it's not hard to see why Curtain Bluff regularly ranks among the Caribbean's best-loved resorts. Rooms here are divided into several categories, beginning with Beachfront and Bluff; the former having the advantage of being just steps from two beautiful beaches, while the latter boasts stunning views from their private terraces. Rooms range from standard deluxe rooms with king size beds and large sliding glass doors that open onto the beach, to huge one- and two-bedroom suites complete with private jacuzzi on an oversize terrace. D�cor is rich and inventive, from wicker love seats and modern lattice headboards to potted plants and carvings mounted on the walls. What you won't find are televisions—there's an entertainment room with a TV in the main building, and wi-fi access throughout—and sea breezes even make air-conditioning unnecessary much of the year (though all rooms have it). Rooms have private safes and interior locks, but a no-key policy when you leave the room. Tips are not expected, watersports are available on request for no charge, and the owners host weekly cocktail parties at their home on site. It all makes for a unique vacation experience, more akin to staying at a friend's fantastically opulent estate rather than a beach resort. It's not cheap, but a place you are sure to never forget.

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Offering all the advantages of an all-inclusive resort without the mass-market glitz, Curtain Bluff is a time-honored Antiguan institution that delivers a polished vacation for sophisticated couples, not the wannabe "luxury" some middling all-inclusive chains provide. Situated on a striking bluff on Antigua's southwest coast, the 72-room family-owned beach club is expensive, but the service and amenities are laid on: All meals—refined and sumptuous, by the way—drinks, diving, waterskiing, and even deep-sea fishing are included in the rates (exceptions: Spa services and fine wines from the extensive cellar are extra). Although Curtain Bluff has historically drawn a somewhat older crowd, the easing of old-school dress codes and the addition of a lavish gym and other facilities is luring young honeymooners to this first-class resort experience. The hotel is closed for annual renovations August to October.

There are 72 rooms and suites available on the bluff or the beach at this upscale all-inclusive resort. Although there is no children's program, kids can participate in sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and tennis. Youngsters also enjoy the playground and, of course, the beach. Rooms are now air-conditioned.