Curtain Bluff Hotel

Antigua

On the southern tip of Antigua, Curtain Bluff braces itself against the currents and waves of the Atlantic on one side and the sultry calm of the Caribbean Sea on the other. Beachfront suites open directly on to the sand at this barefoot luxury resort. Put your feet up on one of the loungers on your terrace or kick back in a hammock slung between swaying palm trees. Rooms have large marble bathrooms, grass mats, Mexican earthenware and raw timber ceilings. Further up the cliff, the duplex suites all offer fantastic views of the ocean and cool white and blue interiors.

British traditions are upheld here, with a daily dose of afternoon tea and scones at the requisite 4pm and delicious canapés served in the Sugar Mill Bar at cocktail hour. The alfresco Seagrape restaurant is found at the far end of the beach and is one of the island’s best. Diners sit just a few feet from the water’s edge and the space is lit by tiki lights. Executive chef Christophe Blatz makes the most of the fresh fish and fruit with plates such as ceviche of hand-dived conch with onion, bell pepper, jalapeño and citrus juice.

Lobster and crab cake is served on whipped potato, ginger-crusted red snapper is delicate and has just a hint of sweet spice, while lobster ravioli bathes in a rich bisque.

The only way to top the fig tart and silky crème Catalan dessert is being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves breaking on the shore. RR. All-inclusive doubles from £645.