Inside Curtain Bluff: a tale of two beaches

There are two beaches at Curtain Bluff, and it’s pretty clear that one’s for looking and the other’s for playing. The former is what you see from the guestrooms, with sometimes large waves brutalizing the shore before receding and feeding those that follow. The latter is nothing short of serene, with gentle ripples quietly lapping the sand.

The “swimming” beach begins next to the tennis courts and is bookended by the restaurant and bar. Lounge chairs and hammocks are spread across this stretch of sand, along with wooden umbrellas (technically cabanas? not sure …) providing shade from the sun and more than ample cover from the rain (I can vouch for both, having experienced both elements during my stay. Feel free to bring your chair to the waters edge, and let the Caribbean Sea lick your toes for a while. The current will not yank you to its depths.

To explore the bottom, grab some snorkeling gear and take the plunge. Poke around on the sea’s floor and see if you can find anything interesting. Certified SCUBA divers can opt to be taken out on deeper excursions, and other water sports are accommodated, from sailing to waterskiing. If you want to stay busy out on the water, Curtain Bluff is more than ready to help.

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On the other hand, you may be among the many who see the beach as a place to chill. Each lounge chair is accompanied by a little chair that you can use to knock sand off your feet before settling into its larger counterpart. Use the nearby table to hold your drink, your book or (in my case) your cigar. Take an occasional nap, or just feel the breeze.

The sense of placidity at the swimming beach is not replicated at the other beach. There are a few lounge chairs on hand, so you can sit back and enjoy the elements without having to walk far from your room. It’s convenient. But, treat the ocean itself with caution. The waves can get quite large (exacerbated, during my stay, by a storm forming at sea), and the current is very strong.

Disregarding what little common sense I have – and the boatloads of it offered by my wife – I decided to experience the “looking” beach first hand. Well, at one point, a wave crashed me in the back while the current yanked my ankles out from under me. I spun several times before crashing to the bottom of the sea. I wasn’t in a deep spot, but if you don’t spend much time in the water, this sort of turn can leave you incredibly disoriented (and with a mouth … and stomach … full of saltwater).

But, it can be a lot of fun.

I played around in the waves until I was battered and exhausted, some of them starting to crash over my head (yeah, they can get pretty big). For very strong swimmers, this is an ideal chance to screw around in the conditions your parents would never let you experience – despite your protests – as a child. There is no lifeguard or other staff on duty at this beach, so you really are venturing out at your own risk.

However you do it, definitely get into the water at Curtain Bluff. It’s warm, even when the rain is falling. Splash around, and have a great time. If you sail, waterski or dive, scratch your itch. I hadn’t been to a beach in at least a decade and had forgotten how much I enjoy it.

The guestroom is only one part of the Curtain Bluff experience. Come back to Gadling throughout the week for other peeks inside this exclusive Antiguan resort.

Disclosure: Curtain Bluff did pick up the tab for this trip. Honestly, a prolie blogger like me wouldn’t be able to cover this destination without support from the resort. That said, my opinions are my own. Worried that my experience was positive? Blame the resort staff for doing a kickass job. I could lie and say it all sucked, but that would come at the expense of my editorial integrity.

Daily travel deals – all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Dominican Republic and cheap condo rentals

Welcome to our end of the week lineup of hot travel deals. Today’s lineup includes 2 fantastic all-inclusive resorts and some amazing deals on weekly vacation condo rentals.

The first deal is for the Montego Bay Holiday Inn Sunspree resort. Imagine an all-inclusive Jamaican resort with unlimited dining, drinks and activities. Now, picture that resort in a fantastic beachfront property. Ready to book?

The deal is just $75/night per person, and kids are free. Best of all, there are no blackout dates on this amazing price, so it is also valid during the summer vacation high-season.

Click here for this great deal!

Next in the lineup is another all-inclusive resort, this time in the Dominican Republic. The Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana resort is a brand new location, and has only been open for 5 months. The resort offers 8 different restaurants, tennis, horseback riding, volleyball, beach soccer, table tennis, bicycles, darts, billiards, board games and an exercise room. At night, you can enjoy free entertainment in the theater or nightclub.

Rates start at just $85/night per person, and once again kids can stay for free. This is another deal with no blackout dates! To make the deal even sweeter, book before May 31st, and you get $200 in credits to use at the various amenities that are not included for free. Need another reason to book? How about a $50 rebate on reservations of 6 nights or more?

Click here to book a trip to this amazing All inclusive resort

And finally, if you are tired of spending the night in a hotel, or you need somewhere with a little more room, check out this lineup of affordable vacation condo rentals. Rates start at just $379/week, and most locations have enough room for a family of 6.

Daily travel deal – 4 nights all inclusive Puerto Vallarta hotel + air from $409

Ready to get away from the unpredictable Spring weather? How about a nice 4 night trip to Nuevo Vallarta?

Starting at just $409 (based off a Los Angeles departure, Chicago from $425), you’ll fly to Puerto Vallarta, and stay at the 5 star Riu Nuevo-Vallarta all-inclusive resort.

This place offers some serious “all-inclusiveness” – lets start with the coolest part; a 4 bottle liquor dispenser in your room.

In addition to this, you’ll also find 5 restaurants, 4 bars (including one poolside swim-up bar), 2 adult pools, a jacuzzi, a kids pool, a kids playground, free loungers and parasols, a complimentary gym and sauna and a night club.

All of course, this is all offered on a premium beachfront property. The deal does not include airport transfers, so be sure to calculate that when you budget for this trip.

Daily travel deal – Mexican Riviera all inclusive resort 4 nights + air from $680

Sure, the media may be trying to convince us that Mexico is off-limits at the moment, but now the whole swine flu panic is starting to die down, it is time to start checking out some of the bargains to be found.

Today’s deal will fly you to Cancun, and let you enjoy the luxurious Valentin Imperial Maya resort for 4 nights.

The Valentin Imperial Maya is an adult only all inclusive resort, with more than half a mile of white sand beach, located in Playa del Secreto (The Secret Beach) in the Riviera Maya.

The resort offers 3 swimming pools, 8 restaurants, 12 bars and loads of free activities, including water sports and a disco. All your meals and drinks are free, including top shelf brands. Each room even comes with a fully stocked minibar!

Prices start at just $680 (based on a Miami departure, most other destinations are no more than $740). 4 nights not enough? Additional nights can be added for about $60 each. When booking, be sure to include your airport transfer ($50).