Curtain Bluff

The other day we were invited by Managing Director and partner Rob Sherman at Curtain Bluff to have a look at his legendary Antiguan resort. I think most people who've ever searched for a luxury resort in the Caribbean have came across or heard about Curtain Bluff in one way or another. The property was built in 1962 and been a favored island getaway ever since. The resort has an almost mythical reputation around the world so I was thrilled to finally get to visit and it goes without saying that I wasn't disappointed with what we were shown. The resort has a dream location on a bluff in between two beaches. One with wild Atlantic waves and the other one facing the calmer Caribbean sea. The gorgeous classic colonial style buildings are surrounded by a lush green palm garden, a garden with over 70 different types of palm trees from all across the world as Rob told us with excitement. Some of which he himself has planted and seen grow over the years. 

Most of the staff at Curtain Bluff have worked with the resort for most of their lives and it's easy to see the reason for it. There is a special vibe in the air and with whomever we met during the day, it felt like they were a part of the place, not just working there, and the smiles and calming ambiance made us instantly feel welcome. We haven't had the chance to stay at the resort overnight as yet nor have we tried out the evening restaurants, but if you'd trust the massive amount of reviews that are to be found online, this place is a first choice vacation spot for the ones that are looking for elegant tranquility and five star service in a gorgeous Caribbean location. Like many time before, Curtain Bluff were recently voted one of the best hotels in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure magazine and they're consistently ranked among the best hotels worldwide by other publications as well as by guests and members of Tripadvisor. For more info, check out the hotels website here. Personally I'm hoping we'll have the time to revisit the hotel for a wine tasting evening in their impressive wine cellar one of these days before we leave the island. 

My dress and bikini are from Babajaan and my sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals.

Carmichaels

Our final lunch at Sugar Ridge resort was enjoyed on our favorite restaurant at the property. Carmichaels is a fine dining restaurant at the top of the ridge with a spectacular view over the Caribbean sea. We had already fallen in love with the place the night before when we got to enjoy a candlelit dinner while overlooking the dark sea and the amazing sky of stars above Montserrat and Nevis islands. The food here is very delightful, the service great and they got an excellent attention to details. There's also a beautiful infinity pool where guests can relax and have a cocktail before or after lunch. Definitely a place to recommend for friends visiting Antigua as both the pool and the restaurant are open to outside clients and not only for the guests of the hotel. Will show you some evening shots of the dinner as well but let's look at that view first before I show you the nightside of it all, isn't that just gorgeous?

Sugar Ridge

What we loved about our stay at the beautiful Sugar Ridge, was the variety of things to see and to do. Sugar Ridge hotel lays in a valley, quite high from sea level and thus have no private beach connected to it like most other resorts or hotels around in the Caribbean. But the location is nonetheless perfect, instead of having only one beach, they got at least six of them with just a five-minutes shuttle ride away. The beaches surrounding this area are some of the most beautiful on the island and if you for some reason would get tired of one, you have many more just a short walk or ride away. Other than beaches and two restaurants at the property (one of which was supreme, I'll tell you more about it a bit later), we had access to two gorgeous pool areas, an Aveda spa (where I had booked a full body massage for Alex that I thought he deserved after his hard work these past months), a stunning view over the Caribbean sea from our room and from most other parts of the property, friendly staff always willing to walk that extra mile for us and an overall peaceful and serene setting which truly did good for our souls after a few hectic months. Sugar Ridge is slightly lower in price than the other large resorts around making this a great value for both couples, newlyweds and singles in every age. It was also recently voted one of the top 25 trendiest hotels in the Caribbean by members of TripAdvisor and yes we must agree: the design and the style of this place is very well thought out and both the interior and the ambiance oozes youth and sexiness all the way through. Thank you Sugar Ridge for having us, can't wait to get back another time.

My red swimsuit is from Babajaan and my sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals.

sunset conversations

Have spent much of the weekend in our private plunge pool overlooking the burning sunsets while discussing the purpose of life, future, family and love. Not sure if we got much wiser but energizing and spiritually fulfilling times were spent in an harmonic and stunning setting. It is for us a great thing to change environment from our regular boat life every once in a while. 

serenity

@ the beautiful sugar ridge.

Dream holiday in Croatia in Lopar

Lopar located in the northwest of the island and is the farthest from the largest city of Rab. Lopar got its name after the small church of St. Mary, in the 16th Century was mentioned. At the point of Cape Zidine can see the remains of ancient architecture, were built to defend, to the public.

Lopar is rich in natural diversity that is the sea, sandy, fertile soils, forests and unusual images from nature as well as to express the green olive-shaped cliffs, overlooking the northeastern islands Goli and Grgur.

Who should think about his next vacation and still do not know where to go, the times of Croatia, especially thinking about the island of Rab. And on this beautiful Croatian island is located Lopar, this is a small village with about 1,200 inhabitants.

The accommodation in Lopar

On the island of Rab in Lopar there are numerous accommodation options for all sizes and price ranges. Hotels, guest houses, holiday houses and apartments are plentiful. Above all guest rooms are plentiful and are used by tourists from all over the world gladly accepted, as these are also very cheap. For less than € 15.00 per person per day, such a guest room can be rented. For families with children are particularly holiday houses right on the beach, or lying near the beach. Here are holiday homes, to have and at very reasonable prices right near the beach, for up to 15 people. It is important here, however, the timely Booking an accommodation in Croatia.

The events in Lopar

Lopar has a lot to offer to tourists, which is not initially suspected, because the place is very small. In the summer months, usually in July, there will be a Fishermen's Festival, a celebration with fireworks, games and artistic program. This festival is very popular especially among children, even children are welcome guests in Lopar. These parents also felt in the hotels and restaurants. Then there is the night of Lopar, here are old customs and traditions of the region, presents a very nice event for young and old. Sporting events, it has also been given, it was here in 2009, the Croatian Diving Championships.

Attractions and restaurants

Lopar has to offer quite a bit of interest, such as the two churches (the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary) that are in place and must be viewed easily.

And the local gastronomy is also highly recommended for everyone is the right place here. This can be seen on the Internet and search for "Lopar-gastronomy". Simple items, visit, get information and book your next vacation may be in Lopar. Once you've been here, will always come back for sure. Have fun in Croatia and especially in Lopar. Read More Click Here Holiday In Europe

Montpelier Plantation Inn

Welcome to the fine world of Relais & Chateaux. Anyone who has ever stepped into the rooms of a hotel or a restaurant gathered in the prominent collection of Relais & Chateaux properties, knows that there is a certain standard and style that awaits behind this significant sign proudly positioned on the wall. Relais & Chateaux is not a chain, it is rather a fellowship made of independent properties, sharing the same vision and values for hospitality, quality, lifestyle, art de vivre, and cuisine. 500 luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants has carefully been chosen to be included in this group of extraordinary places scattered all over the world, currently in 60 countries. Both prospective and current members are evaluated by the group's traditional five C motto: Caractère, Courtoisie, Calme, Charme et Cuisine and you can be sure to find a great dose of them all on each and every one of these luxurious facilities. The group has an impressive 300 michelin stars among its members and naturally their wide collection of first class properties has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. Gourmet restaurant Per Se New York, is an excellent example of the standards of this group as well as the many beautiful castles, townhouses and other historical properties in Europe and particularly in France - that's where it all started fifty years ago.

Montpelier plantation that we spent a couple of days at is one of seven Relais & Chateaux properties in the Caribbean. Nestled in lush hills on the secluded island of Nevis and built inside and around a 17th century sugar plantation. Many historical features have been restored giving the property a unique sense of timelessness, charm and elegance. The great fig tree is the first thing that greets you when you enter the grounds of this hotel. Impressive and characteristic just like the inn itself. This plantation is also the place where Admiral Lord Nelson married his wife Fanny Nisbet in 1787.
Everywhere around the property you will find beautiful details and ornaments from the past.

The garden is lush, light and refreshing and everywhere you will encounter the sound of birds singing from the trees.

A very well maintained tennis court area with a beautiful setting surrounded by colorful bloom.

We loved strolling around exploring the gardens. Colorful flowers and an abundance of lush green plants and trees.

What instantly struck me on the first few hours of our stay was that certain kind of energy that urged you to slow down, disconnect from the outside, breath in the surroundings and enjoy the quietness. Not many places has that natural power to automatically slow your body and mind.

We spent lots of time enjoying the tranquility by the pool.

The elegant interior was a fresh melange of new and old, classic and modern.

Colorful flowers all around.

A cup of tea while reading one of the many books from the library.

We got so well looked after by the genuine and hospitable staff. Here's bartender Kaddy, and food and beverage manager Nico.

Details by the pool bar.

Modern design and loads of light and airy spaces in rooms and suites. 

Very simple, elegant design throughout.

Beautiful details in the bathrooms.

Relaxing by the private pool.

Sea view from every room and suite.

We loved the afternoon tea by the pool bar with freshly baked scones, cakes and homemade marmalade.

Got served the most amazing apple martini in the evenings before dinner.

Read through the yearly book printed by Relais & Chateaux.

More lounging by the pool.

We enjoyed a healthy breakfast on the terrace. 

With an amazing homemade bagel with Norwegian salmon and creme cheese.

They had two beautiful labradors who every morning came to greet you in the garden.

We rode the bikes down to the hotels beach for a better view of St Kitts in the background.

Drinks in the bar by night.

And lots of fine wines on the menu.

Drank quite some champagne on the night of our anniversary.

And got served the most fantastic gourmet dinner inside of the old sugarmill, just the two of us, in very romantic settings. The seven course meal was too delicious to be mentioned in only a few words so I will write a post separately in honor of it.

We had the greatest stay and we will recommend this place to everyone we know who are looking for a tranquil and classy holiday in the Caribbean. Perfectly suitable for couples or anyone who'd like to enjoy a few days of utter relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Thank you owners Timothy and Muffin Hoffman for being so welcoming and making sure that we had the best anniversary ever. Unforgettable!

Click in here to see the hotels website.