I had the pleasure of meeting charismatic Rob Sherman recently, Curtain Bluff’s Resort Manager, who drew me into a state of deep fascination with his whimsical storytelling of how he came to Curtain Bluff. For the last 36 years, Rob has been the leading force behind the hotel’s operations, and the returning guests, year after year, and dedicated staff are a testimony to his devotion and allegiance to the hotel.
Rob’s inspiring story is too good to be kept a secret. His down to earth charm alone will make you want to book your next holiday to Curtain Bluff.
“Curtain Bluff was founded and created by Howard Hulford an American WWII pilot in the Pacific. He was flying corporate CEOs around the region, spotted the spit of land poised between two beautiful beaches, one surf and one calm. He gathered wealthy investors to help him realize his dream. The hotel opened its doors in February 1962 with 27 rooms.
I graduated from university in 1978, moved to Alaska with a British roommate and we managed a beautiful hotel, in Southeast Alaska for the summer 6-month season. Howard walked into the bar at Glacier Bay Lodge, and said, “Hey hippie, give me a cold lager.” I took umbrage to this and replied, “I am not a hippie you old fart”.
An argument ensued, next thing I know, he said he needed an assistant to help him with his resort hotel in Antigua, asked me if I would like to work with him in Antigua.
I took the leap, flew directly to Antigua in November of 1978, worked as the Resident Manager for two seasons and learned quite a lot from Howard about wine, F&B, horticulture, and hospitality in general.
I then moved to Cotton Bay Club, in Eleuthera, Bahamas as the GM with Howard for a one-year consultancy position. Then I moved back to Antigua as the Managing Director of Mill Reef Club, a 2000-acre private club, with 50 private homes, a 42-room clubhouse/hotel, golf, tennis etc. from 1981-1987.
In the fall of 1987, Howard asked me to return as the Managing Director of Curtain Bluff and have been doing so ever since. Howard passed away at 86 years of age, 15 years ago. He was a great mentor, father figure and friend.
Curtain Bluff is in its 61st season and for the last 5 decades is one of the top resorts in the region and continues to move from strength to strength.”
The hotel’s recent refurbishment has modernised this stunning property whilst keeping its gorgeous Caribbean quality. Now offering 72 ocean facing rooms and suites, this 5-star all-inclusive classic hotel set within 15 acres of tropical beachfront gardens, and perched on a quiet outcrop lined with two postcard beaches, won’t disappoint. With magnificent 360-degree views of undulating verdant hills, candy floss sunsets and neighbouring islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, guests can also enjoy a wealth of amenities at Curtain Bluff from celebrated restaurants to championship tennis courts, a top-notch spa and more.
