Somewhat surprisingly, the exotic Caribbean destination of Curtain Bluff, Antigua can be more affordable than a wedding at home. Here, the choice between a bluff or beach ceremony is tough. Saying your vows on the Bluff House balcony overlooking the ocean and lush volcanic hills, or nestled on the sand with a soundtrack of crashing waves seem equally romantic. 

At Curtain Bluff, the room rate includes all meals, alcohol and activities from squash and tennis to scuba diving, waterskiing and windsurfing. This setup allows your guests to truly vacation in Antigua while celebrating with you. The only additional costs are spa treatments and wines from the cellar. Both of which are worth the splurge.

“We have the most extensive wine list in the Caribbean,” says Managing Director Robert Sherman. With 25,000 bottles and 550 wines, I don’t doubt it. Sip your favorite bubbly while watching the sunset after a tropical yogurt body wrap and luminous sea facial.

“Everybody cares here,” Sherman says. “We’re elegant, but not pretentious.” In just a few days, I understood him completely. The sunny weather is matched by genuine warmth from the staff, who sing as they work and treat guests like family.

Come evening, the atmosphere shifts from super casual to refined, with gentlemen donning collared shirts and dress slacks for dinner. Whether you dine beachside at the Mediterranean-inspired Seagrape or eclectic Tamarind Tree with nightly live music, you won’t be disappointed. The food at both is bright and flavorful, a mix of Caribbean and European influences. With a menu that changes daily, the culinary team is well prepared to customize food for weddings.

Reserve at least 45 of the 72 rooms during low season – October and November or May through August – for a buyout. Save the Cliff Suite, with its own terrace plunge pool, for yourself. Not that you’ll need it with the soft sandy beaches and warm cerulean sea just outside your door. Bright pops of turquoise and emerald in the furniture and artwork perfectly match the seaside landscape.

Direct flights from New York, Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte bring you to Curtain Bluff in just a few hours for the oceanside wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

Curtain Bluff will temporarily close May 6, 2017, to undergo renovations. The resort will reopeon October 28, 2017.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.