Remembering The Matriarch of Curtain Bluff - Chelle Hulford
To all of our loyal Curtain Bluff family –
We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Chelle passed away yesterday, August 28. Chelle passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her favorite place and home of many years, The Bluff House here at Curtain Bluff.
Chelle’s genuine love of Curtain Bluff, each staff member and all of you, our beloved guests, over the last 62 years is a personification of the unique and loving attention this property was built upon. Her beautiful smile greeting guests everyday will be deeply missed but we find peace knowing Chelle has finally been reunited with the love of her life, Howard.
In 1962, Howard and Chelle opened a 27-room resort and named it after the bluff, or rocky promontory, that bisects the property’s two beaches. Their vision was to create a place for people from all walks of life to come together and enjoy this slice of paradise as new found friends. Their vision of Curtain Bluff will continue to live on with you all making memories here year after year. Myself, Bernadette, Wendy, Michael, Dillo, Danny and the entire team are dedicated to keeping the Curtain Bluff experience alive and well for many years to come.
We appreciate you for sharing your condolences and memories of Chelle as we take time to mourn the loss of our matriarch. Please feel free to reach out to me directly, share via social media or however you prefer. We love to hear from you with your special memories.
Chelle will be laid to rest in a private service for close family and friends this fall at Curtain Bluff.
Should you wish to honor her memory with a donation, we recommend the Old Road Fund, a program that was near and dear to her heart. A special award, the Lady Michelle Hulford Scholarship, has been created in her name to honor her commitment to supporting the Old Road community over the last six decades.
Rest in Paradise, sweet Chelle.
Sincerely,
Rob
From the moment you set foot on the 20-acre slice of paradise we call home, you’ll be transported away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland into a world of laid-back luxury that’s been delighting visitors since the 1960’s. Comprising 72 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, two picturesque beaches and an assortment of exceptional, all-inclusive amenities, Curtain Bluff invites you to unwind, indulge, explore, and above all, make unforgettable memories on a one-of-a-kind Caribbean escape.
How It All Began
In the late 1950s, Howard Hulford set out to find the perfect piece of land on which to build a quiet sanctuary for his family and friends. After an exacting search of the Caribbean, he found it here on the south coast of Antigua. In 1962, Hulford opened a 22-room resort and named it after the bluff, or rocky promontory, that bisects the property’s two beaches. Curtain Bluff has been growing mindfully ever since, adding accommodations and facilities that would establish its reputation as a world-class island destination.
Howard lived on the premises until his death in 2009. Today, his wife Chelle still lives in Bluff House, where she hosts the resort’s weekly cocktail party (a fan favorite). Resort manager Rob Sherman has been at the helm of the property’s operations for the last 25 years, leading Curtain Bluff’s 211 staff members who have become an extended family.
Throughout its growth, Curtain Bluff has paid careful attention to maintaining the same intimacy and charm that captivated Hulford all those years ago. We’re proud to welcome a loyal troup of “repeaters,” guests who return year after year and regard Curtain Bluff not just as a vacation destination, but as their island home. From newlyweds who come here to start their lives as a married couple to families seeking an accessible and affordable Caribbean getaway, guests arrive at Curtain Bluff as visitors and leave as old friends.
Resort Map
Our thoughtfully designed grounds are situated on a peninsula on the southernmost tip of Antigua. The property boasts 360-degree views of stunning sunsets, forested hills and the neighboring islands of Guadeloupe, Montserrat, and Redonda. On our property map, you’ll find the location of all of our five-star amenities, including our dual beaches, championship tennis courts, world-class spa, renowned restaurants, and more.