If one of your top priorities for your next vacation is a true oceanfront resort, I mean walk out your door and you are on a gorgeous Caribbean beach, then Galley Bay Resort just might be the spot for you. This hidden gem boutique property on the island of Antigua has 98 guest rooms with 83 of them being beachfront. The other 15 are newly renovated Gauguin Cottages that sit 50 yards from the beach. The privacy and appeal of the lovely designed Gaugin Cottages (that also have their own private plunge pools) makes it hard to decide if you should go for beachfront or the cottages situated on the edge of the lagoon.
The 40-acre property includes a three-quarter mile beach that is wide and seaweed free. No beaches in Antigua are private, but this one is as close as you are going to get to a private beach. Due to it’s secluded location it does not get local or tourist crowds.
Galley Bay is a peaceful property where some guests come to spend time by themselves and others make friends and enjoy socializing. No one under the age of 16 is allowed and there is a 5-night minimum stay in the winter months, with 7 nights required during holidays. You won’t want to stay for any time less time than this. I promise.
The resort is not high end or ultra-luxe lacking things such as marble fixtures, high-end linens and name-brand bath products, but you get a unique experience, a beautiful beach and kind and sincere staff. There is a Polynesian feel throughout the property that is very minimalistic, but works.
The resort is also very “green”. They try to cut down on waste and extra water usage as much as possible (which is very important for an island that is usually in drought). Upon arrival guests are provided a green Galley Bay water bottle to carry around for their stay to keep hydrated. They also have hydration stations all over the property to fill up your bottle. I found this to be an efficient and economical idea, as when I am traveling I make a point to stay hydrated and can go through numerous water bottles a day. There is also a garden on property where fruits and vegetables are grown and used in the restaurants, which you can tell in the taste of their delicious, fresh meals.
This leads me to the all-inclusive benefits. With four dining options, we never got bored with the food and I must say it was healthy, fresh and filling. The main restaurant, Seagrape, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu stays pretty much the same, but lunch and dinner changes daily. Goghan’s restaurant is a beautiful spot on the beach that serves lunch and dinner. It only requires reservations for dinner. The Barefoot Grill is available for a quick bite to eat on the beach. Ismay’s is their very special dining option. Ismay’s is only open for dinner. Reservations are required and it is an additional $45 per person, but well worth it.
There are four fully stocked bars on the property. The bartenders provide friendly service and delicious island drinks. They love to make concoctions with Cavalier Rum. If you are a beer drinker the local Wadadli Beer is very good. There is also a brand-new rum and cigar bar.
For activities on the property there is a recreation station on the beach where you can take out snorkel gear, stand up paddle boards, hobie cats and sailboats. You can borrow bicycles or run along the paths that traverse the resort. There are tennis courts, a fitness center, table tennis and croquet. Make sure you try one of their new floating fitness classes. Several mornings the resort offers tours around the property and to see the garden. Other days they offer a group hike or cooking demonstrations. In the summer you can get on a list and if the turtles come up to the beach or their eggs hatch they will call you to watch. This is a truly memorable experience.
For an additional fee you can take advantage of the spa, which I highly recommend. There are two Gaugin cottages where you can have a massage, facial, nails or hair treatments. The spa is open from 9am-5pm and reservations can be made up to a month in advance.
In the evening, there is always entertainment that varies but includes one of the following: movie night on the beach with popcorn and hot dogs, live music, a weekly cocktail party and a Caribbean BBQ which is the only buffet dinner and has steel drum players.
Galley Bay offers comfortable luxury and is for those seeking a quiet, peaceful and all-inclusive experience. Sit back in your beach chair and take in the beauty around you. You might even get a glimpse of Giorgio Armani who has a home on the bluff. We heard that when he is in town he sometimes comes down to the resort to do yoga.
Contact Us:
If you are ready to put your toes in the sand contact me to make all the arrangements and get you on your way to the beautiful island of Antigua.
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Travel Concierge at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
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