Galley Bay Resort & Spa

My wife and I chose Galley Bay for our honeymoon after quite a bit of research, including a scan all the good reviews on TripAdvisor. Not only were we not disappointed, we quickly concluded that it was the best possible choice we could have made. When it it comes to relaxing all-inclusive vacations in a Caribbean paradise, from the layout, to the rooms, to the beach, to the food, and to the warm and friendly staff, Galley Bay just gets it right. Let's start with the property itself. It is simply gorgeous, well-laid out, easy to navigate, and very relaxing. You arrive at a nice outdoor reception area with a vaulted roof, where you are greeted by friendly staff serving you a delicious rum punch. After checking in, you are taken to your room via electric vehicle (not sure what you call it, but it's basically a large golf cart). The whole resort is also a nature preserve. From the reception area, you cross a little lagoon which takes you into the main area of the resort. Along the way, you'll see the various tropical flora and fauna, including an enclosure for turtles. Everything is beautiful and well-maintained. They even have tour of the grounds where you can learn more about the plants and animals on the resort. There's a daily orientation (I believe at 10:00 A.M.,) where you can learn about the resort and all that you can do there. It's about a half-hour. We stayed in a regular "superior" beachfront room and could not have been more pleased. Everything was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the dual showers were nice with very good water pressure. Now, when they say "beachfront," they mean it. Every room has a backdoor which leads directly onto the beach. And each room has its own outdoor shower and -- most importanly -- its own beach chairs!! That's right, no fighting for beach chairs or waking up at 6:00 A.M. to claim them, as we heard was the case at Sandals. You simply walk out your backdoor, and you're all set in paradise. And the beach itself? Beautiful! Picturesque vistas of white sand, crystal blue water, palm trees, and distant hills. I don't think it's technically a private beach (I think all beaches in Antigua are public), but it really didn't matter. It was never crowded at all. We frequently had vast swaths of it all to ourselves. (Side note: we got to see the Sandals beach during an excursion where the tour company was picking people up from their resorts by boat; it seemed quite crowded, and we got our visual confirmation that we made the absolute right choice going with Galley Bay). (Other side note: as with other resorts, there are occasional wandering vendors on beach that will try to sell things to you, but they were few and far between and would leave you alone with a simple "no thank you.") Okay, let's talk about the food now: delicious! This is not an all-inclusive resort that skimps on the food! The lunch and dinner menus offer a great variety, and everything we tried was delicious and well-prepared. Breakfast is good, too. The Sea Grape is the main dining area. The Gauguin offers a more intimate dining setting with each table under its own vaulted thatched roof and separated from the other tables by plants and paths. It's a very picturesque place. The Barefoot Grille is the casual beachside place serving (as the name suggests) grilled fare with the appropriate sides. Finally, if you're in the mood to "treat yo'self," there's Ismay's, which offers a fine dining experience for a relatively modest extra fee (it's the only resort restaurant that's not completely under the all-inclusive umbrella - EVERYTHING else is). I think it's worth it to do at least one night at Ismay's (we didn't spring for the gazebo experience, but we heard it's really great from other guests). There are also weekly special events like a BBQ and a manager's cocktail hour (these are included). We missed the latter, but the former was really really delicious. Lastly, alcohol is included in the all-inclusive umbrella, including all cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. Good brands, too! The staff: warm, friendly, and helpful. Can't say enough positive things about them. As for things to do, the resort offers some activities, including kayaking, paddle boards, and small boats. There's a spa and a fitness room. For excursions, most are offered by private companies which the resort can arrange for you. My wife and I did the Eco Tour and a ziplining/snorkeling package, and we immensely enjoyed both. There's also nightly live music (mostly the Caribbean steel drum band variety) and dancing which goes to about midnight. Finally, a lot of the reviews mention things about the age range of the guests. My wife and I are in our early-mid thirties. We saw plenty of other couples in their thirties and late twenties while we were there. There were also lots of middle aged people and some more senior people. In short, it was a good mix, and everyone was friendly, well-behaved, and got along just fine (I really don't see how one could be cranky or ornery in a place like this). That said, if you're in your early-mid twenties and are looking for constant parties, lots of singles, loud music, or clubbing, then you'll definitely want to look elsewhere (or at least go into the city for that stuff). For everyone else, it's heaven on earth. I think I've said enough. If you're reading this and are looking for a perfect honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just a vacation in paradise, stop looking. You've found it! This place is truly special. It lives up to the hype and then some. Book here! You will NOT regret it!

Again what can I say, this is the most amazing place ever, to be able to come out of the back door of your room on to the most fabulous beach is just the most amazing thing ever. The hospitality, food and facilities are just the best. A big shout out to Alex and Cedric the management for making us as 'returners' feel like old friends. Also, we have to mention, Timothy, Mayna, Erica, Kay, Troya, Hezeldean, Maudlyn, Mike Ray, Vaughn and Chesley, these are just a few of the staff who made our stay absolutely fantastic, we also have to mention the water sports guys who under their instruction made the activities so much fun. Thank you so much we will return. Jenny & Paul.

My husband and I could not be more pleased with Galley Bay Resort! The staff was so attentive, the drinks and food were delicious and the beach and accommodations were beautiful! If you want a relaxing, yet adventurous and fun trip, go to Galley Bay! With so many excursions to choose from, you won't be disappointed! We learned to sail a Hobie Cat with Lenroy at water sports, we stayed in a Gauguin cottage with our own private deck and splash pool with a view of the lagoon, we enjoyed seeing the fauna and wildlife, and went on several excursions including an Island Safari by jeep, driven by Kenrick Donaldson, our wonderful tour guide, rode on horseback along the mountains and the beach, and best of all, got to ride on Captain Sean's sailboat, where we learned all about the west and south coast of Antigua, where the water is the nicest and most pristine, enjoyed delicious homemade roti and most excitingly, got to explore a coral reef while snorkeling, getting up close and personal with beautiful exotic fish! Book your stay in Antigua at Galley Bay Resort--- you won't be disappointed!

We initially picked Galley Bay for our honeymoon. It was gorgeous and stayed at the Gaugin. This time we stayed directly at the beach:) You open the door and there is paradise! Really it is breathtaking. All the staff and the accommodations are wonderful- except some issues the wifi. The food is tropical and lovely. The staff are so nice. I asked for grits one day- and they were not available. I was promised they would get them in. The waitress brought them after searching for two days and went into town to get them herself!! That's the type of service offered there. The owner invited us to a returners dinner - what a feast and wonderful royal treatment! We can't wait to go back next year !!

Exceptional accommodations, exceptional service! Kindest and best humored staff we've come across. Enjoyed a beach dinner for two for our anniversary. Five star food and service. Captain Sean's sailing excursion completed a great stay!