Close your eyes and imagine the map of Italy. Yes, it is that big drawing that looks like a boot. Now, picture it in the form of a resort, with beautiful beaches on both sides and houses lined up in the middle, one next to the other and with gardens in between. Sounds good, right?
Galley Bay is a secluded oasis and one of the most romantic resorts in Antigua. If you’re planning a trip to celebrate an anniversary or a honeymoon, you should definitely pay close attention to this review… or, you know, just book a vacation with us without any worries. Galley Bay is a charming resort that feels like a boutique hotel, nestled between two beaches and surrounded by trails and lots of green. It’s peaceful, romantic, and an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the beautiful island of Antigua.
What we like about Galley Bay Resort & Spa
Galley Bay is romantic and quiet. If you’re looking for a resort that’s all about parties and non-stop entertainment, this isn’t the place. Galley Bay is for those who want to enjoy the green scenery, get a tan at one of the best beaches in Antigua, and relax in the gardens. Green is everywhere, and don’t be surprised if you feel like Cinderella, waking up to hummingbirds singing around you. This resort trades late-night shows with DJs for movie nights on the beach and even tours of the local gardens, where vegetables are taken from the farm and delivered directly to your table. It’s all about a quiet, romantic atmosphere, and this is probably the most romantic resort in the Elite Island Resorts collection.
You’re already in a very romantic location, and the beautiful beach only adds to that. In theory, there’s just one main beach - Galley Bay Beach - but it feels like you have tons of options, since the resort sits on a narrow crescent of land with the ocean on both sides. The water is calm and turquoise, and the beach is located quite close to your room. It’s also nice that each room has an assigned beach lounger, so you never have to worry about waking up at 6am to secure a spot. There’s no music and no vendors, since this is a private resort, so you are joined only by the sound of waves and birds. Lovely.
Food is another area where Galley Bay really shines, and that’s one of the best things you can hear about an all-inclusive resort. There are four main restaurants, all open-air and close to the beach. Sometimes you can even have dinner with sand beneath your feet. The food is consistently excellent, and it’s great that the resort uses local, seasonal ingredients. I’m also pretty sure every restaurant makes dishes to order (no buffets), so each meal feels specially prepared for you. There’s even a local coffee shop serving an amazing iced latte. Another cool touch is that the menu at some restaurants changes daily, so not only is the food fantastic, you get the chance to try something new every day of your vacation. All in all, the restaurants here are seriously impressive.
What we don’t like about Galley Bay Resort & Spa
There’s nothing really wrong with Galley Bay Resort & Spa. It’s a very romantic resort that’s more about relaxing than anything else, and it does its job well. Sure, you can go kayaking or snorkeling for free, but most people come here to recharge their energy and enjoy the beautiful beach and gardens. Even when there are late parties on the beach with live music, they aren’t the star of the show.
Galley Bay offers a lot, especially for couples, and this is reflected in the prices. It’s the second most expensive property in the Elite Island Resorts collection, with nights starting at around $1,000. That’s definitely not cheap for many guests, but it’s a great spot to relax, even for a weekend, or to celebrate a special occasion.
Conclusion
Galley Bay Resort might be one of the most romantic places in Antigua, and it’s a safe bet for a great vacation. If you value peace and a serene setting above almost everything else, this resort has everything to make it your favorite, even if you only stop by for 10 minutes.
