galley bay

This all-inclusive beachfront hideaway was created for discerning travelers in search of a refined, yet unpretentious escape. It enjoys a secluded setting amidst forty-acres of lush, tropical gardens between a bird sanctuary, lagoon and a three-quarter mile beach on the undeveloped west coast of Antigua. Great care has been taken to ensure the resort not only complements, but also takes full advantage of these untouched natural surroundings. Thatch, bamboo and terra cotta combine to establish an ambience of elegant rusticity in the alfresco public areas, whilst a picturesque wooden deck ensures maximum exposure to the ocean views. The 69-guest rooms are discreetly tucked away amidst the palms, more than three-quarters of them lying directly on the white sand beach and boasting breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

The comfortable Superior and Deluxe Rooms all feature private terraces or balconies, whilst sunken living rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs distinguish the Premium Suites. Home-from-home comforts throughout include a/c, ceiling fans, satellite TVs, mini-refrigerators and coffee-makers.

Set just behind close to the bird sanctuary are the unique Gauguin cottages with their own individual splash pools. Designed as semi-private sanctuaries for couples, each one consists of two thatched-roof randovals (one a bedroom and the other a bathroom/dressing room), as well as splash pools with paved sundecks, many of them overlooking the lagoon. Woven bamboo ceilings, uneven whitewashed walls and cool terracotta tiling establish their charming Caribbean theme, whilst the beach is no more than fifty-yards away. In keeping with Galley Bay's tranquil, escapist ambience, recreational activities tend to be of a relaxing nature and guests are generally quite content to sunbathe on the sands or around the landscaped swimming pool.

Those in the mood for a little action, however, can take advantage of the championship tennis court, air-conditioned fitness room or non-motorized watersports, such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking. Massages are also available on-site, scuba-diving can be arranged nearby, whilst golf on two 18-hole golf courses is less than 30-minutes drive away.

Dining is also an important part of any stay at Galley Bay, the European Executive Chef specializing in Euro-Caribbean cuisine that makes the most of fresh local produce and seafood. Guests seeking a change from the a la carte fine dining experience of The Seagrape can enjoy the grilled fare of the more intimate Gauguin restaurant, both dining venues alfresco and just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Afternoon tea, evening hors doeuvres, live entertainment, cocktail parties and Caribbean barbecues all contribute to the hotels sociable, tropical ambience, whilst the personal service from the well-established staff contributes to its exceptionally high repeat-guest quota.