Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Antigua, Caribbean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Set on one of Antigua's many beautiful beaches, the Galley Bay Resort & Spa offers guests a fabulous combination of superior service, Caribbean cuisine and rustic luxury in a very natural setting. Much of the architecture here is inspired by the French artist Gauguin. The charming individual suites have their own splash pool and are surrounded by lush gardens and views of the lagoon. There are three excellent open-air restaurants, all beachfront, offering intimate, candlelit dining of excellent quality. Ismay's Restaurant offers a higher quality dining experience to be shared for that special occasion, whilst the more laid-back Barefoot Grill is a great place to enjoy a tasty quesadilla made with resort grown produce. At sunset, hors d'oeuvres are served at the bar which overlooks the sea from under its Tahitian-style roof. There are activities such as non-motorised water sports and a recently expanded gym, but reclining with a novel on the beachfront deck from the library is equally as popular.

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Wheelchair access
  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access

Where is it

On a beautiful beach, adjacent to Hawsbill and Deep Bay. Transfer time from airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

98 rooms on 1 or 2 floors. All with balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, coffee maker, safe, bathrobes and hairdryer. Deluxe Beachfront Rooms are on the upper floors, located right on the beach. Rooms are large and are well appointed with spacious bathrooms which have a walk-in double shower. Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive of: all meals, snacks and drinks by the glass (name-brand spirits, sparkling wine by the glass, Caribbean beers, tropical coolers and soft drinks, excludes bottled water). All activities and entertainment above unless otherwise stated. Restaurants open on rotation.

Superior Deluxe Beachfront Rooms are charming rooms on the ground floor, in the centre of the resort, with private patio located directly on the beach. Each with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Gauguin Suites are situated on the edge of the bird sanctuary lagoon, just 50 yards from the beach and consist of two wooden cedar shingle roof rondovals with an enclosed large air conditioned sitting area joining the two. The suites have cool and modern white tile flooring with stone accents, plus their own private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Premium Beachfront Suites are in 2-storey buildings, these have a bedroom and sunken living room with wet bar, huge bathroom with twin sinks, large bath and double walk-in shower, plus ocean views from the balcony or terrace, making these the largest and most luxurious option with iPod docking station, slippers and WiFi access. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults. A full-size rollaway bed is provided for Premium Beachfront Suites to allow for triple occupancy. These rooms have direct beach access on the ground floor only.

3 restaurants and 1 beach grill: Sea Grape Restaurant (serves award-winning Euro-Caribbean cuisine; breakfast, lunch and dinner), Gauguin Restaurant (offers traditional local cuisine where you can dine in individual cabanas for romantic meals; lunch and dinner), Barefoot Grill (offers a relaxed and laid-back, beachside atmosphere, serving burgers and 'basket style' sandwiches such as the classic Cuban, all made using home-grown fruits, herbs and vegetables from the resort).For special occasions try Ismay's Restaurant* (International island flavours, open evenings only — a US$45 per person supplement applies, payable locally, subject to change). 4 bars: Teepee Bar, Lounge Bar, Gauguin Bar and Rum Shack Bar serving different rums from around the Caribbean and delicious curated rum cocktails. The coffee shop features specialty coffee, tea drinks and homemade pasties. All restaurants are beachfront. Restaurant hours and availability are subject to change. Restaurants open on a rotation basis due to season/occupancy.

Regular entertainment several nights a week. Weekly beach cinema.

Large freeform swimming pool with waterfall feature. 'Spa Indulge'* with open-air treatment cabanas, sun deck and splash pool. Fitness centre. Non-motorised water sports: Hobie cats, kayaks, paddle boarding and snorkelling. Bicycles. Tennis and table tennis. New yoga pavilion. Croquet lawn. Weekly cooking demo. Nature lovers will enjoy the garden tours (Tuesdays) to learn about the fresh grown herbs and spices onsite. On-site Diamonds international shop.

Boutique*. Complimentary WiFi available in public areas. Internet room. Library. Cabana rooms can be booked for use on your day of departure. Rooms offer a great place to store your bags and you have access to shower facilities before the flight home. The cost is $35 for 3 hours.

This hotel has a resort fee of USD $24 including tax per room, per night, (payable locally, subject to change). Please note: a room levy of USD $5 per guest, per night (payable locally, subject to change).

Wheelchair adapted rooms with partially accessible amenities or facilities available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. To discover all the special assistance services we offer please see additional information below.

7 nights between 21 Dec-2 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: this hotel is adults-only - children under 16 years are not permitted at any time.

Dress code: breakfast/lunch: shoes must be worn at all times and bathing suits must be covered and dry. Dinner: men are required to wear collared shirts with long trousers or stylish jeans. T-shirts, shorts, caprise and ripped jeans are not accepted. Women are asked to wear dresses, skirts, long trousers or stylish tailored shorts or jeans. No short shorts, tank tops or beach flip-flops are allowed.

For all guests in June, July and August: dress shorts can be worn (no short shorts or cutoffs). Standard dress code applies for Ismays.

Please note: guests are required to present a valid form of ID (passport, driving license, ID card) along with a valid credit card at check-in. A USD$350 pre-authorisation will be processed on the credit card at check-in to cover for any incidental purchases or similar expenses. Incidental purchases may include tours, excursions, gift shop purchases or dining in the speciality restaurant. We understand that not all guests incur additional charges during their stay, but this process assists the resort with fraud prevention. Upon check-out, the pre-authorisation is released, assuming there are no charges made.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3702)
  • Very good (652)
  • Average (183)
  • Poor (50)
  • Terrible (36)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Galley Bay is a special part of Antigua

Dec 1, 2024 MiltonKeynesDuffy Milton Keynes

Galley Bay is a beautiful special resort right on the beach but having the addition of a lake and wildlife on your door step particularly birds. The staff make galley bay special they are very professional friendly and everything at galley bay seems really organised and everything has a system which makes your stay really relaxing. The superior… Read more
Galley Bay is a beautiful special resort right on the beach but having the addition of a lake and wildlife on your door step particularly birds. The staff make galley bay special they are very professional friendly and everything at galley bay seems really organised and everything has a system which makes your stay really relaxing. The superior dellux room we had right on the beach was a lovely large room great shower walk in closet . Minibar filled everyday with a list of drinks we asked for. There was a bottle of champagne in our room when we arrived. The outlook is wonderful and swimming in the sea great fun. We went to the Gauguin restaurant twice I booked it at 7 am and had no problem getting a reservation for dinner the next day. The food and the setting are incredible. All the food we had was great and drinks service at the pool and on the beach were brilliant. The gym is very well equipped. Great entertainment each night with a group and usually several singers. Lots of water activities at the resort . It truly was one of the most relaxing holidays I have had in the most beautiful setting I cannot recommend it highly enough. I thought it was excellent value for money as well. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent place for couples to just relax!

Nov 25, 2024 Dennis S

We've been to a few resorts on Antigua and Galley Bay by far exceeds the others (although any Elite Island property is good!) The food is unbelievably good. I mean really good!!!! The wait staff and bar staff are all great people who couldn't do enough for you...all with a smile. Management is on top of their game. MANY staff have been there for… Read more
We've been to a few resorts on Antigua and Galley Bay by far exceeds the others (although any Elite Island property is good!) The food is unbelievably good. I mean really good!!!! The wait staff and bar staff are all great people who couldn't do enough for you...all with a smile. Management is on top of their game. MANY staff have been there for years which days alot! We stayed in the Gaugin cottage #16..perfect privacy for dipping in your plunge pool. Housekeeping does a great job also, although we didn't need much. The grounds are well manicured and the beach is well maintained. Depending on time of year, the water could be too rough, so they put red flag up. Plenty of water sport activities. This is not a place for a booming nightlife . Music was good but from 830 to 1030 only. No activities director if you're looking for that. It's a very quite type of place. Couples seemed to stay to themselves day and night. Also an older crowd...many Brits. You see alot of cruise ships coming and going and other catamaran etc. OVERALL, this is a fantastic place to reconnect with your partner and let the sun kiss your skin and gain a few pounds from eating and drinking so well! Notable mentions to Cedric the General Manager, Vincent Food and Beverage Manager, Sadie a Seagrape Manager, And all wait and bar service. Visit Afi in the Diamonds International on-site for great pricing on jewelry. The women in the coffee shop were also very pleasant! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nicest resort in Antigua, but not quite 5 stars due to some issues

Nov 18, 2024 643codyr San Jose, California

Stayed here for 5 nights and found it to be one of the nicest resorts in Antigua. Here's the breakdown: What's Great - The beach is the real draw here - private, white sand, and never crowded - Rooms are excellent (we had a beachfront suite and it was fantastic) - Good amenities: reliable WiFi for work calls, big TV, nice coffee shop - Food is… Read more
Stayed here for 5 nights and found it to be one of the nicest resorts in Antigua. Here's the breakdown: What's Great - The beach is the real draw here - private, white sand, and never crowded - Rooms are excellent (we had a beachfront suite and it was fantastic) - Good amenities: reliable WiFi for work calls, big TV, nice coffee shop - Food is good (not mind-blowing, but consistently nice) - Live music every night adds a nice touch - Really peaceful vibe - definitely not a party scene The Crowd - Mostly older British travelers (60+) and Americans (35-55). - If you're looking for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, you'll fit right in here. Some Issues Had a few problems that kept this from being a 5-star stay: - We had housekeeping issues our entire stay -> If I’m staying at a Motel 6, I know what I’m getting. But at this price point, you shouldn’t have to walk down to reception to get TP (despite the fact they didn’t resupply it and then you asked for it). One day they cleaned the room, but didn’t clean the bathroom. - About half the staff seemed pretty unfriendly, which was surprising for this type of resort - The manager did apologize and comp some things when we brought up the issues Bottom Line - Despite the service hiccups, we'd definitely come back. - For a laid-back beach vacation at an all-inclusive in the Caribbean, it's hard to beat. - The fact that 60% of guests are repeat visitors says a lot. - Good for: Quiet beach vacation, couples getaway - Not for: Party scene, lively atmosphere Pro tip: The beachfront suites are worth it Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Anniversary trip

Nov 14, 2024 cmwilfong

Excellent all the way around. Food was always good, location was great, and the staff were excellent. The resort was on the smaller side which made it easier to get around and less headache for eating dinner, only 3 restaurants to chose from but menu was changed daily
Image of the Tripadvisor rating How did they make perfect even better?

Nov 3, 2024 JFsB Fairfield, Connecticut

Just returned from my 10th stay (last time last a year ago). I thought it was the most idyllic place and was beyond perfect; however, after this stay, I was amazed at the changes that have been made that make perfect even more perfect. As usual, every member of the team is kind, gracious and simply can’t do enough to ensure you enjoy your stay. … Read more
Just returned from my 10th stay (last time last a year ago). I thought it was the most idyllic place and was beyond perfect; however, after this stay, I was amazed at the changes that have been made that make perfect even more perfect. As usual, every member of the team is kind, gracious and simply can’t do enough to ensure you enjoy your stay. They are truly the heart of this resort and deserve only the highest praise. In my opinion, you can find beautiful beaches and great food elsewhere, but the reason I keep returning is the team. During the week, I didn’t encounter one person who didn’t smile, wave and offer a friendly greeting or a chat. It was great to see staff members that have been there over the years (Cedric, Alfred, Lynette, Stuart, Sade, and Andrea) as well as new faces (Jessica and Sandy G). While I hate to praise individual members, I must send a special thank you to Inez, who coordinated medical care, and Joan, who made sure I received the needed medication timely, in guest services who were so kind during an unexpected medical situation. My premium beachfront suite had everything you could want. Lovely furnishings and a comfortable bed, all kept immaculately clean by the housekeeping staff, and a mini bar full of sodas, beers, wine and lots of bottled water that was refreshed daily. So glad to see they swapped out the down duvets with much more comfortable cotton blankets. Also love the new maid call / do not disturb button. What more could you want than to step out of your room directly onto one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere? Galley Bay has the most serene atmosphere, in which you can fully escape the hustle and bustle of life at home. No waking up at the crack of dawn to throw your towel on a beach lounger: every room has their own assigned loungers, palapa and table (brilliant). The resort now offers beach and room service. At least every few hours, a kindly waitstaff passed by, happy to bring you the beverage of your choice. The lunch and dinner menus at both Seagrape and Gaugin have been updated with some really delicious new dishes, like the brie, cranberry, chorizo and roast corn tart is a must and the line caught, grilled snapper was amazing. Thankfully hey have not given up old favorites like jerk chicken wings and goat curry. Even Ismay’s menu, which had remained unchanged for several years, has been updated (the pan roasted scallop appetizer and salmon entrée were incredible). And the desserts, those wonderful desserts. I’m not usually a sweet eater, but I just couldn’t resist the wonderful new confections on offer and tried something new after each meal. I heard that they will be expanding service at Gaugin to include breakfast as well as a beach bar! The Upscale Café (coffee shop) has the most delicious cookies; don’t miss them. My only request is to get rid of the out-dated dress code. Let the staff and guests wear more comfortable clothing! As for the staff, I was there during the breast cancer awareness day when the team wore lovely pink t-shirts and casual bottoms, while still looking very professional. It was nice to see them out of the polyester uniforms for a change. I agree that appropriate attire must be worn, but it is hard to watch the men wearing long pants to dinner and sweat uncomfortably throughout their meal. Let the guys wear tailored shorts at dinner year-round. Read less