Galley Bay Resort & Spa reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4.5 Excellent

  • Cleanliness 5.0
  • Location 5.0
  • Rooms 4.5
  • Service 4.5
  • Value 4.5

4648 TripAdvisor reviews

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Wonderful return trip

Eve K on Feb 08, 2025

Back from our 5th trip to Galley Bay and we had another wonderful time. We love the warm welcome from all of the staff, they take time to make sure everything is right for us. On the rare occasions that anything isn’t quite right, just say the word and it’s sorted. Ok, the sea can be unpredictable, but we know that’s to be expected. We took a slow stroll out of the hotel to the next beach (Hawksbill) so we could get our fix of a swim in the Caribbean Sea. Far end is for the Hawksbill hotel but the near end is for the public, with sunbeds at a small charge. Only takes about 20 minutes, steep hill but not too bad even for oldies like us! Big shout out to Alfred, Samantha, Sandy G, Joan, Jasmine, Lynette, Tarick and Dacia to name but a few. There are a few areas for improvement but they are minor, they didn’t in any way spoil our stay.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

It was just the most amazing vacation, EVER!

Delia D (Woonsocket, United States) on Feb 06, 2025

What an amazing time we had! Everything about Galley Bay is spectacular! The people, the grounds, the amenities, and the food and drinks! Not one person walked by you without asking how we were, did we need anything, could they get us anything! It was just the most amazing vacation, EVER!

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Best choice in Antigua for a relaxing holiday (vacation)

Hokusai01 on Feb 02, 2025

Generally good. The food had variety with an Antiguan twist. Fish especially good. Delightful ambience of tropical plants and gardens; explained well by Shantella, one of the chief gardeners. The walk round the lagoon was especially tranquil. One could avoid the noise which usually blights such resorts by getting away to Gauguin and Ismay's, Galley Bay's two flanking restaurants. Those who work here were attentive and helpful in the main. The sea (ocean) can be difficult, but the hedonistic pool compensates. The resort is run with military precision which has its merits and demerits, but as a whole Galley Bay delivers good food and service. It is a place where one can locate peace and quiet while gazing at diving pelicans and listening to tree frogs. Galley Bay has one of the best locations in Antigua, and should be considered as the best choice on that island for a relaxing holiday.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Paradise in Antigua

worldtrvler7 (Toronto, Canada) on Jan 29, 2025

We absolutely loved our stay at Galley Bay, we’ve also stayed at their sister resort on Palm Island which was equally as wonderful (very sad to hear about the recent devastation there). We’ve been to many all inclusive resorts and hands down it wasn’t even a choice when it came to booking our winter getaway this year- we only wanted to return to Galley Bay. I was sad to read some of the most recent reviews and thought they were unfair basing their review on the rough ocean which is out of the hotels control (blame Mother Nature). During our stay the ocean was rough a few days as well, but we found it quite entertaining watching the waves from our patio! Anyways whoever is considering Galley Bay, ignore those reviews… there is a reason why travellers like us keep returning to this resort- they do it right! Majority of the rooms are right on the beach and provide amazing views. The food is top notch, the staff are awesome, the live music every evening is perfect, and the grounds are beautiful! If you are lucky enough to travel to Galley Bay, you’ll find yourself drawn to going back! See you in April Galley Bay!

TripAdvisor users rated this property 3 out of 5

Not the experience we expected

St_Chris_10 (Hampshire, United Kingdom) on Jan 24, 2025

This is a difficult review for us. We’re multiple returners to Galley Bay and we love the place, but we’ve just had our worst stay there. The reasons for this are largely out of the control of the management and staff but are worth considering if you’re thinking of visiting. Most of the good things remain good - lovely accommodation in a great setting with truly excellent staff. We felt the food offering was still at a good level, even though the choices were a little samey, but there was a noticeable drop off in the standard of drinks. Wines were less palatable than previously offered, and the consistency of the cocktails depended on who was serving them – no issues with the experienced bar staff we’ve met over the years – and even simple G&Ts, V&Ts were very variable. A significant problem for us this time was the beach. Having visited Galley Bay many times previously, we know well and fully accept that it is often difficult to get in and out of the sea here and we don’t expect perfectly calm waters every day. However, the sea was very rough for the whole of our 9-night stay (chatting to resort management, they explained it had been like it for about 3 weeks) and swimming/snorkelling was neither permitted nor possible. In fact, none of the resort’s water sports were available during our stay. Regular visitors will know that catamarans and other boats often arrive at the beach to pick up guests for day trips – we didn’t see one, not even Capt. Sean! The strength of the waves meant that walking along the beach wasn’t always possible, the sea even came in past our sunbeds and onto our patio a few times, and the noise meant relaxing on the beach sun loungers was far from relaxing. Obviously there is the option of the pool, or going off resort to other beaches, but a major attraction of the resort is the convenience of having the beach literally on your doorstep. I note previous management responses to similar comments about the sea on Tripadvisor, suggesting lakefront destinations may be a better option if you want guaranteed calm waters. I guess they’re probably right but, if the beach is important to you, perhaps there are beachside resorts that have more calm days too.

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