I needed a holiday. Badly. I was burnt out, overworked and overtired. My heart was aching for a travel experience, but a very different one. I found myself dreaming of a luxury escape where I would be pampered, well fed and spoiled rotten. A.K.A: an all-inclusive resort.
My prayers were answered when I got the chance to experience a stay at The Galley Bay Resort in Antigua, the island of 365 beaches, one beach for every day of the year. This resort was built around the concept of deep relaxation and seclusion. Oh…did I mention adults only? No chitlins. No bebes. No kiddies. Just…moi.
Time to pack resort wear, flip flops, sunscreen, and a smile. Antigua would make for a new destination to add to my list of visited countries, getting me closer to my 50 countries goal. I’ve always wanted to explore the Caribbean more. Now, I will finally do it in style.
Just a short 3 hour flight from Miami International Airport, I landed in Antigua and was immediately met with a hotel rep who plucked me out of a long immigration line and right into fast track. I stamped my passport, picked up my bags, and got in the car. 30 minutes away from bliss.
Vacation mode loading…
Galley Bay Resort is not your typical all-inclusive experience. If you are looking for loud shows, this resort is not for you. If you are looking for overcrowded buffets and competition for a front row seat at the beach, this resort is not for you. If you are looking for a personal piece of paradise, your very own beachfront room, sophisticated restaurant service, and a chance to escape reality, Galley Bay Resort is for you.
The resort is simply elegant with no bells and whistles. Plopped right on Galley Bay beach, the resort is made up of 4 restaurants, one main bar, and under 100 rooms. There is nature everywhere. It feels like a sanctuary inspired by a scene out of a Disney movie. Hummingbirds buzzing from flower to flower, the rolling waves of the crystalline Caribbean Sea, dense greenery planted along a winding path that leads you from your private suite to the main entrance. You can’t help but feel more calm as you lay under your very own sun bed, on top of powder soft sand.
Listening to the waves rolling, crashing, retreating.
All four of Galley Bay’s restaurants only offer a sit down menu, which changes daily. Choose from The Seagrape, The Gauguin, Ismay’s, or Barefoot Grill. Their salads are made up of homegrown greens, plucked right out of their eco farm on the property. The flavors range from Caribbean BBQ to gourmet dishes you would see in an upscale London or New York restaurant. You are to take your time with each dish, there is no rush, there is no “cheaping out” or “skimping on”. You are there to eat, sip, converse and get full.
To say I “ate too much” might be an understatement. You know how life can get. Food shopping, cooking, cleaning, boring. I was thrilled to sit back and let someone else handle it all. I savored bites of perfectly cooked steak, gluten free bolognese pasta, freshly caught seafood and leafy salads with coconut shavings and parmesan, jerk chicken wings with pineapple salsa, duck breast with sweet potato mash…drooling yet?
And when I craved something more simple, I would eat at the Barefoot Grill where you can order freshly made quesadillas with gooey cheese (I paid for that with my allergies later) or a simple burger and fries. At Galley Bay Resort, your hunger is their mission to solve.
I needed an escape like this. The place almost feels like a retreat more than a hotel. Mind you, this is an older crowd (much older) and they are all looking for tranquillity and peace. No one is trying to upsell you or get you to sign up for some excursion. Your beach naps will not be disturbed by noisy waitstaff. There is no loud poolside music and you are encouraged to use headphones in all public areas.
Peace. Tranquility. Nature. Amen.
I kept asking myself “Do I want to go on an off property adventure? Maybe I should go exploring?”. While I normally crave those kinds of expeditions, the resort really pulls you in. Especially with that long boardwalk lined with pastel colored rocking chairs, inviting guests to just sit and look out into the blue.
A couple days into the trip, I decided to give the beach a break and try the pool. A cute setup, if I may say. A man made waterfall, a grassy area with straw umbrellas, comfortable sun loungers, and poolside service. With a cocktail in hand (no I don’t drink alcohol but I broke the rules this time), I slid into the water and looked up at the sky. I felt a sense of euphoria as I remembered why I was put on this planet:
To explore it. Discover it. Marvel at it.
I remembered why I love traveling so much and how much joy it brings me. “This is it.” I muttered to myself. “This is how I want to live my life, always”. With moments of bliss, like this. We all deserve a holiday. We all deserve to take breaks from our routines. It is not a luxury. It is actually a must. Traveling and vacationing is finally becoming more normalized and expected.
My six days at Galley Bay Resort could best be described as rejuvenating. My mornings were spent sipping on coffees from the Upcycle Cafe on the beach and watching the morning sky get brighter. My afternoons were spent dipping in the sea and escaping the waves and eating long lunches in a private cabana.
My evenings were spent marveling at the sunset on the boardwalk and taking photo after photo of the changing skies. Dinners were spent mostly at The Seagrape Restaurant enjoying a changing menu with delectable options. Then as the night would fall, I would star gaze and catch a few shooting stars.
I closed my eyes. Made a wish. Time for bed.
I highly recommend Galley Bay Resort for those who are looking to escape the typical all inclusive experience and get a retreat feel instead. I recommend it to couples who want to truly connect without distraction, busy business owners who need to recharge, and travelers who are tired of the missions and want everything taken care of.
A few key takeaways:
- Older crowd -age range 40 and up
- Sit down restaurants with menus changing daily
- Stunning beachfront property with the beach literally at your doorstep
- Spacious rooms with lounge seating and beachfront views
- Attentive, friendly wait staff who take care of your needs
- Loads of nature
- Simple activities like paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling
- No bells and whistles, simple and understated
- No flashy shows, just nature and the company you came with
- Beautiful pool with plenty of sunloungers
- Guests are friendly, respectful and kind
- Expect to say hello as you pass people by
- Smiles are natural here
Thank you for having me, Galley Bay Resort. I feel like my wild spirited self again.
Love always,
Your Digital Nomad
Saliet Golan
Follow my travel journey’s on Instagram at @sallygolanofficial
Got travel related questions? Email: [email protected]
