Name: Galley Bay Cottages
Address: Galley Bay Road, Five Islands Village, Five Islands Village, Five Islands Village, 99999, Antigua and Barbuda
Rating: 9

Smoking areas

Garden

Terrace

No elevators

General

Laundry

Dry-cleaning

Services and amenities

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Barbecue grill(s)

Barbeque

Recreation

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Extra decontamination measures

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the apartment

Hawksbill Beaches

V.C. Bird International Airport

Bramble Airport

Galley Bay Cottages

Five Islands Village

Very short walk to Galley Bay Beach. The cottage was perfect and Marco is a great host.

I went for a bike ride and had no basket so I had it tucked in my swimsuit top.

I’m wearing a cotton shirt over it because I’m sunburnt. I was so hot after the bike ride that I just plunged into the ocean and swam for a good 20 minutes. 

During my swim, I felt something hit my heel and I was scared, thinking shark! But I didn’t get out. I kept swimming because the water is sublimely beautiful.

I get rolled around in a strong surf exiting the ocean and then grab my stuff and head for the pool. I swim there for about 20 minutes then head for the shade to read snd check my emails for work. No phone.

It all comes back to me, tucked in bra, bump in my heel and ugh! I go to the water sports hut and kind Quin is there. We walk down to the surf to see if we can spot it. Nope!

He heads up for a snorkel mask and valiantly plunges in. I pint to where I felt the thump on my heel. He looks and looks, head down and cruising through the water, coming up for air. I point ‘a little farther that way’. He moves and peers down, then dives. I still don’t have hood it’s okay. It’s been in the ocean for almost an hour by now. 

He nears shore, holds it up and says ‘it works!’. What?!? Omgoodness. Tickled pink here. I plug in my lock code and my whole world is at my fingertips again. Kind Quin saved the day!

This guy deserves a raise and a promotion. He didn’t have to look in the ocean for an iPhone! You know how grateful I am? Thank you Quin and galley Bay for saving the day with over the top customer service. I’m a travel agent and have been all over the world to many resorts. I haven’t even been here 24 hours and I am blown away by how kind and helpful everyone is. But Quin? Outstanding. 

Kind Quin Saves The Day at Galley Bay!

We certainly cannot recommend this place. Not sure why the good/decent reviews. Cottage is not kept properly with few if anything working right -- toilet that moves, stovetop doesn't light without match, just wooden windows that doesn't open/close properly. Frog, biting insects (even with coils everywhere), animals noises SO VERY LOUD all night long that it's impossible to sleep with fan, air conditioner, and white noise machine. We had to wear ear plugs AND headset to sleep every night. Can't wait to leave this place. Never again. Sorry!Only good comment is that it's near the beach. We love Galley Bay beach.

The property is just gorgeous with amazing views. I stayed in the studio cabin. It was clean and nice. I had all kind of birds visit everyday on the porch. There is WIFI but no TV. Bring your laptop to watch TV. My suggestion to the owner is to get a couple of beach chairs for the cabin. The beach is right there but no chairs are provided

I always appreciate reviews others leave - they are a huge help to me in deciding where to go and what to expect, so here's the favor back..,,,
We had a wonderful time at Galley Bay - we booked a premium beachfront room literally right on the beach.   We requested 2nd floor and loved the balcony and loungers looking out over the water.   The room was very spacious, bed was comfy, and sitting area nice - though we hardly used it and never turned on the TV.   We preferred being outside.    The bath was huge - two showers (though one had a really short spray head - and we're both tall), a tub that would easily fit two, two sinks and a toilet.   Lots of shelf space and mirrors.   Soap, shampoo and lotion provided.   No conditioner, though ($5 for 3 oz at gift shop).   Housekeeping was great and the room was always tidy.   
The airport was swift to get through, and there were a lot of passengers for different resorts on our very full airplane.   Our drivers to/from the resort (private car) were fun to chat with and gave information/history/ or whatever we asked about.  Check-in was quick and we were in our room in no time, with a short 'tour' of amenities.     We didn't use the A/C until the end of the week - we prefer the sound of the waves and it was a comfortable temp.    Unfortunately, a heavy smoker(s) moved in under our unit in the last 2 days and made us close the doors and not be able to use the balcony loungers.   I also picked up butts in the otherwise pristine beachfront sand while they were there.   Desk said as long as they don't smoke in the room, there was nothing to be done.     We never had issue with the polite smokers in the bar area, etc -- always staying quite a ways off from everyone while smoking.
The BEACH - wow, how beautiful.    3/4 of a mile long, and often we felt we had it to ourselves.    Plenty of loungers and shade - no having to get up at dawn and fight for loungers at this resort!      It was windy during our stay (red flagged 1  1/2 days) and yellow the rest (rather normal for this time of year and this part of the shoreline).   Waves were nice to listen to but made it hard for me to get into the water, with my arthritic feet.   There are also large and not so large rocks in most of the beach, where the waves break. Water shoes were a definite help.   There are reportedly trips to a protected bay on severely windy days - but we don't think they had any of those during our stay.     For mobility challenged people, a golf cart was available to take guests to restaurants or wherever they wanted to go on the resort - just a phone call away.    I managed the long walk down to Gaugan restaurant twice without it, though any longer and I'd have definitely called.   Flowering trees and bushes were everywhere in the resort and all nicely kept.   We took a half day trip with Capt. Sean -- only 6 passengers max, so no crowds.   Pick up is on the beach, and a small dinghy got us to the boat - that was a bit scary through the waves for me, but I'm a wimp ; )   Going southwards put us is calmer waters, and we took a snorkel break, and had a yummy chicken lunch with beer or other beverages.  Recommended.     Its hard to see the sunset unless you are on a boat (a hillside blocks it from the resort mostly),or just go way down the beach beyond Ishmay's a bit and you get a nice view of the evening sky.    We were on that side of the resort, so not too far for us.     There were a few jet skis out there, but not a problem - the waves covered the noise.   Several party boats pass by, and there were a lot of yachts on the weekend.    A few supply boats got stuck in line, out a ways waiting their turn to make their deliveries.  
The FOOD - we were very happy with our many varied dishes, all nicely presented - we did about 4 breakfasts, and 6 lunches and dinners each - we were there 7 days, so you can see we were so full from overeating that we skipped a few meals.    We ate at Gaugan twice for dinner - very nice setting and food was very good.   The rest of our meals were at the main Seagrape restaurant - there was something new on the menu every day.   We did not get around to trying the Barefoot Grille, nor do the upcharge for Ishmays.    Maybe next time!   Know that ordering the Ducana (local sweet potato/coconut/spiced dish) may need up to 48 hrs lead time - and it doesn't say this on the menu.   Its a large serving -easily shared.  
SERVICE was excellent in the restaurants and bars.   Never more than a minute's wait to get a beverage at the bar.   We drank mostly beer and wine, but threw in a few mixed drinks here and there.  No complaints about the selection and brands to us (other than they didn't have lemons.   Plenty of limes, though).  We found everyone on staff to be hardworking, friendly and say hello when passing in the walkways.    
The POOL - smallish, but not ever many people in it (water was a bit chilly some days).   Pretty waterfall feature, and always plenty of loungers spread out around it when we were there on the windier days.   No music allowed at the pool : )    If you are looking for a resort where there's loud music and rowdy games, etc going on all day - this is a quiet resort and you'd be happier elsewhere.     98 rooms here, adults only - so less than 200 guests max.   Ages tended to be 50-70s, but a few weddings and younger folks there too.    We enjoyed chatting with many other guests at the bar or during evening entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT nightly at the Seagrape - good local bands with some very good singers.  Dancing if you choose to.    Or just sit and sip a cocktail.    Its quiet by 11 pm.     Beach BBQ has either steel drums or fire dancer - depending on your week there.     We took the once a week garden tour - recommended.     On our own, we toured the Vegetable /Fruit/Hydroponics garden area - staff there answered many questions for us.    We did a cooking demo, which was fun.    A birdwatching class might be a great addition.  Hint Hint.     There's walking and bike paths around the lagoon, and an old sugar mill on the property.    Maybe a weekly class on the history of the island and the sugar industry would be nice too.
Its pretty well addressed on the website and at resort - but there are tourist fees due at the end of your stay, along with any spa, gift shop items, etc.    The fees for the week were about $170 US, and set by Antiqua, not the resort.     Easy to check out and get to our flight home.    Miami airport, where we had to go through customs and then make a connection was Awful - American Airlines did not supply a w/c for me, moving sidewalks all were down, and one shuttle station was down also. Very large crowds meandered through line after line after line.   It took 2 1/2 hrs of our 3 hr layover to get through it - my feet were killing me after walking about 5 miles (I'm not exaggerating!)    I prefer the airline problems to be on the going home end of the trip if we are going to have any, and we made it home uneventfully after that.    
Our stay at Galley Bay is Highly Recommended - there are calmer waters much easier to swim in farther south, if that's really important to you.    Otherwise, beautiful beach resort site, great accommodations, food and service.     Thanks so much to all the staff there!!

Beautiful Galley Bay Resort

All the employees were outstanding, the most pleasant and accommodating as they could be, I do need to mention bartender Sandra G, very polite and sociable.
Food was more than what was expected. It was outstanding in taste and presentation, we did not have one bad meal. 
They serve top shelf liquor and not cheap pours. I reccomend visiting here

Want to return

Just got back from a five day stay at Galley bay and was very disappointed. We booked a Gauguin Suite in order to have a large private outside area we could enjoy along with days on the beach. Unfortunately the bedroom was gloomy and quite claustrophobic  due to the window being shielded with heavy shrubbery - this did seem to be the same for all of the Gauguin suites. Unfortunately the room also suffered with damp which gave a very unpleasant smell and left the bedding slightly wet to touch. The outside area again was disappointing, the website gives the appearance that the rooms face directly onto the lake but this is not the case, although quite pleasant we could not use the area as when we tried we were eaten alive by bugs. We spoke to the hotel on three occasions in order to change or upgrade our room, we were very willing to pay, but although the staff listened the outcome was just to shrug and say they were fully booked. One evening they did come to the room and turned the air conditioning on but there was no other intervention by the hotel.
The sea grape restaurant  food and wine was not a premium experience in any way, very average at best. Ismay’s restaurant was very good and we would recommend but was an extra charge of $90 and was hard to book if you did not get to the Guest Service Desk before 8.00am.
We have been coming to Antigua for 30 years with our family and had very much looked forward to visiting Galley Bay now our children have grown up but in our opinion you can do better than Galley Bay. 
We finished our holiday in a different hotel which was an amazing experience, proving you can get excellence in the Caribbean and don’t need to compromise.

Do not book a Gauguin Suite

I wanted all-inclusive and no children. Very relaxing, well looked after and a great room. Food was good sometimes excellent and the 3 different venues provided variety. However the Ismay’s restaurant is $45 extra tho not sure why!
I had a superior deluxe beachfront room - their newest. Great room but avoid no’s 5-8 as steep short beach with nowhere flat for sun lounger. But a sheltered patio and more than enough space indoors. Large shower and walk-in closet. Well stocked minibar and plenty of beach towels provided.

Staff at Barefoot grill - lunchtime venue - were a tad dozy. Gave me 2 meals one day and 3 times no cutlery. But nearby  Teepee bar better organized. Cocktail of the day mostly excellent! And a great place for pre-dinner drinks.
Breakfast was excellent with an emphasis towards egg- related dishes. The buffet part was not self-service (not sure why) which occasionally caused slight delay. Coffee was quick and good. Orange juice again had to be requested. Plenty of “continental” variety. 
Lunch was available at 1 or 2 of the restaurants as well as the barefoot grill, and provided snacks and main meals. Dinner in the main restaurant (Seagrape) provided variety and good quality and there was a house choice each day which never failed. Wine (a limited but adequate choice - 3 Reds for example) was provided by the glass “ad lib”. And drinks from the bar were easily available. Gauguin provided secluded individual tables but similar food choices - needed booking. Ismays was a conundrum! What extra did you get? Not a lot! A small pre-appetizer. I was given the wine list as a solo (whole bottles only) and only on asking was I made aware of drinks from the bar. Tables were nothing special and not as atmospheric as the Gauguin. They could with imagination and a little more space make this the special dining experience implied in the price.

Small but adequate swimming pool and good facilities at the water sports area - Hobie, kayak and paddle boards. And fins and snorkels available. Gym well kitted out for this sort of resort. Great beach with many fish to see especially at North end of beach. Great views of the setting sun and beautiful blue seas in the day. The jet skis from Deep Bay next door were a major pest most afternoons. Almost needed earplugs on occasions. But otherwise close to paradise.

Compared with similar priced holidays Galley Bay is good. I go home relaxed and revitalized. And may well return (with my own toilet paper!)

Beautiful beach, good service and good food

To start Marco was great, he met us at the airport. Then on the way to the property, he showed us the local market. Super helpful & friendly.Property is a little rustic but quaint. Did not want to stay at a resort. At first was a little taken back but warm up to the treehouse after the first night.Would suggest renting a car but you’ll need to be prepared for the locals roads.Only thing we had an issue with was the water pressure but it’s because the island uses cisterns to collect their water, so we learned to deal with it.All in all, we had a fantastic  stay. Highly suggest going to Barbuda & checking out their beaches.

The communication and check in were smooth. Location is alright, 10min walk from the beach, which offers good privacy. Nice touches with sun cream, towels and some basic cooking ingredients (salt, oil, coffee, some cereals, and biscuits). The half-working grill let us cook some fresh fish. There is one parking spot for all cottages, which was great for our rental car, which highly recommend to have if going to this accommodation. The wifi connection is acceptable for a Zoom call. In total honesty, however, we do not understand the good reviews that led us to book this stay. The pictures seem much better than the place actually is. The cottage is little more than a shed which has clearly not been deep cleaned in quite some time. The fridge holders are very rusty, the shower curtain is dirty, and everything is very run down. The mosquito nets have many holes, which is not comforting given we found 8 large cockroaches one night that were walking over the bednet (picture attached), crawling out of various cracks in the cottage. The aircon is partly broken, we had an electricity cut for several hours and the shower is little more than a dribble, which makes cleaning off the beach sand an ordeal. Overall it is not too expensive compared with other stays but really bad value for money. We were hopping around different accommodations in the island and this was by far the worst price to quality ratio. We would strongly recommend anyone to find a better option if available.

Galley Bay Cottages

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