Galley Bay Resort and Spa

Galley Bay is one of those places that induces a feeling of relaxation from the minute you arrive to the time you sadly have to leave. Yes the setting is idyllic, the accommodation is superb, the weather is a delight, but what makes this place so special is the people. Nothing, but nothing is too much trouble for the staff at Galley Bay. They are genuinely happy to chat to you and want you to have a good time, simply marvellous! We stayed in a Gauguin suite which offered us the option of some alone time by our pool if we didnt want to swim in the sea or the swimming pool. Despite a minor hicup on our first day, it was sorted out almost immediately which was amazing and we felt very supported by Derek Huggins who made our stay so enjoyable for the rest of the two weeks. I spoke to many guests who were regular returners and i now know why, we will certainly be back sometime. PS - The quality and choice of meals in all of the three resturants were excellent as was the friendly service. Donovan Ferns G7

This was our third visit to Galley Bay over the last 12 years. Since our last visit in 2016, the cost for us in the UK has literally doubled. Half of this is due to the exchange rate difference, the rest is price increases and a shocking additional tax charge paid on departure of around $400. All of this makes Galley Bay an extremely expensive option, certainly comparable to the Maldives and means that imperfections that could be excused now become unacceptable.  Service was a big issue for us this visit right from the moment we arrived, and demands a long section to getbit out of the way.  We arrived just after 3 other couples and were asked to wait a while on the comfortable seating which is absolutely fine. What wasn't fine is that we were then totally ignored for 20 minutes without even a welcome drink. At this point, we asked for a drink which was still not forthcoming and had to ask yet again. Not a great welcome! Service in the Seagrape restaurant was as best poor and inattentive at all times. This meant that we avoided Seagrape as much as we could during our visit. Staff were sometimes surly and uncommunicative. On one occasion, they 'lost' our breakfast order and we had to ask twice before they finally acknowledged this, the first time having ignored us. The Operations Manager was very apologetic and made a very nice gesture to make up for it, but we would much have preferred decent and reliable service.  Service at the bar is a real mixed bag, ranging from 'miserable as sin' to quite engaging, depending on who was on. Drinks delivery was always good, and cocktails were very good. However, the bar has lost much of the banter with staff and at times was completely soulless. One evening we returned to our room to find the door wide open and deserted, inviting nocturnal insects and intruders alike. Fortunately nothing was missing and we never found out why housekeeping had left it open or received any apology despite mentioning it twice to customer services. One final negative point over which the hotel has no control whatsoever. The once peaceful bay is now plagued with jet skis. Generally this is less of a problem than it appeared as the local operators seem to encourage users to keep out in the bay and their machines are relatively muted. However, on a couple of days, another operator came into the bay on huge machines which sounded like motorbikes with the baffles removed. At times the sound was like being trackside at a grand prix! Sadly some hotel guests encouraged these privateers into the beach area to buy rides, thus encouraging them. As a swimmer, I was very concerned about the danger all these jet skis presented. The hotel has laid out a very small buoyed swinning area, but this is far too small for serious swimming.  Now for the positives. Food is excellent and we would say better than our previous visits. Rooms have been refurbished and are very comfortable and well equipped. Drinks quality is still excellent and the Gauguin restaurant is wonderful, with excellent and friendly service at all times. We ate twice at Ismays restaurant, once on the beach which was a lovely experience. Thanks to Dasani who was an excellent host. We would not say Ismays is worth spending $100 per couple but it did seem very popular nevertheless, maybe because Seagrape is such a poor experience.  The beach has a very steep step which makes getting back onto the beach very difficult for many people. Snorkelling is good but visibility ranges from adequate to very poor. We would thoroughly recommend Barry Taxis if you want a trip out, very efficient and friendly. $50 for a return trip into St John's when booked direct with them. Captain Sean has never been cheap, but we couldn't bring ourselves to pay $150 a head for a 4 hour trip this time ☹️ Likewise, $280 for a couples massage was just crazy. You wouldn't pay that at a London luxury hotel! Be warned that at times there is a generator or something running across the lake which is not very relaxing. To sum-up. Despite the above issues, we still love Galley Bay and feel so sad that we are unlikely to return for a forth visit, mainly because the service just doesn't match the pricing, but also because the environment is no longer peaceful and the beach is a compromise. Just don't need it when spending this sort of money ☹️

This resort is somewhat isolated with a 15minute walk to the nearest bus service. Most residents have to rely on taxi's to get to their destinations. The resort is a large open complex of approximately 98 apartments most of which face the beach. The staff are generally calm and friendly, the food cannot be faulted and for those on an all-inclusive accommodation basis there is more than plenty to fulfil the most gluttonous needs. The rooms though are a little tired and ours lacked a convenient desk and chair. Some cupboard doors were stiff and jammed but the bed was large and comfortable. With coffee and tea facilities and a safety deposit box in each room there was little to request and the cleaning staff were quick and efficient at servicing the rooms. An on site gym was a nice feature for those of an active nature which contained fresh looking equipment: this too was frequently serviced and maintained to very acceptable hygienic levels. In the evening there was live music every night, but in some cases the volume was a little too loud for quiet conversation during mealtimes. the resort caters for adults only and with a sharp incline in and out of the sea care must be taken not to be swept off one's feet due strong waves and undercurrents. Overall this was a very pleasant stay but I identified several features that could improve guest experience. Would I return? Possibly but there so many idyllic places in the Caribbean that would compete for my patronage...