Galley Bay Resort & Spa

With verdant tropical gardens on one side, and one of Antigua’s most photogenic beaches on the other, Galley Bay’s location is hard to beat.

All of Galley Bay’s rooms and suites come with postcard-perfect vistas over the ocean, and patios or terraces where you can take in the view, and many are on the beachfront. They have a sea-themed blue and white colour scheme and feature natural local timbers in dark wood furnishings and arched vaulted ceilings which contrast with the whitewashed walls and terracotta-tiled floors. The Gauguin Suites have outdoor decks with private plunge pools for even more indulgence.

The laid-back Sea Grape restaurant, sitting on a terrace above the water, serves a variety of healthy, delicious food which champions a farm-to-table ethos and makes good use of vegetables from the resort’s own gardens, as well as the fresh bounty of the sea. The weekly Caribbean barbecues, with live steel band accompaniment, are always a hit. The Gauguin and Ismay’s restaurants offer intimate private dining experiences on the beach, while the Barefoot Grill serves burgers, quesadillas and other favourites in a relaxed spot on the sand.

Try the irresistible local rum at the Rum Shack, and at sunset, tropical cocktails are a must - try the signature cocktail at the conical-roofed Tee Pee Bar, a refreshing frozen blend of rum, grenadine, coconut cream and bananas.

The perfectly-named Indulge Spa is the place to do just that, and treat yourself to a range of wellness therapies that are guaranteed to relax and recharge. Facial treatments use exotic ingredients like caviar and pearl extract, while body wraps make use of natural products such as sea salt, papaya and mango.

Away from the spa, the hotel’s waterfall swimming pool, lined with thatched parasols, is an inviting place to while away a blissful afternoon.

Active types can play tennis, croquet and volleyball, while sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding are all fun ways to explore the island’s beautiful coastline, and snorkelling trips will help you discover the multi-coloured underwater world of coral and fish.