TRAVEL: The most relaxing beach in the Caribbean 9:29AM

In search of the ultimate relaxing break in paradise? Look
no further than Galley Bay, Antigua’s hidden gem.

Destination

Galley Bay is an exclusive, all-inclusive hideaway on the North
West coast of Antigua, set along a three-quarters-of-a-mile white
sandy beach. The property has 98 room set in 40 acres, three
restaurant options, live entertainment and plenty of land and
water-based activities to keep you occupied if you’re not content
just lying on the beach and soaking up the sun.

Who’s it for?

One of the most romantic locations we’ve ever been to, Galley
Bay is perfect to enjoy with a +1, so whether you’re on honeymoon
or just celebrating being young and in love, we can’t picture a
better place to celebrate with a rum punch (or four).

Where’s the glamour?

Located a short ride from the island’s capital city St John’s,
where cruise ships dock daily in high season, Galley Bay is all
about luxury. The white sandy beach is peaceful and secluded;
you’ll always find a couple of loungers in your own little space,
and the crystal clear sea is perfect for a lazy swim with a fish or
200.

The Indulge Spa is the perfect place to really unwind; why not
start your holiday with a massage to get you in the zone? We tried
the Coconut Cocoon treatment for couples, which involves a
full-body scrub, relaxing coconut milk wrap followed by a coconut
oil massage. It was absolutely heavenly; especially when followed
by a coconut cocktail sundowner.

Take a break from doing nothing by visiting the water sports
centre and borrowing a kayak, a hobie cat, snorkel gear or windsurf
board and testing your skills in the safety of the bay. The staff
are on hand to advise, accompany and hone your skills, or just
gossip about the giant barracuda you spotted by the rocks.

Iba on guest relations has the most beautiful smile on the
resort, and will also hook you up with fishing gear, table tennis
or tennis equipment, the keys to the pool table and generally make
good-natured fun of the losing party on return.

Sunset time is cocktail o’clock so you can pick your spot, grab
a drink and relax in one of the super-comfy rocking chairs on the
deck overlooking the sea. The creamy Coco Loco and tasty Banana
Slide are absolute must-haves from the extensive cocktail list. Ask
for Everton for the absolute best mixing skills.  

What’s in it for foodies?

A whole lot o’ really, really good food. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner can all turn into three-course affairs, so go ready to
indulge. BBQ night at Sea Grape is a lot of fun with a huge variety
of meats and salads on offer plus live entertainment to boot. The
spiced Galley potatoes at breakfast are not to be missed, and every
soup we tried at lunch was delicious.

If you refuse to leave the beach to eat, the Barefoot Grill will
be your kind of place; you can grab a burger, fried fish or
quesadillas any time of the afternoon, all served with nachos. The
fish tacos we had on special were one of our favourite bites of the
week.

Gauguin is at the far end of the beach and takes daily bookings
for a more intimate dining experience in private cabanas. You’ll be
served by one of the brilliant catering team for the evening, so
make sure you bring the day’s beach gossip to share with Lynette or
Heather.  

Ismay’s is the most romantic location for a really special
dinner and fine-dining experience. It isn’t included in your
all-inclusive stay so book up on arrival if you want an extra
treat.

You loved it, right?

Absolutely, no question-about-it, the most resounding: YES.
Without a doubt the most relaxing holiday we’ve ever been on; even
if you stayed solely on your beach-front-balcony with a rum punch
for a week it would be worth the trip.

All the info:

Galley Bay: Seven nights in Antigua from £2,189pp. Seven nights
in Antigua with Virgin Holidays including scheduled flights
with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Antigua, all-inclusive
basis at 4V+ Galley Bay Resort Spa and airport
transfers. Price is per person based on two adults travelling,
sharing a deluxe beachfront room, including all applicable taxes
and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on
a departure on 9 December 2014. Start your holiday before you’ve
even taken off in the v-room at Gatwick Airport…adults £24.50, Kids £14 (2-11 years).
Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book:
www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859 or
visit one of our 110 stores located in Debenhams, House of Fraser,
Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

The final word:

HEAVEN.