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Bay Bliss

If you’re looking for tropical tranquillity, secluded seaside serenity, rum and relaxation and some major overall island indulgence, GALLEY BAY RESORT & SPA, Antigua – our host location for this month’s Destination MAXIM tour – is the Caribbean getaway for you…

The warm and welcoming staff at Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua were buzzing as the Destination MAXIM crew arrived for yet another of our quality tropical tours. As the resort personnel prepared to give our models the ultimate VIP treatment during our stay, they certainly didn’t disappoint.
We chose Galley Bay Resort as our Destination MAXIM Australia July tour because of its pristine beauty and luxurious amenities. Situated on the west coast of Antigua, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, the setting was ideal to create more world-class content with 10 stunning MAXIM models for this very edition you hold in your hands right now. Oh, and before we go on any further, be sure to also check out the video content on our YouTube and social channels.

Now back to the Galley Bay… as the team arrived, they were greeted by the resort’s manager who personally escorted them to their rooms. Elegantly designed with luxurious furnishings and awe-inspiring ocean views, the rooms were perfect as the team was then treated to a traditional Caribbean welcome drink – a refreshing blend of rum and tropical fruit juices. This was followed by a detailed tour of the resort, highlighting its unique features such as the private beach and the organic farm that supplies the freshest produce for their restaurants. Suffice to say, team MAXIM was eager to explore everything the resort had to offer.

To start the day, they headed to the resort’s beach for a day of water activities – our models indulged in sailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkelling, tennis, volleyball, yoga and more. The waters of Antigua were perfect for exploring vibrant coral reefs and schools of colourful sea life. Another highlight of the stay was the dining experiences the resort has to offer. Galley Bay has three unique restaurants serving a range of mouthwatering cuisines. Each eatery is designed with a distinct ambiance, from romantic candle-lit dinners under the starry sky (for those wanting to impress a significant other) to casual seaside dining.

The MAXIM crew was particularly taken by the Gaugin Restaurant, which is situated on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean and French cuisine, and the chefs used only the freshest ingredients, sourced from the aforementioned organic farm. The team even got an exclusive opportunity to interact with the resort chefs and learn the art of Caribbean cooking and were given a cooking demonstration on how to concoct Caribbean delicacies suchas Pepperpot, Antiguan Fungi and Goat Water.

Antigua is known for its famous reggae music, and, as always, the MAXIM team were excited to experience the local nightlife. Let’s just say we visited a few of the local bars in the village of Bolans, which were pumping full of locals, young and old, getting down to the beats of some quality reggae tunes. Needless to say, Destination MAXIM’s visit to Galley Bay Resort & Spa was a unique experience that left all captivated by the location’s natural beauty, world-class amenities and exceptional service. This place was indeed an ideal destination, offering the perfect balance between luxury and landscape. We can’t wait to return to Galley Bay Resort & Spa one day – it was certainly a trip to remember and definitely in our top three Destination MAXIM destinations so far.

Caribbean Chill & Charm

A tropical paradise of luxury, relaxation and adventure in Antigua…

Imagine kicking back on a stunning beach, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical vibes – that’s the Galley Bay Resort & Spa experience in a nutshell. This place isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill resort; it’s a tropical paradise that brings together jaw-dropping beauty, top-notch pampering and adventure, all in one incredible package. Picture this: you step onto the powdery soft sand and boom! – you’re hit with the chill Caribbean breeze. And Galley Bay’s got a range of super cool spots for you to crash – from swanky beachfront cottages to sleek lagoon suites and garden rooms that blend seamlessly into the lush greenery. It’s like your own private slice of paradise, complete with all the modern bells and whistles.
But wait, it gets better. The resort is all about being eco-friendly and preserving Mother Nature – using solar power, conserving water and serving up local eats. So not only are you living it up in style, but you’re also doing your bit for the environment. Win-win, right? Now, if you’re in the mood to unwind like a boss, the Indulge Spa is where it’s at. They’ve got these rad treatments that are all about local vibes and natural goodness. Just thinking about getting pampered to the sounds of the waves and that Caribbean breeze is pure bliss.
Foodies, brace yourselves – Galley Bay’s dining game is on point. You’ve got the Sea Grape Restaurant right on the beach, dishing out freshly caught seafood and killer grilled dishes, and for some authentic Antiguan flavours, hit up Gauguin Restaurant. They even set up private beach dinners with your own waiter and sunset views. Now that’s how you impress a date!
Here’s the kicker – the folks at Galley Bay are like your new best mates. Seriously, they go above and beyond to make sure you’re living the good life. Whether it’s hooking you up with off-site adventures, throwing surprise shindigs or just remembering how you take your morning brew, they’ve got your back. And let’s not forget the fun stuff – water sports, tennis, yoga and more. If you’re all about making a splash, the infinity pool is where you want to be – it’s the ultimate spot to soak up the sun or show off your backstroke skills.
Now, when the sun calls it a day, the resort turns into this dreamy, romantic wonderland. Live music, cultural performances and themed nights? Check. Sipping cocktails by the fire pit or taking a moonlit stroll on the beach? Double check. It’s like every evening is a scene out of a movie set in the tropics and Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua is where the good times roll. It’s not just a vacation; it’s an adventure that’s got luxury, relaxation and that awesome Caribbean vibe all rolled into one. If you’re looking to ditch the daily grind and treat yourself to an epic getaway, Galley Bay’s waiting to show you a damn good time.

For more follow Galley Bay resort on Instagram at GALLEYBAYRESORT.COM

Tour Leader PARIS RAINE
Photography by ROCKY BATCHELOR
Cinematography by ALEX SCAPENS
Hair & make-up by MARIANA DE LOS SANTOS
Location GALLEY BAY RESORT & SPA

Join Us On Future Tours!

Words simply can’t describe how amazing our experience was in Thailand. It truly is a beautiful island and was the perfect location for the amazing content we created. If you want to join team Destination MAXIM for a memorable tour just DM us now and find out where to next!

To register your interest in joining us on upcoming Destination MAXIM tours visit destinationmaxim.com.au or send us a DM on our Instagram @destinationmaxim

For the full article grab the September 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.

Kelly Daymond

Dan Dangler