knowledge weddings &honeymoons
Coco’s is also a great lunch spot, and overlooking blustery Coco’s Bay means we have plenty of time for contemplative gazing out to the turquoise Atlantic. However, for those clients seeking to break the beach/buffet cycle, historic Nel- son’s Dockyard is just 10 minutes by car away, as is Shirley Heights for a romantic sunset evening (avoid Sundays, as they are too touristy). Zip-wiring is on offer at the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour.
GALLEY BAY.
With two properties belonging to the same company, on the same small island, you’d imagine there’d be similarities – at least when it comes to offering some Caribbean romance – yet Galley Bay is a world apart. Built in 1961, it is one of the island’s original resorts, and prides itself on having retained its original charm. There is an em- phasis on nature here, with the gardens and bird sanctuary taking centre stage. Even the thatched Gauguin Cottages are hard to find among all the tropical vegetation. Despite being the lowest category of room, this accommodation – two rondavels with their own enclosed space and a plunge pool – perhaps best epitomise Galley Bay: secluded and surrounded by nature.
Northern exposure
While St James’s Club is centred around the flat and peaceful Mamora Bay, Galley Bay is much more exposed to the elements, with rooms, restaurants and bars lined up along the three-quarter mile beach facing the sea. During lunch here, after a soothing couples massage at the Indulge Spa Sanctuary (which stocks an impressive range of organic Pevonia Botanica products), a storm forces us to retreat continually further, as the rain lashes into the dining area. It is transfixing to watch.
Our lunch of curry-scented squash soup, with a potted smoked salmon and seafood medley, also has more of a gourmet feel to
BOOK IT
The wedding: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at Galley Bay, including BA flights, transfers and wedding package, starts at £2,282pp, based on two sharing. The honeymoon: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at St James’s Club, including BA flights and transfers, starts at £1,336pp, based on two sharing. The price includes sparkling wine in the room, 25% off spa treatments and 50% off a catamaran tour. ■
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Top: Galley Bay. Bottom: One of the resort’s Gauguin Cottages
it than St James’s Club, under the leadership of British executive chef Andrew Baxter, who has been there for 11 years and was last year named “Antigua chef of the year”. The resort offers a speedboat transfer to the nearby – and usually deserted – Pinching Bay with a champagne picnic hamper for $150. Also close are Deep Bay and Shell Bay (near Giorgio Armani’s former residence).
At Galley Bay, a new swimming pool and Club Gauguin online initiative that allows guests to check in the day after arrival will be available soon. This will raise the romance stakes for clients after a truly peaceful stay. But for a livelier wedding, or honeymoon, with more options, customers would be advised to opt for St James’s Club. On the downside, the experience that is Antigua airport means newlyweds, or returning honeymooners, tend to leave on a sour note. In contrast to the smiles and singing when you arrive, departing equals hours of queuing and a vacuum of informa- tion (unless you count a flipboard with the wrong date and a smiley face as information). That evening, we overheard fellow holiday- makers mention that some people avoided the island entirely simply to avoid having to use the airport.
However, hopefully this will change as the departure tax rose from $20 to $28 in January, which should mean some much needed investment in the airport. My advice? Well, the first thing I’d do is bring the singer, his PA system and the pink cocktails into the departures lounge to cheer things up a little.
How to sell Antigua weddings Piccolo Mondo restaurant at St James’s Club
PACKAGE DEAL Both resorts’ packages include legal fees, decorations, cake, champagne, witness, dedicated coordinator and accompaniment to the island capital of St Johns to sort out the red tape. However, bear in mind that Galley Bay is only a 10-minute drive from St Johns, while St James’s Club is 45 minutes.
PAPER CHASE The only paperwork needed is a passport and divorce decree if applicable.
IN TWO MINDS? Galley Bay organises one wedding per day, while St James’s Club hosts two.
ALL OR NOTHING Focus on the all-inclusive aspect of both resorts, which offers good value for money.
CHILD’S PLAY Galley Bay allows children for only a few weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, so if the wedding guest list features under-16s, then St James’s Club will be the best option.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE Galley Bay has just two gazebos, one of which is on the beach, while St James’s offer several wedding locations throughout its 100 acres.
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