I’m going back. I’m going back to Galley Bay. Oh. Happy. Day.
In less than 3 weeks, I’m going back to Antigua and excited does not begin to explain how I feel. I am over the moon! You see, ever since I got back from Antigua last summer, I have been blogging, tweeting and basically obsessing about Elite Island Resorts, an “impressive collection of unique beachfront resorts providing the best variety in Caribbean vacations.” And that, everyone, is The Truth.
When I was invited to go on a press trip to Antigua last year, I had no idea that my OCD would kick in as soon as I got back and that I would STILL be obsessing about my time there or that I would be telling every single person I know and meet about this particular experience sponsored by Elite. Or that I would meet three social media folks from Antigua (shout out to @MarioTravels, @TryItFoodTravel, and @TripAntigua) to jibber jabber with them about THEIR island. To be frank, I had never heard of Elite Island Resorts before last year and didn’t have too many expectations which, IMHO, is the best way to roll.
But now I know. Yep. Now I know.
Tired of my own voice, I decided to stop talking about Antigua and instead booked a trip to go back. But this time, I’m taking my husband so he can see what all of the fuss is about. We’re going to hang out for a week at Elite’s Galley Bay Resort immediately following the Miami Passport Party, which is an initiative I founded that gifts girls with their very first passports (sponsored by Expedia!). Once on the island, we’re going to check out the Classic Yacht Regatta, “one of the world’s premier classic yachting events which brings a fantastic collection of boats and people together for some great sailing and fun in the ideal conditions of the Caribbean.” I am tapping my feet in anticipation.
In the meantime, here are six reasons (I can think of dozens) I think YOU should go to Antigua with Elite Island Resorts:
1. Elite has three Antigua properties to choose from, all of which have a casual elegance about them that knocked my flip flops off. Whether you are traveling solo, with a friend, a lover or with your family, Elite’s got you covered with its all-inclusive properties: St. James's Club Resort & Villas, The Verandah Resort and Spa, and Galley Bay Resort and Spa (for adults only). To. Die. For.
2. The properties all offer superior accommodations. At both St. James’s and Galley Bay, I was blessed with superb beachfront digs. And although I didn't get to stay overnight at The Verandah, I did get a tour, a fine dining experience and an opportunity to meet some of the staff. I made a decision on the spot that I could TOTALLY see myself in one of their hillside apartments. Thank goodness for photos; this way, you can see for yourself.
3. The service is above par. A manager calls your room a day or so after you have arrived to see if everything is up to your expectations. Likewise, you get a call the day before you leave checking in yet again and then thanking you for your stay. All of the staff is polite, friendly and helpful. Even the Manager’s Reception (which I could typically take or leave) was worth going to at all three properties. At a time when good customer service is hard to come by, the service at Elite is…well…elite.
4. 5 star food. You need only check out my Foodspotting page to see how beautiful the food is…and yes, it tastes just as good as it looks, if not better. 5 star food. 5 star chefs. Not at ALL what you might expect at an all-inclusive. I had a chance to meet the Head Chefs at all three properties (and dine with one at Galley Bay). You can check out the details of my experience here.
5. No shortage of activities. If you want a relaxing holiday or one full of activities, it’s your call. From turtle hatchings to bicycle riding to island tours, Elite's properties have it all. My first stop is typically the spa. It sets the stage for the rest of the trip. Indulge, the full service spa at Galley Bay, is up in the trees (yep, the trees). After I floated away from THAT experience, I took a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the island and then a boat ride for a sea view. Heavenly. And with Barbuda so close (Barbuda is to Antigua as Tobago is to Trinidad), it’s worth the ferry ride to have a go look-see (which is EXACTLY what I plan to do on this upcoming trip).
6. Lots of great Internet offers and specials. As soon as I got back from Antigua last year, I signed up at all three property Web sites and on all three Facebook pages to MAKE SURE I would be able to take advantage of any great offers or specials. I think you should too.
My personal goal is to visit every single property that Elite Island Resorts has a hand in. So far, I’ve been to Elite’s three properties in Antigua and to Long Bay Beach Resort and Villas in the British Virgin Islands right before a sailing trip this past January 2012 (more about that later). Shoot, I even volunteered to be an Elite ambassador; that’s how much I’m down. Not one to advertise much, I would even wear a t-shirt.
So. Are you booked yet?
To read my post dedicated to Galley Bay, please click here. FUN FACT: Mount Obama (known as Boggy Peak until August 4, 2009) is the highest point in the nation of Antigua and Barbuda and is located on the island of Antigua at a height of 1,319 feet. It is named after Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
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