We stayed at Galley Bay in December for 14 nights. We flew from the UK with Virgin Altlantic who were excellent (take advantage of the check-in chill-out at the end of your holiday). Immigration was a bit slow but no worse than other similar destinations.

The transfer took twenty minutes as advertised. We were met with cold towels and a rum punch. Check in was very smooth. Our cases were taken to our room and we were taken to the main reception on a golf buggy. We received a lovely welcome from our driver Daryl, who explained where everything was before taking us to our room. He asked my husband to cover my eyes as we walked into the room as it was so nice. The room was fab and stepped out right onto the beach. We booked a premium beachfront suite (room 19) which was virtually brand new. There was a massive bathroom and open plan bedroom and living area. We had double glazing so we weren't disturbed by the sea during the night. The wet bar was stocked with beer, water, Sprite and Coke and was restocked daily. We had a chilled bottle of Champagne waiting for us in the room with a little message congratulating us on our recent marriage. It wasn't named brand champagne but champagne it was.

I cannot believe that NatsUK stayed at Galley Bay at the same time as we did, as I disagree with almost all that is described in the review.

The beach was large, beautiful, clean and spacious with white powder sand. Whatever time of day you wanted to sunbathe, loungers were always available even around the pool area. The sea was rough at times. We stayed from the 5th Dec to the 19th Dec and had five red flag days. Sandflies were a pain.

The food and service were great. Lunch and dinner menus changed everyday in the Seagrape Restaurant and you had lots of choice at each mealtime. The Gaugin was also excellent (booking required for dinner). Mike and Heather, the restaurant managers were exceptional. On Wednesday evenings the hotel held a managers cocktail party. On Thursday evenings there was a Caribbean BBQ.

The Teepee bar and the Seagrape Lounge Bar were very well stocked with branded and top shelf spirits. Wine was served by the glass (not the best but the Cabernet was drinkable). Nola, behind the bar made a very wicked bloody mary!

There was entertainment each night in the form of live music. It was a relief not to have an animation team mithering you all the time and be surrounded by civilised people who enjoyed nice food, drink and conversation.

Dress was smart casual (no jeans). Men wore trousers and shirts with collars after 7pm. Ladies can wear most things.

The spa was small but very good. We had a complimentary massage and I also booked a French pedicure.

Guest Service were very helpful and efficient. We used them to book an excellent boat trip with a local boat company called Wadadli Cats who stopped on the beach at 08:50 most mornings to pick up passengers.

One thing I must warn people about was the boat trip to Barbuda. The excellence power catarmaran was big, spacious and beautful with an excellent crew but boy was the crossing rough. I have never been as frightened. The passengers were literally clinging on for two and a half hours. Not for non-swimmers or people who suffer from sea sickness. Warning signs should have been picked up from a local taxi man who took us the the port in St Johns but I didnt pick up on the clues - perhaps just as well. Barbuda was stunning but sadly the crossing was too much for me (and I dont suffer from motion sickness).

Antigua was a beautiful island with friendly people. Feel free to hire a car and explore if thats your thing ( be careful around St Johns as its quite busy at times). The off road island safari is good if you want to see the interior, but I would recommend the classic tour if you like history.

Shirley Heights was a little over rated but worth a go.

I would definitely return.