bluto

Hi All

First time poster, planning a honeymoon and have really narrowed it down to these three places. Done plenty of research on Jumby and Galley and both seem to be great spots. But with the fantastic deals at Stjames these days I have to ask for some feedback on it.

Anyone here visited there? Seems to be more of a family resort, perhaps not quite as nice as Galley right? We are going in October, right after schools start back, so I am not concerned about seeing many kids (like kids, just not on the honeymoon)...

Also, how close are these resorts to good snorkeling spots (Jumby is a bike ride on the island to a great spot right?)...

Lastly, are there any places along these lines I am leaving out?

Thanks so much for your help!

R

ejcrowe

Congrats on your honeymoon! I've not stayed at the places you're considering, but I've visited Galley Bay and St. James Club during my visits to Antigua. SJC is definitely busier. The property isn't large, so it felt a little crowded to me, especially the hillside villas which were practically on top of each other. The beach is roomier and lovely, but not as nice as the beach at Galley Bay. The bay side was also nice when I visited, and the place where many families were spending their time. The water here appeared calmer than at GB.

GB definitely has a more romantic and exotic feel to it. The water was very rough there on the day I visited; people were still on the beach but just not swimming.

From what I've read, Jumby would trump GB. Is there a reason that you're looking only at hotels on Antigua? Do you specifically want an all-inclusive vacation, or are your choices just coincidental? Do you have a price range in mind? Besides snorkeling, what do you want to get out of your honeymoon? All of these affect the advice we would pass along for places to consider. FYI: October is during hurricane season in the Caribbean, in case you didn't already know, and many of the best places are closed during this period.

bluto

thanks for the reply...we have actually done a bit of research and narrowed it down to Antigua because of the unique combination of things to do on the island, with out being Aruba like, yet not being empty like Palm Island, great beaches (better then StLucia), and not cost prohibitive (Anguilla). We did want to hit the BVI but because most places are closed there til mid-late Oct (joint decision not to delay the Honeymoon) we moved on to Antigua. We also know the weather risks but with insurance (ty amex) issues related to this are reduced, and tbh the humidity and heat are more my concerns this time of year.

What will we do? Snorkel, perhaps dive I am certified she is not, some venturing around the island, eating out perhaps, mostly relaxing. But we want and need that option for island activity should we want it.

And all inclusive is a neccessity, I don't want to have to worry about money most the time and have a $500 drink bill at the end of the trip...

Also considered Turks & Caicos but me being there w/an ex, makes it undesirable imo.

Your thoughts on SJC make me feel good because our time will most likely be quit given the school year.

Did you happen to try the food at either spot?

thx for your help!

rwilliams

Jumby Bay is head and shoulders above Galley Bay, which is moderatley better than SJC. And for a honeymoon, I think the difference between JB and the others is even greater due to its privacy factor. That's the simple summary.
I wouldn't classify the snorkelling as 'great' at any of these, but decent snorkelling is available.

Dianebridle

A day snorkeling trip is included at Jumby.

bluto

That's great feedback, thanks!

rwilliams

Hmmmm...I just stayed a week at Jumby in May and while a snorkelling trip was available, it wasn't included. Maybe it was or wasn't in the past.

John_UK

I've stayed at Galley Bay a few years ago and Jumby Bay last month (my honeymoon) and would thoroughly recommend either. Jumby Bay is more upmarket than Galley Bay and given a straight choice I'd choose Jumby Bay, but it is considerably more expensive I think. I haven't been to St James, although we did meet a couple at Jumby who had just come from there and didn't like it, but I'm afraid I don't know why.
You can go snorkelling off Jumby Bay Island, but I think there are better places to do it. There is a weekly trip to nearby Bird Island for snorkelling, which we certainly didn't have to pay for, and I'm not aware anybody else did.
Given your critieria, I think Antigua is a good choice and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

sealady

I have stayed at St. James and it was really lovely. It is on a peninsula so there are 2 beaches. One is on the windswept side and the other is on a private bay. The food was good except for the beach party. If you book there, be sure to include all restaurants in your package. The Piccolo Mondo was wonderful It is a very romantic restaurant overlooking the bay.
I think that you would have a great honeymoon at St. James