Galley Bay

Galley Bay Review

This posh all-inclusive channels the fictional Bali H'ai (with colonial architectural flourishes) on 40 impossibly lush acres. There's a man-made lagoon and grotto pool; a bird sanctuary laced with nature trails; a magnificent boardwalk-lined ecru beach; gardens, as manicured as the discriminating clientele, that cannily conceal the splendid spa, incorporating natural elements into the design; thatched-roof public spaces; custom-made bamboo furnishings; murals; art naïf paintings; and African carvings. The soothing, at times crashing, surf serenades the Creole-style beachfront buildings and romantic Gauguin restaurant (with clever, thatched private-dining alcoves). The handsomely appointed superior and deluxe beachfront units (Numbers 47-48 are centrally located; avoid 77-80, which abut potential mosquito breeding grounds) represent the best value, though towering palms slightly obstruct even the second-floor views. Suites are splendid, balancing an old-style plantation look with newfangled necessities (Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV/DVDs) and stunning enlarged beach photos. The Gauguin Cottages, replete with plunge pools, are charming, but they're slightly claustrophobic and the walkways separating bedroom from bathroom are insufficiently covered. But these are minor quibbles for honeymooning couples and corporate bigwigs escaping the rat race.