This was our first stay in Antigua, and we booked directly through the Elite Island Resort. Our rep, Nicole Merigelli was possibly the most helpful agent we've seen.
We wanted somewhere relaxing and romantic for our 1st wedding anniversary, and this resort seemed to tick all the boxes. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint....

Trip Advisor

My wife and I were born, raised, and worked in NYC all our lives--we yearned (lusted) for a true escape. Every winter vacation we took in our 30 years together was to a Caribbean top resort on every island in search of the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail in this case was the ultimate low-key, yet elegant, service oriented, small and secluded resort. Now that we're both retired, we thought we'd exhausted all our options until I randomly came upon Galley Bay in Antigua. I requested a brochure and was soon contacted by Nicole Merigelli, who represents Galley Bay as part of the Elite Island Resort group. After a few meaningful and many petty emails (on my part--such patience she had), we were on our way. An email greeting awaited us upon our return from Paradise Lost (Galley Bay) and Nicole and I agreed that we hit the Jackpot. Two days later, we were booked for next year, same week, same suite, and same rate. When my wife and I renewed our wedding vows at Galley Bay, the only omission was a pledge to book an annual return through Nicole, til death do us part! Great job, Nicole.   

Sid Gibson, NY

Above is written by the same person, thank you Mr. Gibson for your support. 

This review would not be complete without acknowledging the person who listened to all my nitpicking demands and let me sit back and let her do all the work. Many thanks to Nicole Merigelli/ Email Travel Specialist / Elite Island Resorts.

Trip Advisor

eileen on Nov 8, 09 at 5:48pm

I guess I am allowed to post it here, it's not a travel agent recommendation, she actually works for Elite Island Resorts. Her name is Nicole Merigelli and she has always been very helpful to me. nicole@eliteislandresorts.com

Fodor's

"

Easter week 2010"

The most amazing trip I have ever been on.

 

We flew to Trinidad March 27, 2010 and stayed overnight at the Coral Cove Marina with Capt. Sam (our friend). Ate an amazing Lobster dinner at Sails in Chuguramas The next day we Boarded the Ocean Spirit with Peter, Eva, the kids and we left to Scotland Bay in Trinidad where we moored had dinner and watched lots of Jelly Fish in Scotland Bay and we had a nice start to the full moon.

www.oceanspiritsailing.com

We left around Midnight and started our way towards Grenada.

 

The winds took us slightly off course so we did not make it to Grenada. It was an extremely bumpy ride from Trinidad to Grenada and I do not recommend it to anyone.

We then stopped at Isle de Ronde and then moored in Cariacou for the night.  The waters are nice, interesting Island; of course there is internet if you can get to the Pizza shop and internet cafe.  We caught an interesting fish on the way in to shore so dinner was set.

The Fish we caught was a delicious white fish, wish I knew what it is really called but they called it Careet?  Anyway really nice sweet meat well seasoned thanks to Eva.

 

We left in the morning and went to Sandy Isle which is nothing more than that.  It is beautiful with pink sand beach that is at least a mile or more around.

 

There is a reef that is separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea.  It is amazing. There is a little pool of water collecting in front of the reef (good for nude sunbathing, this is a like a private island with no rules providing there are no families around wouldn't want to offend anyone) Also there are interesting sea rocks and coral etc formatted in such a way makes me think it is a ritual site so don't touch anything (I'm superstitious)

After a wonderful afternoon there we sailed to Union Island.

 

I am very familiar with Union as I book many vacations to Palm Island, which is just off the coast of Union.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed Union Island, its people the food music, fact I could get internet from the boat and we are moored a few minutes off shore. Wow I could live like this.

We stayed in Union 2 nights, and visited Palm Island for delicious petite ham and cheese sandwiches.

 

I did only tour the Palm Island property but will be back there for another visit and review. It was still beautiful.  The waters surrounding are magnificent and the resort seemed quiet, clean and staff nice and friendly.

We arrived by dinghy at the dock there was 1 security guard there I assume he knew I was coming so he did not approach us but we just simply went to the reception spoke to the office, met the GM and off to lunch.

 

A short stay but again I'll get back to Palm Island.

www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com

We had a dinner at the Bougainvillea on Union which was nice live band, decent price for 8 people with drinks and alcohol $25 per person with tip.

At the end of the road opposite the post office there is a sky view cafe (I think)

It is a wonderful view of Union island and surrounding.

 

We then sailed on to the Tobago Cays. Wow the waters are just amazing.  We caught a super tasty Tuna.  The best I have ever had. Seasoned and cooked to perfection, Again, thanks to Eva!

 

We moored, paid our fee and went ashore.

Before I arrived, Della shook down the beach vendor and got a love necklace, then I get there and the sweet woman gave her a crocheted hat.  She did not ask for money but even though I was low on cash I gave her what I could and she was appreciative.  It was simply not about the money.  She truly took to my little girl.  Then there are other vendors selling lobster dinners on the beach.  You must go to Capt Harris who also runs a water taxi service call him 1-784-530-7657.  He is a great guy (wears a pirate hat) he was there to save me in a pinch with drinks, banana bread and anything else I could want. (There is no store here they bring all this stuff from Union Island just 1 hr away)

 

His lobster and sides (rice, stuffed potato, salad, and fruit platter) are all delicious.

 

The Island is wonderful, there is a path to the other side where there are other boats moored and beautiful waters, turtles are in abundance just off the coast and you can swim with them if you go slow and quiet.

 

We stayed in the Tobago Cays for the night it was very nice quiet and peaceful like a dream come true.

 

Off to a stop at Happy Island, again nice waters not much interesting rocks and homes chiseled in the rocks on the way to Bequia. A 5 hr sail, it's going to be rough so we get settled down.  Sea sickness is horrible; luckily I survived with all my medications.

 

Ahhh Bequia. We pull in, tight squeeze but Peter is a great navigator.  We get close to the shore as possible.  We hear music playing lots of boats, looks like this is going to be fun.

 

Ooh wait I forgot we caught another fish on the way to Bequia so now we have Barracuda which incidentally we traded for our mooring fee in Bequia.

 

So now we are in Admirality Bay.  I am admiring it all right. Beautiful homes on the hill the waters are nice and I can't wait to get to shore. 

 

We stayed on the Boat that night and ate the lobsters we bought in the Tobago Cays which Peter cooked up with a delicious tomato and white wine sauce.

 

It's Friday night and the music is pumping me and the young adults want off the boat but we are lazy and did not get off (we were tired too, those seas can drain you)

 

Have to mention not one bug bit the whole time.

So next day we go to town to take me off the crew list so I can make my flight home from St. Vincent.

 

Have a nice Roti from a vegetarian spot next to the book store.  We also took Della to the Hospital as she had a terrible case of sun poisoning.  We all did have a touch Della was the worst.  A shot of hydrocortisone and Benadryl and she was much better.

 

We head back to the Dinghy and stop and meet some other really nice vendors, again Della is shaking down the vendors again.

 

Here she is with a bracelet and mom with limited cash.  Sweet Sue gave her the bracelet. Then we all get to talking and they are a bunch of characters, so funny and nice. I can't wait to go back.

 

I did give Sue some cash I had nothing much until my friends come and they pull out the shoes and I pull out the cash.  I got a good deal so I had to.

We then go over to the other side of Bequia, Friendship Bay.  Which is the end of the line for the sailing regatta so we got to catch the guys hitting the finish line.  Great Experience.

 

Now here is another party.  A beach party. Nice drinks and atmosphere.  I'm in love.

 

After a few hours, I have to get back to the Pharmacy to get the scripts filled.

 

Della and I walk back to the other side of the Island while the others go to take the boat back to Admirality Bay.

It is a 40minute walk uphill, downhill, it is nice a good way to see the Island.

 

Beautiful homes, again I am so ready to move here.

We get to the Pharmacy its 6pm the owner is at church and they said he is coming. I am waiting 20 minutes and just give up.

 

Go meet Capt. Sam for dinner. I get a recommendation from a nice local boy to Capt. Mack's.

 

Ok let's go.

 

We ordered the most simple stuff, Wings, these are so good, and I don't eat wings.  I had cod cakes which I did not really like but the rice and peas and vegetables were exactly what I was looking for all week. Tasty and fresh. and a frozen fruit punch. Now I am really good. Nice music playing not much on decor but good food fair price and they have WIFI.

 

Well it has been an exhausting day now on to pack to go onto St. Vincent for my overnight on the way back home.  Ooh man it's almost over I can't believe it.  It’s Saturday night the music is pumping and I am so relaxed, working and yes on the boat in the middle of the ocean far from the shore I have WIFI.

I am ready for bed I am taking the  7 am ferry to St. Vincent.  The ferry was easy and convenient the Bequia Express only 20 per person EC so it is cheap.

 

We arrive get a taxi to Villa Lodge where we are staying for the night.  It is only 5 minutes to the airport so it is convenient for overnights especially when you are flying out at 6:30am.

 

The grounds are well kept, it is not a fancy place but it is clean and really like home.  I loved it.  Met the owner and his sister who are incidentally very good friends of my family and now that I have met them I know why.

 

Rosie is a sweetie pie I loved her from the moment I met her and Bobby is hysterical.  Again I can't wait to go back.

 

I did not see much of St. Vincent other than the views from the Hotel of Young Island and the Mountains.  I'll be back in June for Carnival!

www.villalodgehotel.com

Oh let me back track to the taxi ride, nice guy and he didn't have change for my 100 EC so he promised to pick me up in the morning at 5:30, which he did. Man of his word.

Now we get on the plane and OMG I realized I left my wallet in the hotel dresser drawer.  Gosh I am in trouble now all I have is some EC.

 

I call the hotel.  They try to get it to me but it did not work out. Oh well.

 

I have some EC which I used in transit in Barbados where we connected to Trinidad for our flight home.

Met my long time friend and adopted mom Sandy, we had some food kabobs and salad which was good.  Shopped until my TT money ran out made my last calls to home for cash to get out of the lot (My neighbors and friends came through in a pinch) I did get my wallet back 2 days later by FedEx (thanks to Bobby and Rosie and crew)

 

All in All I would not change a thing because this certainly was the best vacation ever bumps and waves and all.

 

Please contact me to make your dreams a reality!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole Merigelli,
 Miami FL