Galley Bay Resort & Spa Sets Up Turtle Sanctuary in Antigua

Galley Bay Resort & Spa is one of the most committed green resorts in Green Globe’s exclusive collection of certified members on the Island of Antigua. First certified in 2009, Galley Bay has proven year on year its success as a sustainable tourism operation and a favorite for travelers from around the world.

Galley Bay has a long list of environmental achievements and to add to this impressive contribution, a new Turtle Sanctuary has been purpose built at the resort. Constructed with the protection of environment in mind, local and native materials were used during the build with rustic signage creatively made from locally sourced wood giving a natural appeal.

The first residents to take up accommodation are a group of Red Footed Tortoises who will be taken care of by the resort’s Grounds Team as part of their environmental practices. In addition a representative from the local Five Islands Primary School was invited to participate in the Turtle Sanctuary opening event, as the resort has adopted the school and supports many of its initiatives.

Galley Bay’s Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator, Christine Young, was on hand to assist with the opening of the sanctuary and said, “After a short ribbon cutting ceremony, 18 tortoises were released into their new home. Guests were able to interact with the tortoises one on one, have photo opportunities with them and obtain information from the Grounds Team on diet, maturity, size and ages.

“At Galley Bay we strive to be tourism industry leaders and look forward to making this area not only a sanctuary for the tortoises but one that will attract other wildlife. This new initiative by our staff and management will also help us to achieve an even higher level of environmental awareness amongst our valued guests,” added Christine.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa’s ongoing commitment to a green environment is evidenced by the resort's wide range of initiatives to preserve and protect the area. These include diminishing and recycling waste, improving energy efficiency, eliminating hazardous waste safely and continuously training staff in new methods of delivering quality service. In addition Galley Bay has created it’s our own herb, fruit and vegetable garden to not only deliver the freshest ingredients to the table but also reduce the carbon footprint on the environment.