Green Certified Caribbean Resort Galley Bay Resort and Spa Announces Ismay Mason Awarded Order of Merit by Queen of England

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Galley Bay Resort & Spa, the celebrated Green Globe certified, award-winning Caribbean hideaway tucked into a jewel-like corner of Antigua's west coast, is proud to announce that Ismay Mason was honored with a Merit of Order from the Queen of England represented by Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Dame Louise Lake-Tack, in tribute to Ismay's 46+ years of dedication and service to the hospitality industry and as a housekeeper at Galley Bay. Ismay has never missed a day of work while employed with Galley Bay. In 2008, the Caribbean resort, popular for destination weddings and romantic all-inclusive vacations, honored her by naming its new gourmet restaurant, Ismays.

To note, an Order of Merit is an order recognizing distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture. Established in 1902 by King Edward VII, admission into the Order remains the personal gift of the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms and is limited to 24 living recipients at one time from these countries, plus a limited number of honorary members.

Recently, Galley Bay was awarded the 2010 Awards for Excellence as "Most Excellent Eco Resort" by Conde Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide authority. Galley Bay is the first eco-award winner for the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific. Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 25 Caribbean Resorts, Reader's Choice Award" for 2009 also named Galley Bay to this prestigious category too.

Last year, the eco Caribbean resort received a multi-million dollar design update to its accommodations and amenities. Galley Bay is offering an incredible all-inclusive double occupancy nightly starting rate of $672, inclusive of tax and service through August 31, 2010.

"We are very proud that Ismay Mason was awarded the Merit of Order and know it is well deserved as she consistently demonstrates loyal dedication and service at Galley Bay for 46+ years. While Galley Bay frequently wins awards, it is the people like Ismay who make the difference by providing exemplary service and creating a special vacation experience for our guests who frequent this tropical Caribbean hideaway," said Steven E. Heydt, Elite Island Resorts president. "Discerning travelers praise Galley Bay for its friendly service, wide range of amenities and refined yet unpretentious atmosphere."

The Galley Bay experience begins at arrival. After being greeted with a cooling towel and rum or fruit punch, guests are transported by golf cart on a narrow lane across the resort's bird sanctuary lagoon to its secluded beachfront. The boutique all-inclusive property's 98 guest rooms are set amid 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, either directly along its private, three-quarter-mile-long beach or among gardens with concealed individual plunge pools and lagoon views. This casually elegant retreat features Indulge Spa, non-motorized water sports, pools, jogging and hiking trails and tennis. For reservations contact 866-237-1644 or visit www.galleybayresort.com.

SOURCE Elite Island Resorts