The Golden Bachelor is ABC’s popular reality dating series (raking in 3 million views) which highlights love and relationships for those in their ‘golden’ years of life (65-80).
The Bachelor and Blissful Moments
In two key episodes, this season’s bachelor — Mel Owens, a former NFL player turned lawyer— and his love interests, venture to Antigua and Barbuda to further solidify his connections with these women.
The episodes were filmed across four of the Elite Island Resort’s portfolio of beachfront properties: Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, and The Verandah Antigua. The finale episode aired on November 12 and all episodes, including the ones that featured these key spots, are now available to stream on Hulu. Owens told Bachlelor Nation that, “this (Antigua and Barbuda) is the perfect place to fall in love.”
Spoiler alert: He chose Peg Munson over Cindy Angelcyk Cullers (the latter of whom self-eliminated). However, it was these exclusive and intimate interactions between him and Peg on the island that allowed him to make his final decision and propose to her. Peg noted that their connection grew significantly after their time on the island, particularly in the privacy of the Fantasy Suites.
It is not surprising to therefore see time-and-again the influence that this cultural phenomenon has with travel and the wellness industries. With the spike in resort searches and stay here, in response, these respective properties are having a ‘Golden Getaway’ promotion to allow guests to lap up all the beauty, style, and serenity of this space:
The Golden Getaway offer is available May 1 – October 31, 2026:
Verandah & Pineapple Beach Club: 5th Night FREE + $150 Resort Credit + $100 Instant Savings
Hammock Cove & Galley Bay: 7th Night FREE + $250 Resort Credit + $250 Instant Savings
Guests can replicate the same settings, sights, and sublime relaxation featured on the show.
“I feel so relaxed here, so centered, so at peace. This is absolutely heaven on earth,” Cindy noted to Bachelor Nation about Galley Bay Resort & Spa.
It is a beachfront property and adults-only outpost with 98 accommodations that’s nestled between a beach and a lagoon — it acted as the ideal romantic setting for Owens.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa is best known for its signature Gauguin Suites— 600 sq.ft. of secluded intimacy with notable design features like whitewashed interiors and private sun decks with plunge pool.
Mel and Peg’s Fantasy Suite was filmed here and it was inside of a premium beachfront suite.
Private Dining (which Peg and Mel enjoyed) is also a memorable experience— the Caribbean Sea provides a dramatic backdrop to a chef-driven multi-coursed meal.
Hammock Cove Antigua
“I’m staying at the Hammock Cove Resort and Spa. It’s beautiful! I’ve got my own little bungalow nestled in the cove in Antigua. It’s the most wonderful spot—just paradise,” said Owens per his interview/recap with Bachelor Nation.
Situated in Antigua’s northeast coast overlooking Devil’s Bridge National Park and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, this indulgent gem features Signature villas with plunge pools and butler service.
Tranquility Body & Soul Spa— is an expansive zen-retreat that offers a cold plunge pool; beachfront yoga pavilion; cold plunge pool; beachfront yoga pavilion; facial therapies; and massage treatments. Top recommended experiences is their Romantic Escapade, “this love journey is perfect for sealing your commitment to each other,” per the spa team. Access to the luxury couples suite is provided; the service includes a herbal hydrotherapy bath; bio-energic himalayan crystal salt glow; and ends with their signature Hammock Cove well-being massage.
Sting-ray spotting: you can book private boating excursions to oversee wild string-rays in their natural habit and swim with them like Mike did with Peg on the show.
The beachfront where you can soak up the sun on a lounge-chair or opt for land/water sports is also where The Golden Bachelor host Jesse Palmer conducted his check-in interviews with Owens.
The Verandah Antigua
Peg and Cindy stayed at this location while on the island. Peg told Bachelor Nation, “it’s absolutely gorgeous. It just gives me the vibe of romance. It gives me the vibe of honeymoon. I mean, this is a place I would definitely spend my honeymoon.”
Situated on 30 acres of palm-studded beachfront and indented coastline the property features water and hillside suites as well as villas (with and without plunge pools).
Here they also offer unique amenities such as new Pickleball lessons; and staple Tranquility Spa with signature packages like their Renew Retreat (body wrap, massage, and deep cleansing facial) and Verandah Massage Medley (customized massages the include well-being, deep-tissue, and reflexology).
Pineapple Beach Club Antigua
1/4 of a mile of white-sandy beaches cover this adults-only property that features ocean-view, beachfront, garden view, and waterfront rooms.
Of note, it is their showpony Chairman’s Suite that was featured on the show and served as the moment where Peg met Mel’s sons. Set at 1,000 sq.ft., this spacious duplex offering sweeping ocean views and a tropical interior design and aesthetic.