thebig40

Hi - I am planning a 40th birthday trip with 5 girlfriends for May/June 2006. We are considering Bermuda but we would prefer to stay as a group in a cottage or house rather than separate hotel rooms. The Horizon & Cottages has been recommended to me. Any comments on that or other ideas for properties that would accommodate 6?

cmcfong

Horizons is a beautiful and very elegant resort located on a hilltop overlooking the ocean...that said, I don't think a group of girlfriends in their forties would be as happy there as at one of the cottages at the Reefs , Ariel Sands or Elbow Beach. Contact those properties and ask what they can offer for cottage rentals. If you would prefer to rent a house http://www.bermudarentals.com/ offers some home rentals. They are reliable.

cmcfong

PS Happy Birthday!

highledge

I grew up going to Horizons with my family every Easter. It is a wonderful place. You can't go wrong there.

clarson

Great idea - Bermuda! One of our favorite places to visit. We have stayed at Horizons several times. It is a Relais et Chateaux property. On a hill overlooking the ocean, it has a reciprocal arrangement with the Coral Beach Club (a private facility) for use of their beach and restaurant. No need to carry cash, they will apply charges directly to your room at Horizons. It is a bit of a hike to get to the beach, though. So if beach access is important to you, you might be better served elsewhere. We found the food at Horizons to be really memorable. We traveled with another couple who had their own bedroom, but there is a beautifully appointed common room that 2-3 bedrooms can share. We had chintz upholstered furniture and draperies, a fireplace, a small library of books, and a small kitchen with refrigerator where we kept nibblies and wine. The atmosphere at Horizons is more formal than is found at other properties, but very helpful and friendly, nonetheless. Coat and tie used to be required at dinner, but so many Bermuda restaurants are relaxing their dress code that I'm not sure what it is now. Elbow Beach is near Horizons. It is a big resort hotel. I stayed there as a student on spring vacation. If you want to get a flavor of Bermuda, I'd look elsewhere. We stayed at the Reefs in 2004 and loved it. It is located on the beach with lovely views of sunsets from your room. The cottages are very nice - we've not stayed in one, but we did check them out. They are located either across the street or down the road from the main building so you would have to walk along the road in your evening finery to get to dinner. Also a problem, but not insurmountable, if it rains. The Reefs is very well regarded and earns its stripes. Less formal than Horizons, but equally nice. Wonderful food, friendly staff and a beach location if that is what you are looking for - which in May/June would be desirable. The rooms at both Horizons and the Reefs are comfortable, but not elegant (unless you pay for the Jr. suites at the Reefs which is a bit more upscale). They are not in the Four Seasons category and I have read some complaints that the rooms could use some updating. We were always comfortable and enjoyed both properties. We had lunch at Ariel Sands and although it is owned by Michael Douglas's family, we were not that impressed. To its credit, though, it was still cleaning up from Hurricane Ivan. We have friends who stayed there and loved it. Rent mopeds so you can see the island stem to stern. Have tea at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Visit Dockyards and the Commandant's House. The ferry system is excellent. Shopping is great. Many of the properties participate in a dine-around plan so you can eat at different hotels - Cambridge Beaches and Waterloo House are two really good bets. Bermuda is a wonderful destination - so close to the US with many direct flights. Bermudians are very friendly and take great pride in their island. The vistas are breathtaking, there is much to do to keep your days busy - or do nothing at all. Bermuda is a class act.

tpatricco

Hi - We stayed at The Granaway Guest House and loved it! www.granaway.com Good location & the hosts are very nice! Worth a look...

thebig40

thanks to everyone for all the great information on Horizons and other properties!