stevekos

Planning on an Avnniversary trip for May 2010. Basically, I'm starting from scratch and need all the help i can get. Trip will most likely be at the end May to coinside with anniversary date for about 4 days. Need advise on everything fm flight... to accomodations... to sightseeing (even golf- if she lets' me ). So I hope to hear anyone with advise or comments.

cmcfong

From where would you be flying? What is your accomodations budget? Do you have a preference for being in town or on the beach?

You might want to do a quick check of some of the posts about Bermuda on this forum. There is a lot of good information there which may help you narrow down some of the options.

Great anniversary trip!!!

steviegene

Its a great place to go for 4 days if you are coming from the east coast - really fast hassle-free flight. We stayed at the Hamilton Princess (click on my username for my trip report) and we really like the convenience of being in town and the view from our room was spectacular.

If you give us more info about what you like, what your travel preferences are, etc, we can be more helpful. cmcfong especially was incredibly helpful in my trip planning -- a serious font of Bermuda knoweldge!

stevekos

I must apologize that I posted this before I read all of the other posts. While I have been doing some reading on this and other sites, it's always good to ask again. Sometimes the reviews and comments are dated or just from day. However I just read your other postings and have made a few notes. For the record - We would be flying in fm any of the NYC/NJ area airports. The budget is flexible but I was intersted in the resorts. since it's #15 I wanted to go all out. She had been to Elbow Beach as a kid so I had that on the list to check out. But open to all. While we are not really people that stay on the beach all day, a few hours isn't out of the question. So a place with it's own beach is a plus, and a great view from the room is a must!

txgirlinbda

Okay, now we have something to work with!

Look at The Reefs (not Coco Reef) and Cambridge Beaches. Both are low-key, adult properties, nice private beaches. Tucker's Point is getting some great reviews, but the beach isn't on-site, although it is private.
The Bermuda airport website (www.bermudaairport.com) has a list of which airlines serve Bermuda, as well as the schedules from each East coast airport.
Elbow Beach is a much bigger resort, more restaurants, if that's what you're looking for.
What else can we help you with?

cmcfong

I also like Pompano Beach Club. It has relatively easy access to the Bermuda Railway Trail for walking or biking, the ferry to Hamilton or Dockyard and is quite nice. I think the three properities txgirlinbda mentions are less likely to have families so that is a plus. Another two adult properties, though neither is on the beach , Newstead and Fourways. Of all those listed Fourways is usually the least expensive, but it is quite nice. They have beach privileges with Coco Reef (next door to Elbow). Personally I like the smaller properties better than the big hotels. Fourways hasn't got fabulous views. The Reefs, Cambridge Beaches and Pompano all have ocean views (as does Tucker's Point). Newstead has harbor views.

Friends of mine recently returned from Tucker's Point and they loved it. However, it is very expensive. Take a look at these properties and see if anything is a good fit for you. If not, come back and give us another shot at helping you. There are lots of choices and Bermuda is another world!

stevekos

Have started to reach out the several places Elbow, Reefs, Pompano, Pink Beach and Cambridge. Just inquiring about when 2010 pricing is available. While im not booking anything right now I did want to see how many would reply. I must admit that all but Reefs have replied. (But only sent them one yesterday). I do have 9 places on my "current" list. I figure I would keep all in the loop on my progress.

girlonthego

I just stayed at the Southampton Fairmont. It is a large hotel with all of the amentities and we got a great deal, but there will be some kids or maybe conventions there as well. For more romantic, I like the Reefs. It is a good island location beachfront. It has had massive renovations and so the rooms should be nice. We stayed there last about 5 years ago.
I also like the beach at Elbow Beach. Have not stayed at the hotel, but it has a wonderful beach. Have great things about Pompano Beach and Cambridge beaches.
Have fun choosing.

emcash

we have stayed at both the elbow beach and the fairmont southampton. For an anniversary, i would pick the elbow in one of the renovated cottages.

Tuckers point looks amazing. CMCfong, did your friends say if they liked the restaurants there?

cmcfong

Yes, emcash, they were very impressed with the food and service. They really enjoyed their stay. I have also heard good things about the Dining Room which recently opened in the Gibbs Lighthouse. Can't beat the view there!

emcash

cmcfong, thank you. how far is Gibbs from Fairmont Southampton and do they serve lunch? Thanks!

stevekos

Tucker's does look incredible but no direct beach and on an expensive island Tucker's looks like the new leader. To be honest they were #9 on my list but I just couldn't keep them for the next round. Southhampton is still on the list but as they are much larger and as girlonthego says they might be prone to conventions and lots of kids. I think having kids around might be something we can't avoid but keeping it to a mininum is possible. So it's back to more reading and taking notes. The list is offically 7.

emcash

If i were you i would choose Elbow - I loved it there and definitely less of a kid feel than the FS.

cmcfong

Kids are less likely to be at Cambridge Beaches, Pink Beach, The Reefs, Fourways and Newstead. Most likely at Fairmont Southhampton, Pompano and Elbow. Tucker's is nearer St. George than Hamilton. I don't understand your comment that it is on an expensive island. Bermuda is a chain of islands but as far as I know none is more expensive than another.


emcash, Gibbs Lighthouse is very near the Fairmont Southhampton. http://www.bermuda4u.com/Attractions...ighthouse.html

It is definitely a must see.

Here's an article on the new restaurant. I believe it serves lunch.
http://www.royalgazette.com/siftolog...d953ab30030025

emcash

cmcfong- thanks for the article. another question- how far of a cab ride is tuckers point from Southampton fairmont?

cmcfong

It will be very close to the cost of the ride from the airport. The Tucker's Point resort is basically where the old Castle Harbor was located. I would estimate around $25. Makes for an expensive night out! An option might be to ride the bus or a moped out there for lunch.

emcash

would you say about half an hour or a little less. The concierges at the FS, while not saying anything bad about "the Point " - the high end restaurant at Tuckers, aren't saying it's amazing. I wonder if that is due to a competetive mentality , or real reviews from guests?

cmcfong

I would imagine about a half hour assuming no unusual traffic tie up.
The only reviews I have heard personally were raves. Check T/A there are several posted there . I am planning to try it when I go in Dec. The spa as well since my friends also liked it quite a bit.

cmcfong

emcash, have you been to Fourways?

emcash

I haven't been to Fourways. A few friends have been and didn't recommend it. I know many ppl love it tho. I'm thinking of trying ascots this trip. PS- tripadvisor reviews of Blu are pretty bad recently.