We are big Hawaii fans. Will we like Bermuda?
Jun 18th, 2005, 07:02 AM
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We are big Hawaii fans. Will we like Bermuda?
We have gone to Hawaii several times and LOVE it but the flight is very long (and expensive)and so we are tempted to try Bermuda. We are from Michigan and love tropical weather, hiking, beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, boat rides, horseback riding, ATV rides, and other active vacation pursuits. Would this island be a good one for us? We are a couple in our mid 30's with two children, 7 and 10. My girls would love a heated pool. Are the people friendly here to tourists? Without snorkeling or swimming in the ocean, would this island be ok to visit over Easter or Christmas vacation? I realize it would no longer feel tropical, but is it still a great place to explore? Thanks for your help!
Jun 18th, 2005, 10:11 AM
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Other than being an island, Bermuda is nothing like Hawaii. It is not tropical. It is located about 600 miles off the Carolina coast. While a bit milder, its climate is comparable to what you would find there.
Whereas Hawaii is very laid back, Bermuda tends to be more formal. People dress very nicely. You won't see people walking around in short shorts, halter tops, or bikinis. Many people find Bermuda to be much more expensive than Hawaii.
Bermuda has lovely beaches that are perfect for beach activities. The waters are very clear. However, they are best in the summer season, when the water is warmer, but it is also most expensive to go there. In the off season, it still would be a great place to explore, and it wouldn't be so crowded. Personally, I think its worth visiting, but it all depends on what you are looking for.
Whereas Hawaii is very laid back, Bermuda tends to be more formal. People dress very nicely. You won't see people walking around in short shorts, halter tops, or bikinis. Many people find Bermuda to be much more expensive than Hawaii.
Bermuda has lovely beaches that are perfect for beach activities. The waters are very clear. However, they are best in the summer season, when the water is warmer, but it is also most expensive to go there. In the off season, it still would be a great place to explore, and it wouldn't be so crowded. Personally, I think its worth visiting, but it all depends on what you are looking for.
Jun 18th, 2005, 01:01 PM
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Ashley:
I have been to both Kauai and St John.While Kauai is my favorite..I can say that St John has some gorgeous beaches with some excellent calm waters for snorkeling.
2/3rds of St John is a national park so it would meet the hiking need.The food is also pretty good.
For the beautiful GREEN picture perfect views...its hard to beat Kauai.
As for Bermuda..my dad and stepmom have been there and they loved it.I saw a video tape of their trip and the pink sand beaches were very beautiful.All of the buildings were pastel colors.They did mention that everything there was very expensive.I would think more so than St John or Kauai.If money is not an object..it might be a good place to go.I would like to go there one day.Good luck with your choice.
I have been to both Kauai and St John.While Kauai is my favorite..I can say that St John has some gorgeous beaches with some excellent calm waters for snorkeling.
2/3rds of St John is a national park so it would meet the hiking need.The food is also pretty good.
For the beautiful GREEN picture perfect views...its hard to beat Kauai.
As for Bermuda..my dad and stepmom have been there and they loved it.I saw a video tape of their trip and the pink sand beaches were very beautiful.All of the buildings were pastel colors.They did mention that everything there was very expensive.I would think more so than St John or Kauai.If money is not an object..it might be a good place to go.I would like to go there one day.Good luck with your choice.
Jun 18th, 2005, 05:00 PM
#5
I have been to both. I am going to Hawaii next spring and haven't been in about 12 years. I have been to Bermuda about 6 times. (about two years ago was the most recent). Bermuda is beautiful. It is best May-Oct. Christmas is too cool to swim in the ocean and spring break would be questionable. I would plan for June right after the kids are out of school.
It is very lush. Hawaii is different on all of it's islands. I am not sure which one you are comparing it to. I have been to Oahu and Maui. It is like neither. They are much bigger and busier.
Bermuda is (I believe) 13 miles long. The people are very friendly. It has a british feel so afternoon tea and cakes are served in most resorts. People do dress for dinner and dressing risque is not allowed. We have stayed in three of the resorts. The Reefs- small intimate, no tv's, oceanfront, and excellent food. Dinner and breakfast are included in your room. More adult oriented, but we brought our kids.
Southhampton Princess- large resort sits up on a hill. Has all of the amenities and shuttles you down to their beach.
Wyndam(stayed here a long time ago when it was the sonesta)- just renovated and has a pool with slides now. Very family oriented oceanfront.
Another very nice hotel with a great beach is Elbow beach. I have not stayed here, but sat on their beach.
You cannot rent a car in Bermuda. Public transportation is very safe and cheap. You can also rent mopeds and put the kids on the back and go everywhere. There are many great snorkeling spots so bring your gear. There is a perfume factory where you can tour how they make the perfume from the flowers. There are caves/caverns. The town is very cute to shop in and walk around.
There is little or no poverty on the island. The food is good and it is a pretty place. This is my parents favorite destination. They have been going since their honeymoon 45 years ago and have repeatedly gone with and without us. You can kayak, horseback ride, snorkel, etcc...
I think you should try it. Just try it in the summer season.
It is very lush. Hawaii is different on all of it's islands. I am not sure which one you are comparing it to. I have been to Oahu and Maui. It is like neither. They are much bigger and busier.
Bermuda is (I believe) 13 miles long. The people are very friendly. It has a british feel so afternoon tea and cakes are served in most resorts. People do dress for dinner and dressing risque is not allowed. We have stayed in three of the resorts. The Reefs- small intimate, no tv's, oceanfront, and excellent food. Dinner and breakfast are included in your room. More adult oriented, but we brought our kids.
Southhampton Princess- large resort sits up on a hill. Has all of the amenities and shuttles you down to their beach.
Wyndam(stayed here a long time ago when it was the sonesta)- just renovated and has a pool with slides now. Very family oriented oceanfront.
Another very nice hotel with a great beach is Elbow beach. I have not stayed here, but sat on their beach.
You cannot rent a car in Bermuda. Public transportation is very safe and cheap. You can also rent mopeds and put the kids on the back and go everywhere. There are many great snorkeling spots so bring your gear. There is a perfume factory where you can tour how they make the perfume from the flowers. There are caves/caverns. The town is very cute to shop in and walk around.
There is little or no poverty on the island. The food is good and it is a pretty place. This is my parents favorite destination. They have been going since their honeymoon 45 years ago and have repeatedly gone with and without us. You can kayak, horseback ride, snorkel, etcc...
I think you should try it. Just try it in the summer season.
Jun 19th, 2005, 02:12 AM
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We have visited St. John a few times but still prefer Hawaii, Kauai being our favorite. We are going to the Big Island and Kauai in 6 weeks. I am looking ahead to the next trip and was convincing myself to try something new. You say no bikinis? Does that include on the beach or just walking around town? Are there more casual restaurants where you could wear shorts for dinner? (Just curious, do they have any fast food American stops like McDonalds for lunchtime?) My girls are pretty picky eaters, with an emphasis on burgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets, unfortunately. Would we be able to find suitable places for us to eat? We have no trouble dressing up, although my husband does not like to wear a jacket or tie, but will if it's required. I don't mind eating at finer places, if they include a children's menu. The Wyndam sounds like a good choice. How far in advance do you need to book for summertime (Would I need to book now for next summer?) and what should I expect the prices to be? Is a great room view important to the overall experience? Do they have lanais? Are there any deals to be had on the room rates or airfare?
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
Jun 19th, 2005, 04:51 AM
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Bermuda is a sophisticated little gem.
It has more of a European flavor than Hawaii, also not like any caribbean island. No Golden Arches, but lots places to get any American type meals. After all it is only 1 hour 47 minutes
flying time from NYC-Boston.
The islands main business is no longer tourism-but the insurance industry.
You will find horseback riding, you can hike the old railway trails, snorkel, take the ferries.
It is one of my favorite islands, we have been going for years.
It has more of a European flavor than Hawaii, also not like any caribbean island. No Golden Arches, but lots places to get any American type meals. After all it is only 1 hour 47 minutes
flying time from NYC-Boston.
The islands main business is no longer tourism-but the insurance industry.
You will find horseback riding, you can hike the old railway trails, snorkel, take the ferries.
It is one of my favorite islands, we have been going for years.
Jun 19th, 2005, 05:04 AM
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Ashley - My husband and I just got back from St. John last week. We have travelled extensively and have also been to Hawaii (Maui, Kaui, and Oahu)and loved it!
You will absolutely love St. John. You fly into St. Thomas and travel by ferry over to St. John where it is a bit quieter but not too quiet. There is shopping in St. John, places, to eat, and a little downtown area. There are all the activities you listed, but not ATV rides (we liked that activity on Maui as well). Then if you truly love shopping as much as I do....well St. Thomas is for you! A lot of hustle and bustle especially when 2 or 3 cruise ships dock!
All around great destination for East Coasters like us! We will be going back!
You will absolutely love St. John. You fly into St. Thomas and travel by ferry over to St. John where it is a bit quieter but not too quiet. There is shopping in St. John, places, to eat, and a little downtown area. There are all the activities you listed, but not ATV rides (we liked that activity on Maui as well). Then if you truly love shopping as much as I do....well St. Thomas is for you! A lot of hustle and bustle especially when 2 or 3 cruise ships dock!
All around great destination for East Coasters like us! We will be going back!
Jun 19th, 2005, 03:57 PM
#9
Ashley:
You can wear bikinis!! You need to be properly covered up when away from the beach. No Mc Donalds. I am sure the Wyndam would have kid fare. You can check their hotel out on line or call them and ask. We ate at a place downtown that had pizza and spagetti. I am sure there are more casual places like that. We had a meal plan for breakfast and dinner so we dressed up. Most places do not require a tie. Many require a jacket for dinner.
You can wear bikinis!! You need to be properly covered up when away from the beach. No Mc Donalds. I am sure the Wyndam would have kid fare. You can check their hotel out on line or call them and ask. We ate at a place downtown that had pizza and spagetti. I am sure there are more casual places like that. We had a meal plan for breakfast and dinner so we dressed up. Most places do not require a tie. Many require a jacket for dinner.
Jun 19th, 2005, 05:31 PM
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Ashley,
We love Kauai, too. We are from MN so understand what you are saying about a long and expensive flight. We also love Bermuda. The beaches are beautiful and the people are extremely nice. Christmas would be too cold, and Easter likely would be as well. We were just there in September and we wore shorts all the time as did everyone else on the island. People didn't wear bikini's in the downtown area, but then again, I haven't seen much of that in Kauai either. The hotel accomodations are wonderful and they have great restaurants, although they are expensive.
We love Kauai, too. We are from MN so understand what you are saying about a long and expensive flight. We also love Bermuda. The beaches are beautiful and the people are extremely nice. Christmas would be too cold, and Easter likely would be as well. We were just there in September and we wore shorts all the time as did everyone else on the island. People didn't wear bikini's in the downtown area, but then again, I haven't seen much of that in Kauai either. The hotel accomodations are wonderful and they have great restaurants, although they are expensive.
