My parents will celebrate their 40th anniversary Jan. 07, I want to send them somewhere (I'll give them their gift in Jan., but trip will probably be for Apr./May time frame unless you suggest otherwise). Cruising is out, mom doesn't like water much and has no interest in taking a cruise at all. So...my question is if anyone is familiar with Bermuda, can you help with places to stay, points of interest, better times to go. My parents are ages 60 and 63 and they enjoy walking, gardens/nature, they like to do their own thing and at their own pace. So I appreciate any and all help you may have to offer...also if you think of another area that you prefer over Bermuda, please say so...thanks again!

What a lovely gift and how thoughtful. If your parents aren't interested in swimming and snorkeling, then I'd suggest you plan for their trip on their anniversary in January. This is Bermuda's off season so it will be less crowded and the rates will be lower. While I don't know what your budget is for this, you're money will go much further in January than April/May.

For a choice of hotel, I'd suggest The Reefs (http://www.thereefs.com/reefs/home.html) which is, in my opinion, Bermuda's nicest hotel with truly outstanding dining. The views at the Reefs are breathtaking.

My knowledge of Bermuda is limited (went once in 96 and stayed in the now-defunct Marriott). But my parents used to go frequently and really enjoyed The Newstead. It is located on the waterfront across from Hamilton. Might be worth looking into. Small, upscale hotel as I understand it.

My family and I have traveled to Bermuda more times than I can count. We usually stay at the Pink Beach Club (pinkbeach.com) or the Pompano Beach Club (pompanobeachclub.com). They are both beautiful oceanfront resorts. I think that the food at Pink Beach Club is better, but I love both resorts. Both are also very popular so I suggest you make a decision quickly before they begin booking up. As someone already mentioned, April is still the low season for Bermuda so things on the island might be quieter which may be exactly what your parents want. After the 1st of May, prices begin to go up.

Your parents also might enjoy a visit to the Royal Naval Dockyards on the West End of the Island. They have been converted to various shops, including a rum cake maker and glassworks, as well as other artisans. There is also a beautiful old house perched on the hillside overlooking the water that serves as a museum now, tracing Bermuda's colonial history. Also, a trip to the capital, Hamilton, is a must, particularly if your parents enjoy shopping. I have always steered clear of Hamilton for that very reason, but it might be a nice change from the beach or pool.

Given your parent’s interest, Bermuda would make a great choice. For places to stay I would take a look at some of the choices at Bermuda Getaway (http://www.bermudagetaway.com/ ). These properties are excellent values.

The Railway Trail (http://www.bermuda-online.org/railway.htm ) offers a variety walking opportunities. My favorite garden is Palm Grove on the South Road in Devonshire Parish. This is a private palm garden that is open to the public Monday to Thursday. There’s Gibbs Hill lighthouse and several parks on the south shore. Scaur Hill Fort and the Royal Naval Dockyard are interesting. If you do a search under Bermuda at Fodors.com you should find other suggestions.

May would be a good time to visit. June would be warmer with longer daylight hours. Definitely suggest taking the ferry in addition to Bermuda’s bus system to travel around the island.

St. George is very nice as well. Perhaps your parents would be interested in staying in a bed & breakfast? If you look on Bermuda.com, they have accomodations listings which include bed & breakfasts and smaller inns.

I cannot thank you enough for ALL the help you have given. I have ALOT of research to do. Where do you fly into? Is there only 1 airport, and (sorry I am very unfamiliar with Bermuda) is it only 1 island?
Thanks again.

Yes, you fly directly into the airport at Hamilton and Bermuda is just one island.

I've never stayed on Bermuda, but have cruised there twice and find it to be a wonderful destination. It is so easy to navigate. Just buy a multi-day bus pass and you can see the entire island by hopping on and off the many buses that go from end to end. Your parents are the same ages as my DH and I, and we would LOVE it if our son would give us such a nice present!! We just celebrated our 40th in August.

Congratulations simpsonc510, 40-years is terrific.

Bermuda is great! My parents are similar ages and it is my mother's favorite destination. I would definitely wait until spring. May or early June before the families are out of school would be best. The Reefs is the perfect place. It is a small hotel with mostly adults. We had our kids there,but we were the only ones. It has great food and a small private beach. It also has a very nice pool. They have breakfast and dinner included in the room price. Afternoon tea is also included. You can catch the bus on the road right in front of the hotel. It is very safe to ride the bus anywhere on the tiny island. The town is a great little british town with shops and pubs.
They would fly into BDA the only airport. You can not rent a car on bermuda. You must take a cab or use public transportation. If your parents are really daring, they can rent mopeds and drive around.
Points of interest, golf is great there, botanical gardens, perfume factory, caves or caverns, aquarium, etc.. Your parents would love it.
We stayed at the Reefs in the poolside rooms. They were cheaper than some of the other rooms. They were very nice rooms and near the dining room and pool. We were on the second floor above the pool(need to be able to do steps) and it was quiet with a great view. I don't know if you are paying for it or not, but these are reasonably priced rooms. There are no tv's in the rooms. There is a lounge with a tv and some entertainment at night (low-key singer and piano player). Like I said before, this is the place my mother who hates to fly will jump on the next plane out to go to. I loved it too. (and this is their favorite place to stay too.)
If you want hotels with more action and amenities(spas)than there is a Fairmont Southampton hotel and Elbow Beach. They are much larger resorts. My parents always said that going to the Reefs was going on vacation.
Good luck choosing and it is very nice of you to plan all this!

I just returned from Bermuda. I go at least once a year. I am about your parents' age and it is a favored destination for me because it is easily accessible, safe and has great historical points of interest.
All commercial flights go into Kindley Field which is located near St. George. It is about a $25. cab ride from there into Hamilton which is the main town. www.bermudatourism.com has a listing of most of the hotels, guest houses and inns in Bermuda as well as their price list and websites. I recommend that you start looking there to find some places in your budget range. I think you can easily find reviews of most places on trip advisor or this site. May-October is the favored travel time because it is warmest and the beaches are the most pleasant. I love Bermuda in the off season. This past week I was in shorts on my moped almost every day...plus I attended the fun Christmas boat parade and saw all the wonderful holiday decorations. Bermuda is another world. What a great anniversary present.

Bermuda is my all time favorite place to visit over any other carribbean island. I've been there with friends, my husband and my mother (who is 67) several times. The Reefs is a great small resort with its own private beach. Others that we like are Cambridge Beaches, Pompano and The Waterloo House. The Waterloo House is in Hamilton so not on the beach, but, on beautiful Hamilton Harbor. I think there are about 20 rooms all very beautiful. I believe they have a website. Let me know if you need further recommendations on sites, restaurants etc. You can't go wrong with anywhere in Bermuda!!!!1

FYI, I did stay at Waterloo House on my recent visit and posted a trip report. If you click on my screenname it should come up for you.