Mom's 60th in Bermuda?
 

Considering a surprise trip to Bermuda for my Mom's 60th b-day. It would be my husband and I (late 30's), my brother and his girlfriend (late 30's), my Mom, and possible two other friends (30's). We are all seasoned travelers but have not been to Bermuda. Ideally I'd like to rent a villa for everyone, or some adjacent cottages. We are not "budget" travelers, we would want good beach access, pools, a gym and/or spa . . . but we aren't filthy rich, either. We just like to splurge a bit on vacation. This would be August '04 which I realize is high season . . . anyone have ideas for accomodations that would be be about $200-250 per night, per couple? (e.g. a three-bedroom villa for $600-750 per night)? Thanks a lot. This would be a three or four night trip, by the way.

I would recommend The Reefs. I stayed there last April with 5 friends who were reunioning, and we are going back this April. We stayed in a cottage overlooking the water, with breakfast on the terrace. The Reefs is consistently ranked as tops by travel magazines (Travel and Leisure ie). It was not damaged by the hurricane. It is small, but very nice. There is no spa, however. We went next door to a big hotel within walking distance (the Sonesta, I think it was) but it was damaged by the hurricane, and I don't know if it's reopened. Food was good at The Reefs.

Nice low key spot is The Surfside Beach Club. They have wonderful new cliffside suites, great views, nice little restaurant, very small gym, pool, nice small beach, great central location.

The Reefs is a lovely hotel and I highly recommend it. We took our children there last year. (They were the only children by the way. It is generally adults.You may have a few kids in the summer.)The food is very good and the accomodations nice. There is also the south hampton princess nearby for spa and is also a nice hotel. The Princess does not sit on the beach and you must shuttle down. It is more of a full service resort than the Reefs. It may have been damaged by the hurricane. The Reefs has a classy small hotel feel. Have fun. (Also there is a fun pub you can walk to from either hotel called King Henry the eigths!)

hi,
I live in Bermuda and I think renting a house is a great option here. You will not get a gym/spa but you can get everything else and then some. A lot of locals are away for the summer and will list their homes with local realtors. My family came down a few years ago and rented a wonderful place with plenty of space for all, beach access, pool, jacuzzi, daily maid service... You can have someone come and cook for you and do your grocery shopping if you want. All the luxuries of any hotel but you are in a beautiful Bermuda home with lots of privacy and you don't have to get dressed for breakfast!! Plus you can book spa appointments anywhere on the island. So many hotels have great spas! Check out www.bermuda.com and you can contact realtors through this site. It is the most beautiful island and I know you'll have a great time.
Noelle18

Try Grotto Bay, they are in the eastern end of the island near the airport. Great staff, good rates, have pools, beach even a private cave. You can
relax to your hearts content of go sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing, fishing or play tennis.