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Hamilton,
As In Bermuda
The Walman Report
Hamilton is a cosmopolitan
island city that - no matter what your travel goals – offers something for
everyone.
B |
ermuda's location, 500 miles east of North Carolina,
makes its climate cooler than that of its Caribbean cousins, but the Gulf
Stream waters are delightfully warm, and its accessibility - just a couple of
hours by air from New York and other East Coast cities - is a major attraction.
Repeat visitors are those who like their comforts convenient and plentiful; who
like their sea tranquil, their nightlife cozy, their dress code dapper, their
meals predictably genteel. Golf and tennis are a widespread obsession, played
on numerous top-notch courses and courts. Except in mid-winter, the swimming is
excellent, too, on the seemingly endless carnation-pink coastline. And thanks
to the surrounding coral reefs that grind out that famously gorgeous sand (and
once wrecked many a ship), scuba and snorkeling are also a must; farther out,
sport fishing's the rage.
A less strenuous pastime is shopping, since many
European goods are available for prices lower than those in American stores. In
Hamilton, Bermuda's orderly capital, the shops clustered along Front Street
sell an overwhelming array of fine china, jewelry, French lace, and British
woolens (here's the place for newlyweds to scope out that coveted crystal at
close to half-price).
In 1503, the Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez
dismissed this subtropical oasis as the "Isle of the Devils," but in
subsequent centuries his namesake evolved into a masterpiece of civilized
bliss. On this prosperous British outpost, manners are as gracious as the
shorts are long. The standard of living is among the highest in the world, the
setting among the prettiest and most colorful. From crisp white yachts to
canary-yellow mansions, from the crystalline aqua surf to the hot-scarlet
blooms of tall poinsettia trees, the entire island resembles a sublimely
cheerful decorating scheme. Nature is lush but tamed, the tenor of life happy
but staid.
In actuality, Bermuda is not one island but a 25
mile paisley-shaped chain of 150 mini-isles, cheek by jowl, supporting quaint
pastel villages, palm cloaked villas, birdwatching haunts, and clubby resorts.
Getting around is fairly easy, thanks to the efficient buses and ferries, but
car rental is nonexistent because of traffic concerns. Renting a moped is de
rigueur, but be warned that Bermuda's narrow, scenically walled lanes have sent
many a tourist home in plaster.
Such petty hazards aside, this land is a justifiably
classic favorite among a wide range of savvy travelers: hardcore honeymooners,
family ensembles, and everyone who loves ultra-civilized luxury in a package as
pretty as a rainbow.
Whether you are interested in science, art, local
crafts, museums, caves, ancient forts, nature reserves, churches, cathedrals,
lighthouses, flora and fauna - or vistas that just take your breath away,
Bermuda has them all. Scattered throughout the Island are wonderful
opportunities to observe Bermuda's resident birds and those, which have just
stopped over for a brief visit.
Open from sunrise to sunset, the Botanical Gardens,
a lush 36-acres of fascinating foliage and fifteen permanent exhibitions. To
make the most of your visit, time it to catch the guided tours.
The Visitors Information Centre is open practically
every day of the year. The Bermuda Perfumery produces scents from the blossoms
gathered on the surrounding gardens. It began production in a 250 year old
cottage in 1935. Meander among the terraced gardens, and take the tour of the
premises and learn how perfumes are made by the ancient enfleurage process.
Bermuda has one of the highest concentrations of limestone caves in the world;
most date back to the Pleistocene Ice Age. The Island's awesome underground
inspired several creative achievements including the Muppets "Fraggle
Rock" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
Bermuda is home to more golf courses per square mile
than anywhere in the world. Bermuda (as you might expect from the legends of
the Bermuda Triangle) is the world’s number one wreck diving destination. Bermuda’s rich literary heritage has
attracted and inspired the likes of Mark Twain, Noel Coward, James Thurber,
Eugene O’Neill, and John Lennon.
Over 650 species of fish inhabit the waters around
Bermuda. Shore fishers can tussle with feisty bonefish, pompano, gray snapper
and the great barracuda. While reef roamers will bring yellowtail, jacks and
Bermuda club on line. Further off shore, deep-sea fishermen reel in blackfin
tuna, amberjack, blue marlin, and the
"speed merchant of the ocean" - the wahoo.
Bermuda sports more than 100 all-weather tennis
courts many of them lit for night play.
There are public courts available just outside the City of Hamilton, most other
courts are on club or hotel properties. Whether you are a first time rider or a
seasoned equestrian, early morning rides
along dunes or bridle paths on the Island's coastal trails are a
wonderful way to start the day.
Qualified instructors from the Riding Stables accompany all rides. Along roads,
railway trails and in parks, walking, jogging, running and cycling are favorite
recreational pastimes in Bermuda. Bicycles can be rented from Cycle Liveries
throughout the Island.
Accommodations range from luxury resorts to intimate
guest cottages and family-run inns, all incorporating the sophistication and
hospitality unique to the Bermuda experience. It all depends on what you're
looking for. For more information, you can call 1-800-BERMUDA.
$21M OF TLC MAKES
THE FAIRMONT HAMILTON PRINCESS
PINK WITH PRIDE!
As is our M.O., we feature one
major hotel (in this case two, with the same management) and our personal
selections of recommended restaurants per destination. This enables our readers
to leave the choices to us and rather than merely doing site-inspections and
overwhelming you with a perplexing quantity of choices, we offer quality,
geared to the luxury and business traveler.
When you're a royal, you
deserve a little extra attention and that's just what The Fairmont Hamilton
Princess in Bermuda has received. Over
$21 million has been spent on the "Pink Palace" and in fall 2002, the
new lobby was unveiled – the latest in a series of upgrades to the property.
As guests enter the hotel, the
feeling is one of being welcomed into a traditional Bermudian ancestral
home. Homes on the Island evolved from
the grand Georgian residences of Britain but without the detailed
decoration. The Fairmont Hamilton’
lobby has taken its cue from this rich architectural tradition, resulting in a
grand but simple statement.
High ceilings, arched doorways
and windows, walls and ceilings in the palest shades of white and cream, a
stone fireplace, and floors of sparkling marble provide an elegant backdrop for
the rich colors and woods of the furnishings.
The orange, red and gold
fabrics in the lobby were inspired by the native Royal Ponciana, with blue
accent colors taken from the ocean and tiny Bermudiana flower. Wood furniture
is crafted of traditional mahogany with woven cane accents and wing chairs have
the highly recognizable Bermuda Onion foot.
Decorative wall sconces, hand-cast in bronze, depict intertwined dolphins
against a shell.
Original art with yachting and
sailing themes acknowledges the hotel’s location on Hamilton Harbour, and
handmade rugs are patterned after historic savonnerie designs from the 18th
century.
In the new 114-seat Lobby
Lounge, guests may choose the intimate environment around the bar with its
selection of fine local rums and cozy fireplace, or the more dramatic see-and-be-seen
setting of the arcade that overlooks the hotel's famous goldfish ponds,
waterfalls and tropical gardens. The
elegant tradition of afternoon tea brings back a sense of yesteryear and
reinforces the British influence. We can say, without reservation, that it is
superior to any tea we experienced in London on a recent visit. Traditional
sandwiches are spruced up with contemporary and island touches by executive
chef, . Being a scone
lover, I endorse those, made in the Fairmont’s kitchen as ethereal. Some
clotted cream is all that is needed, so as to guild the lily. The tea selection
is also inspired; service is charming and efficient.
The Lobby Lounge décor
incorporates rich brown and olive colors with motifs from the indigenous bay
grape along with native coral, and the traditional symbol of hospitality – the
pineapple, and the pomegranate. Leather
seating, fireplace, polished teak floors, bronze and alabaster chandeliers and
handmade wool rugs are reminiscent of an elegant Bermudian drawing room.
Designed by award-winning
Forrest Perkins Interior Design and Interior Architecture, the company is
synonymous with historical preservation and restorations such as Raffles in
Singapore, The Willard in Washington, DC, and The Brown Palace in Denver,
Colorado.
The lobby is the latest in a
series of upgrades that includes the $13.2 million Fairmont Gold wing, which
opened in August 2001. In order to
appeal to the most discerning guests, The Fairmont Hamilton introduced 97
exclusive Fairmont Gold guestrooms.
This new product includes concierge service, private check in and check
out, and Fairmont Gold salon with concierge, complimentary breakfast, afternoon
tea and evening hors d’oeuvres. A
boardroom is available and computers with Internet access are also
provided. Guestrooms have been
renovated to include a spacious walk in closet, in room safe, coffee maker,
dual phone lines and Internet access.
Butler service is also available at an additional cost.
Since 1885, The Hamilton has welcomed world travelers in style and the
recent renovation ensures that guests continue to have the most up to date
services and amenities in an environment of luxury and Old World charm.
A ROYAL MAKEOVER
FOR
THE FAIRMONT
SOUTHAMPTON
With time to spare and for a more secluded
atmosphere, The Fairmont Southampton is easily reached by complimentary ferry
service from the Fairmont Hamilton or by taxi for about $20. It has a fresh new
look following a $61 million makeover.
The multi-million dollar project involved several
components:
·
Lobby, Public Spaces, and
Lobby Lounge:
The most immediate impact is
the sense of arrival in the sun-drenched lobby with oversized windows framing
colorful gardens and ocean views. A creamy sand-coloured marble floor with
mosaics, an open staircase, custom-made carpets with a shell motif in a soft
palette of pink and green, and casual but elegant furnishings give a light and
airy feel to the hotel. In order to
increase the efficiency and streamline the check-in process, the concierge,
front desk and bell desk were also redesigned and enlarged.
A 148-seat lobby lounge, Jasmine, was added with spectacular
ocean vistas of the South Shore provided by the floor to ceiling windows and
graced by two fireplaces. The lounge
was designed in multiple zones - a games area to play cards, chess, and board
games, a casual entrance area with fireplace and cozy chairs (perfect to read and
relax), an entertainment area with dance floor and soft lighting, and an
outdoor terrace with water views.
·
Atlantic Ballroom Foyer:
The Atlantic Ballroom foyer
was expanded and the pre-function space was increased to allow for the addition
of a group registration area.
·
Mezzanine Meeting Rooms:
The six meeting rooms located on the Mezzanine level were refurbished
and now offer rich wood paneling and floral fabrics, new furnishings, state of
the art audiovisual and telecommunication, Internet access, and individual
temperature control.
·
Business Centre:
A Business Centre with full
office services was added on the Mezzanine level. Guests can use three private workspaces and two Executive
Boardrooms set in a permanent boardroom style for meetings of 10 to 14 people.
·
Retail Space:
The retail space was
renovated and six new boutiques with jewelers, crystal, and upscale clothing
opened on the Mezzanine Level.
·
Fairmont Gold:
A new Fairmont Gold concierge
level was introduced to the sixth floor of the hotel. A “hotel within a hotel”, this product was designed for the most
discerning guest experience.
§
The Fairmont Gold Lounge, offers a private check in
for guests and is serviced by a concierge from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast,
afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks are available and guests can
relax in the intimate lounge that features 54 seats in three sections – the
cocktail room, a cozy “living room”, or the library den with fireplace,
computers and complimentary internet access.
To take advantage of the views and the weather, there is a private
outdoor balcony.
§
Fairmont Gold Guestrooms:
§
The Presidential Suite at
the Fairmont Southampton
§
A complete renovation of 88
guestrooms included marble bathrooms, double sinks, French doors to the private
patio, lacy curtains, duvets, cordless phones, and second phone line for
internet and email access. Bermudian in
its décor, the rooms boast original artwork and were inspired by the colors of
the island - soft peach with cornflower blue, and cranberry with buttercup
yellow.
·
Ahh – A Spa!
The most
exciting phase of the project and everyone’s favorite was the addition of the
23,000 square foot Willow Stream spa.
There is a full service fitness centre with all the latest equipment and
staffed with a personal trainer, and facilities for wet and dry treatments,
steam rooms, saunas, and vichy massage.
Private lounges for men-only, women-only, and couples are available to
read and relax, and a secluded indoor pool with terraced gardens and an indoor
and outdoor jacuzzi are connected by a walkway.
We are often
disappointed by so-called spas in the Caribbean. More often than not, the
facilities promise more than they deliver and the staff is not of world-class
quality. Willow Stream blew us away. Not only does it feel luxurious, it
emanates a spiritual quality as well.
Follows some of the possibilities. We experienced the Bermuda Aromatherapy Massage and Gentlemen’s
Barber Facial. Both were
spectacular treatments, administered with care by consummate professionals.
It’s not surprising that baths are one of the
specialties of the Willow Stream Spa in Bermuda - an island surrounded by ocean
and reefs. Always relaxing, the thermal
water and algae baths include minerals and trace elements to relieve aching
muscles, promote circulation and detoxify.
Guests can select from nine different mineral and herbal baths, many of
which use local ingredients such as sea salt, rosemary, lavender, spice, floral
essences, seaweed and essential oils.
Signature Body
Treatments at Willow Stream in Bermuda include:
§
Sea Splendour Body Oasis (2 hours). Starts with a eucalyptus foot soak and an
invigorating exfoliation with volcanic sand, geranium and ylang ylang essences,
followed by an aromatherapy bath with fresh floral and spicy citrus fragrances. The treatment ends with a massage of warm
aloe mixed with island essences and a body wrap, with a scalp, face and foot
massage to complete the experience.
§
Island Inspiration Body
Sorbet (1
hour). Choice of three cooling island
sorbets – island hibiscus to refresh, island spice with a twist of orange for
extra vitamin C to energize, or lavender to heal and relax. The treatment consists of a massage with a
rich quenching cream, followed by the sorbet application, and a body wrap.
§
Bermuda Aromatherapy Massage (60 or 90 minutes). A
personalized massage with choice of three special island blends: Seaside
Sunrise for energy, Midday Ocean Air for stress relief, and Tropical Moon for
rest and relaxation.
For Men Only: A cultural anthropologist,
hired to research the differences between the way men and women “spa”, reported
that many men felt alienated in spas.
While women view spa experiences as pampering and indulging, men saw it
as a reward after hard work and needed to be involved in the experience. As a result, the men’s lounge was designed
and decorated to reflect a den-like atmosphere where men can put their feet up,
relax, and even watch television.
Another comment from men was that they didn’t feel comfortable wearing fluffy bathrobes, so the Keep Your Shorts On Package was created. When men arrive for their treatment, they receive a pair of Willow Stream jersey athletic shorts and a t-shirt to “cover up” and take home. Another “for men only” treatment is the 60 minute Gentlemen’s Barber Facial, inspired by the old fashioned barber shops. It’s specifically for razor burned skin and includes a hot towel wrap, deep cleansing, exfoliation, and massage of scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
Both the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and the
Fairmont Southampton Princess offer attractive packages worth exploring.
All packages are available at
both Fairmont Hamilton and Fairmont Southampton and include three nights accommodation, all related
taxes, gratuities and resort levy. Rates are per person based on double
occupancy.
Bed &
Breakfast Package: The most popular way of
playing and staying, it offers a full American breakfast in the hotel’s
restaurant or through room service daily. At Hamilton rates from $109, at
Southampton from $135.
Dolphin Quest Package: Swim and play with the dolphins during a
1-hour dolphin encounter (to be booked at time of reservation), souvenir photo,
round trip taxi transfer to Royal Naval Dockyard and entrance to the Maritime
Museum (home of Dolphin Quest). At
Hamilton rates from $425, at Southampton from $505.
Experience
Bermuda Package: A taste of Bermuda’s best
with daily breakfast in the hotel restaurant or through room service, a full
day snorkel rental with instruction, one – 1 hour jet ski rental, a full day
double scooter rental, two hours of court time at Fairmont Southampton’ tennis
courts, and admission to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. At
Hamilton rates from $615, at Southampton from $745, available through to
October 31, 2002.
Family Getaway
Package:
Great for nannies and grannies travelling with the family! One room is at the regular rate, with the
second room 50% off for kids 18 and under.
Includes a welcome beach kit and complimentary Kids’ Explorer Camp with
7-Up Kids Night Club. Kids 18 and under
dine free from the kids menu or pay 50% from the a la carte menu. At Hamilton
rates (per night, including tax, gratuities and resort levy) from $285, at
Southampton from $375, with 50% off for the second room.
Royal Tee Golf
Package: A
golfer’s paradise, Bermuda has more courses per square mile than anywhere else
in the world – and year round playing! Includes unlimited golf at The Fairmont
Southampton’ award winning 18 hole, executive par 3 golf course, two rounds of
golf at Port Royal and/or Riddles Bay, taxi transfers to the course, shared
cart, club cleaning and storage, personalized bag tag, and sleeve of balls. At
Hamilton rates from $555, at Southampton from $635.
Heritage
Package: Step
back in time with daily breakfast in the hotel restaurant or through room
service, heritage pass to seven major attractions, three-day bus pass, and three
hour taxi tour to the UNESCO designated St. George’s and Fort St.
Catherine. At Hamilton rates from $425,
at Southampton from $509.
Royal Romance
Package: Daily
breakfast in the hotel restaurant or through room service, champagne and
chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, one couples’ spa treatment in Willow
Stream, a spa gift, and blossom turndown service. At Hamilton rates from $515, at Southampton from $595. Seven-day
honeymoon packages are also available at Hamilton rates from $1,110, at Southampton
from $1,289.
Willow Stream
Spa Package: Relax
and rejuvenate with daily access to the new 23,000 square foot Willow Stream
spa and fitness center at The Fairmont Southampton, and one body treatment per
person, per stay. At Hamilton rates
from $399, at Southampton from $479.
Summer Breeze
Package: Discover
the many islands of Bermuda with a sunset champagne cruise, welcome beach bag
and towel, harbourside dinner at Harley’s Restaurant (Fairmont Hamilton) or the
beachfront Whaler’s Inn (Fairmont Southampton). Available May through October 31, 2002, at Hamilton rates from
$495, at Southampton from $625.
Wreck Dive
Package: Once
a sailor’s curse, Bermuda is now a diver’s paradise with over 400 known ships
on the reefs to explore. Daily
breakfast in the hotel restaurant or through room service, 2 – two tank dives
or a resort dive for non-certified divers, and admission to the Bermuda
Underwater Exploration Institute. At Hamilton rates from $445, at Southampton
from $524.
Dining Selections
With over 150 restaurants
to choose from, the question isn’t where to eat, but what to eat instead. From
chic international cuisine at posh dining rooms to conch stew at a roadside
cafe, there’s a taste to please every palate and budget. You’ll find Italian,
Indian, Greek, Chinese, English, French, and Mexican restaurants throughout the
Island. Wahoo steak, mussel pie, Hoppin’ John (black-eyed peas and rice),
cassava pie, codfish and potatoes for Sunday brunch, and guinea-chick (spiny
lobster) are just a few of the truly Bermudian delights that await you.
Diners can choose from an
array of delectable international and regional dishes or local seafood. Many
establishments feature alfresco dining, where patrons sup on a terrace under
clear, warm skies with the stars twinkling overhead. Bermuda evenings are
relaxed, but people there are fashion-conscious, so it is recommended that
visitors dress accordingly. Elegant dining is easy to find in Bermuda, but it
also comes at a significant price. There are, however, many lesser-known,
out-of-the-way restaurants that offer great local cuisine, a pleasant ambience
and moderate prices.
Those with a penchant for
Continental cuisine will have no trouble finding many wonderful restaurants
with chefs trained in the finest European traditions. More adventurous types
will want to try flavorful native cuisine; none of the delicacies it includes
can be found anywhere on the mainland.
For a change of pace from
a Continental breakfast, tourists may want to try the traditional Bermuda
Sunday breakfast--boiled salt codfish with tomato and onion sauce, boiled
potatoes, a hard-boiled egg and a banana on the side. It tastes like a mixture
of Portuguese and Caribbean cooking.
There are a few favorite
Bermuda staples diners shouldn't miss. Foremost among them is the Bermuda
onion, one of the earliest exports from the islands. Over the past 350 years,
Bermudians have discovered countless ways to use the Bermuda onion. Visitors
can sample an onion pie, an onion sandwich and even glazed onions for
dessert.
Another island favorite is
Bermuda fish chowder, which is a highly spiced, thick broth made mainly of fish
heads and fresh fish, usually served with a dash of sherry or rum and a squeeze
of lemon. Also popular are conch chowder and Portuguese red bean soup.
When it comes
to dining, Bermuda won’t let you down. Bermuda cuisine features
plenty of fresh local fish: red snapper, rockfish, wahoo or tuna steak, and
lobster, in season. Fish is served broiled, pan-fried, poached in wine sauce or
stuffed and baked. The mussel pie, a slightly curried, thick mussel stew in a
pastry shell, is worth sampling. Mussels can also be enjoyed as fritters or
just steamed. Another favorite on the islands is shark; competing chefs have
developed several ways of preparing it. Hoppin' John is an adventurous
combination of rice, peas, bacon, thyme, chicken and Bermuda onions.
Local fruits, fresh or
cooked, add a nice finishing touch to a meal. Bermuda has native strawberries,
loquats, jumbo grapefruit, watermelon, Surinam cherries and banana fritters.
For an English treat, diners should try trifle, a sponge cake laced with sherry
and laden with peaches or strawberries, bananas, chopped nuts, custard and
whipped cream. And syllabub is a mouthwatering dessert made from guava jelly,
wine and cream.
The real excitement over
the past years is the liberation and transformation of Bermudian cuisine from
its English roots. Chefs are using local produce to create exciting global cuisine.
The Wellington Room restaurant
in the elegant Relais Chateau
Waterloo House kitchen is under the direction
London’s venerable Anton Mosimann. It prepares the Island’s most outstanding
version of Bermuda’s justifiably famous fish chowder, liberally laced with the the
traditional kicky Sherry-peppers and black rum, a memorable blackened fish
sandwich on ciabatta bread and some serious seafood dishes. The restaurant caters
to an international clientele. A private house a century ago, this restaurant
and small hotel on Hamilton Harbor exudes charm.
For fabulous
views of the water and a magical beach, try The Reefs. Its Coconut’s restaurant
is beautifully situated and near the Fairmont Southampton Princess. Sip a rum
punch, made with the potent “Bermuda Gold” liqueur, a “Dark and Stormy, which
combines ginger beer with black rum or a Rum Swizzle. They all accommodate the casual
and user-friendly menu of local dishes, good salads and wraps.
The Elbow Beach
Hotel, not only offers one of the Island’s most romantic settings, its Sea Horse Grill restaurant,
under the capable hands of executive chef Scott
Connor, is considered the best new-Bermudian cuisine on
the island. Located
in main building, its innovative cuisine merges West Indian with English,
Portuguese with Creole. Along with a courtyard and atrium setting, an open
display kitchen, serving inside and outside on a newly covered terrace affords panoramic
ocean views. Executive chef Scott Connors may be Bermuda’s most celebrated
chef. He has cooed at the James Beard House and offers a cuisine that is both
appealing and original.
In Hamilton, Frescos gets our
vote as the most charming choice, with its off-the-beaten-path location,
intimate wine bar and rewarding food.
The Sonesta Beach’s
restaurant, Lillian’s, is not only excellent, but romantic, with some drop-dead
views.
Start with cocktails in the intimate lounge, then enjoy antipasti, soups and
salads, osso bucco, saltimbocca, fresh pastas and other traditional Italian and
Mediterranean specialties. Or, choose a live lobster from the tank, prepared to
order. Then linger a little as you sip a fine grappa or port.
For a big splurge,
most people agree that The Southampton Princess’ Newport Room is the ultimate
gourmet dining experience. The service staff goes all out in the drama and
special effect department. If you want it flambéed, no restaurant in Hamilton
does it with more panache that Newport. Better enjoy one of the excellent house
martinis, before looking at the prices on the a la carte menu. But a European
plan program makes even the Newport room eminently affordable. Its wine list is
among the best on the island.
Stunning
ocean views await you in this most informal of the cottage colonies located in Devonshire Parish. Pompano Beach Club Restaurant. Located on
the western end of the Island adjacent to the Port Royal Golf Course, you’ll enjoy the fine food and spectacular
views of the sunset. The White Horse
Tavern. Set on the water’s edge overlooking the harbor in St. George’s,
this great location has a light, airy atmosphere. La Coquille. Situated on the waterfront
overlooking Hamilton Harbor, this restaurant features French cuisine and the finest of local seafood. Harborfront. Sit on the porch or at a table
behind the large glass doors and watch the action along Front Street and the harbor as you choose
from the extensive menu. Waterlot Inn
at The Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel. This Bermudian treasure resides
in a graceful, two-story manor house
that dates from 1670. The service, as well as the food, is impeccable.
Middleton Room at Horizons & Cottages. A chic place for intimate candlelight
dining, the menus are created under the guidance of renowned chef Steve
Blumenthal. An appealing dine-around program allows visitors to experience
several of Bermuda’s best restaurants at affordable prices by ordering a
special prix fixe menu, designed especially for the program.
In our work,
we’ve traveled many a mile to sometimes end up in a destination dud. Bermuda,
on the other hand, packs a lot of punch for an island-escape that is so close
to home. Now that’s doing it!
Hamilton’s
Delightful Front Street
In a Nutshell Bermuda offers our four travel “C,s.” Close to home, Clean (you can
drink the water), Charm, and above all, Class. Currency: The Bermudian Dollar, equal to the U.S. Dollar, which is
also accepted. Prices: Since you are paying in dollars, plan to spend about what
you would in major American cities. Airlines: Continental offers the best service, and amenities Cruise Ships: Check Out www.cruises.com
for the best deals. Hotel Recommendation: Fairmont Hamilton
Princess & Fairmont Southampton Princess. Reservations can be made by
calling toll free to 1.800.441.1414. Best
Big Splurge Restaurant: Newport Room in the Fairmont Southampton
Princess. Best
Business Lunch: Waterloo House, • Pitts Bay Road • 441 295-4480 Best
New-Bermudian Cuisine: Sea Horse Grill, Elbow Beach Hotel, Paget, t:
236-3535, Most
Enchanting View for Lunch: The Reefs, 56 South Shore Road Most
Enchanting View for Dinner: Lillian’s in the Sonesta Beach Hotel, South
Shore Road, Southampton Best
In Town Dining, Hamilton: Frescos, 2 Chancery Lane, 441-295-5058
Crime Level: Low
Southampton, 441 238-0222