“Think Quick, Think Pink, Think Bermuda”

Fairmont Southampton is Bermudaful

As Featured on Travellady.com

By Heather Burke

A romantic island retreat has become an anniversary tradition for my husband and I (you could even call it an incentive after 16 years of marriage). This year’s Bermuda trip was the loveliest so far. It was Bermudaful (local speak for beautiful).

We found the best of Bermuda at The Fairmont Southampton, all wrapped up in a pretty pink package. The confection colored hotel crowns the 100-acre resort, surrounded by an executive golf course, tennis, six restaurants, and Bermuda’s biggest and best spa.

Each of the palatial pink hotel’s 593 rooms offer water views and while it is not directly on the water (which seems like a hindrance at first), an efficient trolley delivers you to a spectacular private beach club, or to a ferry dock where you can ride a free water shuttle to the capital city of Hamilton or the Royal Dockyard for shopping.

Within a short walk of the rosy Hotel, we discovered some of Bermuda’s best sites; Gibb’s Lighthouse is a must (if you are not afraid of heights). You can climb the 182 steps for the most impressive panorama of the island that $2.50 admission can buy.

Adjacent to the Fairmont’s exclusive beach club is stunning South Shore Park and famous Horseshoe Beach, considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world (deservedly so – I concur). From Fairmont’s private beach, pass through the gate and explore Horseshoe barefoot (just bring a camera). You can walk for two miles along a labyrinth of coral caves and cliffs that jut from the otherwise satiny pink sand.  

Other than that, you really don’t need to leave the inclusive pink property. By day, you can snorkel or kayak right in the resort’s protected cove, take an excursion boat, play golf, croquet or tennis, or do nothing at all but savor the glorious setting and sip a frosty drink delivered by the Cabana boy.

Treat yourself to the Hotel’s Willow Stream Spa one day – you will get a fluffy robe and slippers, fitness facilities, a private indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views of the ocean plus very personal service (with a head-spinning list of the latest a la carte body treatments).

By night, stroll to the Italian bistro called Bacci overlooking the golf course, watch the sunset as you dine beachfront at The Whaler, or bayside at the historical 1670 Waterlot Inn. You will want to save a special night for the four-diamond elegance of the Hotel’s mahogany yacht-inspired Newport Room.

After dinner, soak in the Spa’s Jacuzzi with a splendid sunset (the spa facility is complimentary for hotel guests after 6:30 p.m.), or savor a cool drink with some hot jazz in the cozy Wine Cellar. The Jasmine Lobby Bar is also a happening spot for cocktails and music till late (afternoons, this is the setting for traditional High Tea if cucumber sandwiches are your thing).

If you feel the tug to explore beyond the resort, grab a free ferry from the hotel dock, a cab or bus, or rent a moped - just know that Bermuda roads are narrow and curvy so don’t “pitch a hot” (local term for getting tipsy). Visitors may not rent cars.

After excursions to several beach resorts along the South Shore, to the Naval Dockyard and to the humming port of Hamilton (where you can visit the more urbane sister Fairmont property - The Hamilton Princess), we would return to the Fairmont Southampton and remark that we had the best beach club, best views, best walks and some of the finest restaurants on the island.

Bermuda is a fabled isle (actually a coral reef atop a dormant volcano). Early explorers called it the “Isle of the Devils.” The prominent reefs surrounding the main island claimed over a hundred ships helping make for today’s ideal snorkeling and diving. I did not see any devils throughout the entire romantic retreat, just friendly “onions” (localism for Bermudians). I did spot countless gentlemen sporting brightly colored Bermuda shorts and dark knee-highs – this delightfully proper male dress code exceeded my expectations. I resisted the touristy urge to snap photos of their nickered knees.

And last but not least, Bermuda is reputedly “expensive.” Well, you get what you pay for. Dinners are $30-$40 per entrée, while lunch runs about $15, and the focus on food quality is evident and enjoyable. Don’t go to Bermuda for shopping; instead splurge on top-shelf lodging, spa sensations and creative cuisine at this honeymoon haven.

As Mark Twain said after spending time there, “You go to heaven, I’ll stay in Bermuda.”

Bermuda Do’s and Don’ts

Do bring a water bottle and walk the 2-mile South Shore Park dunes and beaches.

Do meet some “onions” – the local term for native Bermudians – they are truly charming people with a genuine love of sharing tales and truths about their idyllic island.

Do ride the bus – a great way to meet “onions,” and save money on cab fares.

Do ride the water shuttle to Hamilton and the Royal Dockyard, free for Fairmont guests.

Do visit Gibbs Lighthouse, but only climb if you are fit and not fearful of heights.

Do visit Crystal Cave (right near the airport), especially convenient if you time it on your arrival or departure, with lunch at the landmark Swizzle Inn, known for its staggering rum drink and hearty pub fare.

Don’t exchange your money, US dollars are accepted on par and just as readily as Bermudian funds.

Don’t forget the sunscreen, the UV index at this sub-tropical island is a ten plus, intense.

Don’t be afraid to bring the kids, Fairmont Southampton has free Explorer Camp for kids during the day, and Seven Up club in the evenings.

For more information on Fairmont Southampton Bermuda: www.fairmont.com or 1-441-238-8000

Photos by Greg Burke

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