Although Bermuda is often grouped together with the Caribbean, geographically the island is located in the North Atlantic, less than 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Its close proximity to the U.S. east coast makes it a natural choice for those looking for a sophisticated island destination with crystal clear waters, pink sandy beaches, world class golf and old fashioned British service. If you thought that a vacation to Bermuda was too expensive during spring and summer, think again. Combine rising temperatures with budget carriers introducing new routes from the east coast, and this may be the best time to visit this alluring destination.
Starting on May 4, 2006, JetBlue (tel. 800/538-2583; www.jetblue.com) will start flying non-stop twice daily from New York to Hamilton (Bermuda). The current one-way fare is listed as $129 for flights departing midweek in May and June, with a slight increase ($5) for flights in July and August, 2006. Following is a selection of Jet Blue midweek getaway packages to Bermuda during the month of May. Prices include round-trip airfare and five-nights' accommodations, based on two people traveling together:
- The oceanfront Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa located on Bermuda's south shore, from $884
- The oceanfront Grotto Bay Beach Resort from $956
- The historic harbor front Fairmont Hamilton Princess from $1,041
Liberty Travel (tel. 888/271-1584;¿www.libertytravel.com) has a package that includes round-trip airfare from New York, Newark or Boston to Hamilton, four nights accommodation at the five-star Fairmont Hamilton Princess, round-trip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges from $1,119 for Monday to Friday departures from May 1 to November 30, 2006. Add $60 from Philadelphia, Atlanta or Washington, D.C. and $120 from Miami.
They are also featuring an expensive and indulgent seven-night romance package that includes round-trip airfare from Boston, New York or Newark, seven-nights' accommodations at the four-star Elbow Beach Hotel, round-trip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges, a four-course candle-lit dinner in your room for two people, a couples massage (80-minutes per person), an aromatherapy petal bath, a bottle of champagne and chocolates. This is priced from $2,399 per person. Add $40 from Philadelphia, Atlanta or Washington, D.C. and $125 from Miami. The package is valid for Monday to Friday departures from May 1 to October 31, 2006 and must be booked by October 17, 2006.
Cheap Caribbean (tel. 800/915-2322; www.cheapcaribbean.com) always has a few great deals that can get you on your way to Bermuda. Their current special is at the oceanfront Grotto Bay Beach Resort where guests can enjoy three private beaches on Bermuda's most protected ocean waters. Pay for four-nights' accommodations in an ocean view deluxe room and receive the fifth night free. The package is priced from $959 per person based on dual occupancy and includes five-nights accommodation and round-trip airfare from New York for travel between May 11 and October 31, 2006. Additional adults sharing the same room pay $659 and children pay $469. This deal must be purchased by April 9, 2006.
Apple Vacations (www.applevacations.com) is featuring the following Bermuda specials: Travel on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in June, 2006 and enjoy round-trip airfare from Newark on U.S.A 3000 and four-nights' accommodations at the adults-only Harmony Club situated on a hillside, two miles from Hamilton and minutes away from Elbow Beach from $999 per person based on double occupancy. Travel on the same dates and stay at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from $1,159. Flying from Boston, travel any Wednesday of Thursday in May or June, 2006, and get the same deals from $945 (Harmony Club) and $1,099 (Fairmont Hamilton Princess), or from Charlotte for $929 and $1,089 respectively.
Travelocity (tel. 888/872-8356; www.travelocity.com) has a package that includes round-trip airfare on Continental Airlines from Newark and a five-night stay in a Coco Coral Cabana at the three-star 9 Beaches Resort situated on 18 acres of private waterfront land in Somerset Village Sandys, including continental breakfast daily from $877 per person including all taxes based on dual occupancy. Or stay in an ocean view superior room at the Grotto Bay in St George with round-trip airfare from New York from $941 per person including all taxes, valid for midweek travel during the month of May.
From Boston, fly Delta Airlines and get five-nights' accommodations at the Harmony Club from $1,060 per person including all taxes or for $1 more get breakfast to at the 9 Beaches Resort, or stay at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from $1,170 including all taxes. This offer is valid for midweek travel during the months of May and June 2006.
Low-cost carrier U.S.A3000 (tel. 877/ 872-3000; www.usa3000.com) currently has non-stop flights from Baltimore or Newark to Hamilton from $89 one way. These fares are for midweek departures during April and May 2006. Taxes range from approximately $21 on the outbound sector to almost $60 on the return sector. For more information about Bermuda, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/bermuda and www.bermudatourism.com or call tel. 800/BERMUDA.
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