Known for its pink-sand beaches, pastel-colored houses, shipwrecks ringing the island, and sailboats bobbing in its quaint sheltered harbors, Bermuda offers an idyllic island escape. And while many people assume that it’s in the Caribbean, it’s not--it’s smack in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 650 miles east of North Carolina and about 1900 miles west of Portugal’s Azores. (The flight from New York is only about 2 hours.) Yet the waters are still crystal clear, the weather is temperate, and the foliage lush and tropical. Bermuda is unlike any other island. This British territory retains its British roots--cars drive on the left side of the road, British pubs abound, and cricket is one of the most popular sports--yet it also embodies some Caribbean elements in its cuisine and culture as well as a New England flair, thanks to the large number of visitors who come from the East Coast of the U.S. But Bermuda is an expensive place to visit and live (it’s one of the most affluent countries in the world). Room rates average around $500 per night in season (May to September), but for that hefty price tag, you’ll get luxury, safety, and a serene escape. Bermuda is home to a wealth of luxury accommodations that cater to high-end travelers. Here are a few of the best.
Built in 1908, Elbow Beach hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Bermuda, and today it remains one of the premiere high-end hotels on the island. Managed by the luxe Mandarin Oriental hotel group, Elbow Beach boasts a pool, tennis courts, an incredible spa, a pink-sand beach, 4 restaurants (including Mickey’s, one of the only beachfront fine restaurants on the island), and a coveted beachfront location right on the pink sands that the island is so famous for.
A Luxurious Spa Treatment Suite in the Spa at Elbow Beach
But it’s the spa that really wows. Unlike other spas in Bermuda, the Spa at Elbow Beach is the only spa to offer treatment suites rather than individual treatment rooms. Although there are only 6 suites, each one is sumptuous, with a handcrafted granite soaking tub, a river pebble-lined steam shower, a large private changing area, separate toilet, and a treatment room with a private balcony offering views of the Atlantic Ocean. The divine treatments integrate scents and oils, which are tailored to each guest. The 98 guest rooms, which are spread out in the main building and in cottages over the resort’s 50 acres, are equipped with all the modern amenities you might expect from a hotel of this caliber--Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, plush bedding, and more--but it’s the sweeping views of the turquoise ocean beyond and the stellar service that keeps drawing return visitors year after year.
One of the many outdoor decks at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
Sex, sex, sex. This is hands-down the sexiest hotel in Bermuda, seemingly built for honeymoons and romantic getaways. With no children allowed in the resort’s 94 guest rooms, there’s a level of privacy and serenity here that most other Bermuda hotels don’t offer. Cambridge Beaches bills itself as “the most sensuous address in Bermuda,” and it encourages couples (of any gender) looking for privacy and romance to relax and reconnect at this resort. There's even a clothing-optional deck here where guests can sunbathe freely.
A cottage at Cambridge Beaches
Guest rooms and suites are built in cozy little cottages spread out over the resort’s 30 acres, nearly all offering water views. The poolside suites--with their giant Jacuzzi tubs, mirror-clad wall behind the bed, and private outdoor plunge pool facing the water--were seemingly built for couples. The décor throughout the hotel is a mix of traditional, mod, and contemporary, with bright pops of color (lime green, aqua, magenta) against clean white walls. And did I mention their “Little Black Book”? Browse through their “Little Black Book” for sexy treats and toys, like their best-seller: a lipstick-shaped vibrator--all of which can be discreetly delivered to your room. There’s also a sleek Ocean Spa which offers personalized couples treatments, 4 private beaches, and 3 restaurants on site, including Breezes, offering fresh seafood overlooking the bay. Average room rate: from $653 in season
The infinity pool overlooks the bay at the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa
The big appeal here is the overly spacious rooms, which are more like apartments rather than traditional hotel rooms. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites all come with a fully-equipped state-of-the-art kitchen, dining area, separate living room area, enormous marble-clad bathroom, high-ceilinged bedroom, and large wraparound terrace. There’s also a spa, tennis courts, infinity pool, and restaurant on-site. The Sunday jazz brunch at their Beau Rivage restaurant is very popular with both locals and guests. The Newstead is centrally-located and makes for a good place to base yourself while you explore the island. Although it’s not directly on the beach or golf course, the hotel provides regular shuttle service to the beach and to the 18-hole Belmont Hill golf course. The Newstead is located directly across the bay from the city of Hamilton (there are great views of Hamilton and the bay, especially at sunset) and the hotel provides water ferry service, frequently shuttling guests across the bay and back.
