Frommer's Review
At the ocean's edge, with a sandy beach just a 2-minute walk away, secluded Ariel Sands is one of the best cottage colonies in Bermuda, though not quite in the platinum class of Cambridge Beaches and Horizons. This is a quiet place, popular with well-heeled families looking for a summer retreat. The grounds are nicely landscaped, with flowering trees, coconut palms, and one of the most original sculptures on the island -- Seward Johnson, Jr.'s stainless-steel statue of Ariel, who dances like a water sprite on the surf.
One of Ariel's part-owners is Diana Darrid, the mother of actor Michael Douglas (and ex-wife of film legend Kirk Douglas), and the family has contributed $5 million to the resort's recent refurbishment. It looks fresh and bright -- better than it has in years. In chilly weather, a double-hearth fireplace warms a reception lounge and bar area. The smallish rooms have private entrances. They're attractively decorated, with white walls, cool pastels, Bermudian flower paintings, straw matting on terra-cotta floors, and bentwood furniture; most have private porches. The art in many of the private and public rooms is based on themes from The Tempest, and guest rooms have names such as Miranda's Cabana, Sea Nymph, and Prospero. The midsize bathrooms with tub/shower combinations are handsomely tiled and well maintained.
The first-class health spa offers such services as beachside massages, aromatherapy, skin and hair treatments, and a full exercise facility. Complete health and fitness appraisals are available, including programs devoted to nutrition, cardiac risk, and lifestyle health issues.
Facilities:Restaurant; 2 bars; 1 heated freshwater and 2 saltwater pools; 2 tennis courts (both lit for night games); health club; spa; outdoor hot tub; snorkeling equipment rental; moped rentals; room service; babysitting w/24-hr. notice; laundry service; private beach.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
