The first-ever "Hurricane Guarantee" program offered by 16 of the island's top resorts was announced in Bermuda in the summer of 2006. Under this program, and in the event of a hurricane, guests are allowed to cancel their reservations without penalty within five days of hearing that a storm is approaching Bermuda. In the event the island is directly affected by a hurricane during your vacation, you will not be charged for a room, food or other key services at a participating hotel when normal service is not available. Additionally, if a participating hotel has to close, the guest will be invited to return for a complimentary stay within one year from the reopening of the damaged hotel. Participating properties include such deluxe establishments as Cambridge Beaches and Wyndham Bermuda. For more information and a complete list of hotel participating in the program, call tel. 800/BERMUDA or log on to www.bermudatourism.com/7.1.aspx.
British Airways (www.britishairways.com) has increased its services from London to Bermuda from five to seven days a week, making the island far more accessible for European visitors. By early 2007, Bermuda will welcome Spirit Airlines (tel. 800/772-7117), which will launch a flight to the island from its hub in Detroit. Spirit is currently purchasing a new fleet of Airbuses to make the flights.
The inaugural flights of JetBlue (www.jetblue.com) from New York's JFK Airport have had an enormous impact on tourism to Bermuda, increasing the volume of summer visitors. Since the first flight on May 8, 2006, bookings have continued to rise throughout the summer on this new nonstop flight. The service is twice daily from JFK in New York. In addition, United Airlines (www.united.com) recently began new service from Washington's Dulles airport, with flights leaving on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Where to Stay
With numerous hotel plans in the development stage, it's predicted that Bermuda will grow from almost 6,500 rooms at present to 7,500 rooms by 2008. When the former U.S. Navy Base at Morgan's Point is developed, Bermuda may boast 10,000 hotel rooms, something once thought "unbelievable."
Scheduled to open in December of 2006 is the Newstead and Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 27 Harbour Rd., Paget (tel. 441/236-4001; www.newsteadbelmonthills.com). The hotel will combine traditional Bermuda architecture with modern design, and a limited number of luxurious suites will be available for purchase under a shared ownership. The special feature of the full-service resort will be the entirely redesigned Belmont Hills Golf Club, a 6,100 yard, par 70, 18-hole links. The other special feature will be a state-of-the-art hotel spa, with multiple treatment rooms. A privately scheduled ferry service will run between Hamilton and the resort.
The final renovations were completed in the summer of 2006 on Bermuda's most popular hotel, the Elbow Beach Club, 60 South Shore Rd. (tel. 441/236-3535; www.mandarinoriental.com). Upgrades were made not only to the bedrooms, but to the full service spa and fitness center, the five tennis courts, and the Olympic-size pool. The program of water sports has expanded, the 24-hour room service improved, and many upgrades made to the already varied dining program which now features a Seahorse Grill and even Mickey's (not the mouse) Beach Bistro & Bar.
Also at the Elbow Beach Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Spa has opened six suites -- oases where clients can spend hours or even the entire day in total comfort. The suites, each with an ocean view, are spacious, Zen-like retreats, where even your shoes are removed and replaced with spa sandals. Suites have granite soaking tubs, showers lined with river pebbles, and bamboo floors, plus everything is decorated in soothing colors with warm textures. The spa's holistic treatments turn to such exotic destinations as Bali for their inspiration.
What to See & Do
A tour of the Botanical Gardens starts at 10:30am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, taking you through 36 lushly planted acres. Guests meet at the Berry Hills entrance near the Botanical Gardens Visitor's Center. On the Tuesday and Friday tour, participants stop in at Camden, the official residence of Bermuda's Premier for a look around. The Botanical Gardens lie at 169 South Road in Paget Parish (tel. 441/236-4201).
After hurricane damage, some of Bermuda's natural beauty spots were badly damaged, but today, some 850-acres of trails, parks, and preserves are up and running again, attracting birders and naturalists. The best months for birders are from September to April. You can explore natural attractions, such as the 34-acre Spittal Pond Nature Reserve on South Road in Smiths Parish on your own, or else join one of the many tours offered. Local eco-heritage groups offer these interpretative tours filled with fascinating natural sights. To learn what's available at the time of your visit, contact the Bermuda Audubon Society in Hamilton (tel. 441/235-5513; www.audubon.bm).
Shopping
Between 7 and 10pm every Wednesday night, Hamilton Harbour Nights are staged along Front Street in Bermuda's capital. Wednesday late night shopping has become a festival, with street performers, horse and carriage rides, a variety of live entertainment, and arts and crafts exhibitions. Naturally there's a food court and even children's activities.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Bermuda Message Boards today.