New York's Mayor Bloomberg is just one of many visitors who have arrived on Bermuda post Hurricane Fabian which struck in 2003, leaving a $180 million mess in its wake. That was the bad news. The good news is that after months of rebuilding and improvements, most of the island facilities are better than ever, including resorts, golf courses, and even restaurants which got a major overhaul after many of them sustained hurricane damage.
Beginning in 2004, U.S. Airways, (tel. 800-428-4322; www.usair.com) launched nonstop service between Orlando, Florida and Bermuda. Currently, the airline operates more flights than any other carrier in summer to Bermuda, leaving from eight U.S. gateways, including twice-daily service from Philadelphia.
USA3000 Airlines, a low fare, full-service airline, is now the newest air route to Bermuda, flying regularly scheduled services from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Launched in the summer of 2004, the airline charged one-way fares as low as $79. Flights depart every Tuesday and Friday. For more information, check www.usa3000.com.
Hotels
In Paget Parish, Mandarin Oriental's Elbow Beach Hotel, 60 South Shore Rd., in Hamilton Parish (tel. 441/236-3535), is the most talked about hotel renovation on island. Gone are the former chintzy florals from Britain. A more Zen approach is on view. Its expanded spa is another feature. Clearly it is the island's most luxurious. Guest rooms now feature Asian furnishings, hardwood floors, and exposed ceiling beams. Most of the rooms and suites were completely redesigned in the wake of Fabian. A special feature is a set of 6 luxurious individual spa suites with pebbled steam showers and granite soaking tubs. Each suite overlooks the hotel's tropical gardens with ocean views beyond. For after dark, the Veranda Bar is Bermuda's first rum bar with a lively Latino beat. With a new and luxurious décor, The Deep, one of Bermuda's hottest spots, has been reopened.
Following a $38 million renovation in 2004, in the wake of Hurricane Fabian, the old Sonesta Beach Resort has emerged as the brand new Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa (tel. 441/238-8122) at Southhampton Beach. There has been an extensive renovation of the public spaces, restaurant and lounges. New landscaping has brightened its 33 acres. All 252 bedrooms have been redone with tasteful, first-class styling. The resort is now Chameleon, serving a first-rate international and American cuisine. A new feature is the lobby level Sazanami with its Japanese specialties such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other fare.
Fairmont Southampton Princess, South and Middle Roads in Southampton Parish (tel. 800/223-1818), reopened for the summer of 2004 after Fabian caused extensive damage to its top floors. Major improvements include a new spa, a restored pool and beach area, and newly landscaped gardens. A recent inspection found the resort looking better than ever.
Pompano Beach Club, 36 Pompano Beach Rd. (tel. 800/343-4155), has made recent improvements and enjoys one of the highest year-round occupancy rates on the island. It has opened a new message and body treatment salon, called "Serenity," and has built four large new rooms, bringing the room count to 60 available accommodations. Many of the bedrooms have been refurbished with a stylishly tropical décor. The Pool Bar restaurant, renamed Coral Reef Café, is a casual dining area offering a set price lunch daily from noon to 5pm. A new fitness center overlooks the water, and comes with cardio vascular equipment, stationary bikes, and other facilities. Twice a week catamaran excursions are offered, with time for snorkeling.
The Four Seasons group has been visiting Bermuda and is in negotiations to bring its deluxe style of living to the South Shore. A 104-bedroom five-star hotel is envisioned. If plans go through, the Ritz-Carlton may rise to the very top of Bermuda accommodations with luxury rarely seen on the island.
Much farther along is the development at Tucker's Point to add a 61-bedroom cottage-style hotel that may open in 2005. The hotel is expected to be run by the celebrated Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia, one of the greatest of all American resorts. The $50 million hotel is part of the $250 million, 200-acre Tucker's Point Club development. A feature here is the Tucker's Point Beach Club, with such amenities as the largest private beach in Bermuda and a freshwater swimming pool with views of South Shore Beach and the Atlantic.
Dining
The hottest new restaurant on the island is Mediterraneo, 39 Church St. (tel. 441/296-9047), in the capital of Hamilton. Franco Caparra is the guiding light behind this honey of a new eatery, with an outdoor upstairs balcony. Already the bar of the restaurant has become a fashionable meeting place. Flavor is paramount here, and the cuisine features an array of fresh seafood, along with succulent pastas and savory pizzas. Meat and poultry dishes are also handled deftly by the kitchen staff, and there is an extensive wine list to back up the tantalizing array of dishes. For inspiration, the chefs roam the world from Asia to Italy, from France to Spain, with stopovers in the Middle East, and the Greek Islands.
The Palm Court at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, 11 Blue Hole Hill in Hamilton Parish (tel. 441/293-0188), has just undergone a major decoration and renovation. Offering casual yet very elegant dining, the setting is one of terra-cotta tiles, mahogany, and a tropical decor. The chefs turn to the island for their culinary inspiration. There is also a new bar, one of the most elegant on island.
A new restaurant has opened at the Grape Bay Beach Hotel, White Sands Rd. (tel. 441/236-2023). Sapori is a fusion type restaurant, its tables opening onto a view of the South Shore. The newly constructed dining choice offers casual yet elegant dining, much of it alfresco on the poolside terrace overlooking the ocean. Freshly caught fish from Bermuda waters is a specialty, but the chefs are also skilled at such dishes as Thai curries, Japanese sushi, and Italian pizzas and pastas.
A New Spa
The Reefs, 56 South Shore Rd. in Southampton Parish (tel. 800/742-2008), one of the best hotels in Bermuda, has opened a new spa. Meaning "serenity," the spa is called La Serena, and it offers, among other attractions, the only authentic and traditional Thai massage on island. There is also a full array of other spa services ranging from reflexology to facials. Another feature is a non-surgical "face lift." One of its spa packages, "night of the Oscars," promises to make you feel like a movie star. For appointments, call tel. 441/239-0184.
After Dark
The smart money is that Bermuda will have casinos within five years. The self-governing British colony may legalize casinos, although there is opposition to it. There is gambling in Bermuda right now, but it's conducted illegally. A decision is expected either late in 2004 or in 2005 by Bermudian Parliament to legalize gambling. Hamilton Mayor Lawson E. Mapp envisions a new waterfront with a terminal building, convention center, hotel, and "possibly" a casino.