Expert: Nan - 3/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: I want to take my family to bermuda this summer and my 13 year old wants to bring a friend so there will be 5 of us.  I would like to know what month to go, June, July or August and what resort would be best for the kids.  We definately want an ocean front resort if possible.
Thanks so much.

ANSWER: Hi Terri,

The short answers to your questions are:  July and The Elbow Beach Hotel.  Here's a longer version of the answers:  if weather is a factor in your choice of month for your trip, I suggest you visit www.bermudaweather.bm.  On this site you can research - with very little effort - the air and water temperatures for every month over the last several years.  Then you can plan accordingly.  If activities are what you're interested in, visit the Bermuda Tourism website and take a look at the calendar of events in these months to see what's happening.  In terms of ocean front resorts (and there are not many), my choice would be Elbow Beach.  Lots for the whole family, a beautiful beach all in a nice location (a good mid-way place from which to explore the other "ends" of Bermuda).  Keep in mind that you didn't mention any budget in your question, so I have nothing to go on in terms of what you're looking to spend.  Another resort you might consider is The Southampton Princess (not directly on the ocean, but only a stone's throw away with plenty to do on site). These, as you can imagine, are top-dollar resorts, but with all the amenities you'd expect.

Hope you find this helpful!  Enjoy!  Nan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the information on Bermuda.  I have another question.  There are two Mandarin hotels, one southhampton, one hamilton.  Do you know which is better to stay.  Also, what would be your third choice for families?  Elbow beach is booked for the weeks I am looking.   Thank you so much!  I definatley need a family freindly hotel for the kids, ages 10 and 13.

Terri

Answer
Hi Terri,

When I received your query, I did some quick research and found that Elbow Beach is now a Mandarin property.  But as of this moment, I don't know what property in Hamilton is a Mandarin property nor do I know which Hamilton you're referring to. (There is Hamilton Parish on the North Shore and the City of Hamilton.) Sorry about that!  The City of Hamilton is not on the ocean, but it is in Hamilton Harbor. Since Elbow Beach (which is in Paget Parish and not Southampton) is booked during your preferred time, why not try The Southampton Princess, which (as of last month) is a Fairmont property.  It is on the South Shore and just across the road from the Atlantic Ocean.  Don't let crossing the road worry you at all.  It's so close, the only thing you can't do is walk out of your room and directly on to the beach (which you can do from most if not all rooms at Elbow Beach).  Plus, you can trolley under the road so you won't even know it's there! A short distance to the beach.  Since you mentioned you'd like to be on the ocean, my choice would be the Southampton Princess.  From tennis to golf, swimming to snorkeling, there's lots to do (you can also enjoy these amenities from the Fairmont Hamilton Princess location, but you will shuttle/ferry to get to them - which can be a nice adventure in itself).  I don't mean to confuse you!  Both Fairmont properties are top-notch.  Also, please check out Pompano Beach Club and Pink Beach Club. Both are on the ocean, but at different ends of Bermuda.  It all depends upon what your budget will allow!  Both offer stunning ocean views.  Contact me again with any further questions.  Nan