Expert: Michael - 5/30/2008

Question
My family and I want to plan an All Inclusive vacation.  I am looking for a beach front resort, but the focal point of our decision is the availability of FRESH readily available seafood.  We are looking for a destination that includes seafood, anytime…day or night, in the all inclusive price.  And, I am not talking about peal & eat shrimp and some mahi mahi…I am talking about Lobster, Crab, and maybe even Conch readily available and included in the package deal.  Do you know of any such resort?

Ryan


Answer
Hi Ryan,

There are no all Inclusive Resorts in Bermuda.  The last remaining changed in 2005.  However, Grotto Bay offers an all inclusive package.  It includes air, room, drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as water sports, miopeds and/or transportation and transfers.

Grotto is wonderful and less expensive than most other resorts.  It is on a bay where the beach is not open to the direct sea.  They have water sports available (kyaks, boats, wind surfing etc), a great pool area, and in general it is a nice quiet spot.  Although it is near the airport I have nenver found incoming aircraft bothersome.

The closest you may come to an all inclusive resort in Bermuda is a MAP plan which include breakfast and dinner.  You can get this at most resorts, or even book it through American Airlines or Delta etc so you don't have to worry about the air.  The transfer to and from the airport is seamless and the cost depends on where you are staying.  Approximately $12 to Grotto.  

The food was an issue for you.  All fish in Bermuda is fresh.  Grouper,whahoo, snapper and the like.  Conch?  I've had it.  I don't think it is as plentyful as in the Bahamas. Local lobster, the spiny lobster, is seasonal and New England lobster is not offered everywhere.  I don't think the best resorts on the island would have New England lobster, King or other Crab available on there lunch menu.

My sense is that what you absolutely seek in Bermuda is not available.  However, I can just about gaurantee you a splendid vacation in Bermuda.  Each year I vacation there, and it has been year after year, I eat mostly local fish.  Bermuda has superative chefs with culinary skills.  American, European and local.

A rsort I would recommend to you is The Reefs.  It has a divine pink beach, three restaurants, two indoor, one outdoor and the food is splended and creative.  Find them online, or call the Department of Tourism (800-BERMUDA)to request there brochure.

We favour in a big way there restaurant Coconuts and would recomend it highly.

Happy planning!
Michael