Expert: Nan - 1/21/2009

Question
Hello Nan,
We are considering Bermuda for an April trip with our 10 month old twins.  We are not at all resort people and (without the twins) have always found the most unique, tast of the locale kind of places in our travels.  Obviously we will be limited to beach, easy hiking... Can you recommend a Guest Houses that would be okay with babies and/or parts of Bermuda that might give us the most flavor?  Thank you!

Answer
Meghan, as I said earlier, this is an excellent question and I'm not at all sure that I can answer it fully.  But, since I'm not a "resort person" either, I'll do the best I can simply because you sound like my kind of traveler!  (I've never traveled with babies either, so I'm at a real loss there.)  First of all, April in Bermuda doesn't offer the warmest water to enjoy for persons of any age, so just be aware of that.  My first trip to Bermuda, though, back in the '80s was in late April and we did enjoy snorkeling, etc.  I bring this up because lots of folks think Bermuda is in the year-round-warm Caribbean, which it's not.  Only 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Bermuda waters can be a bit chilly.  My choice housekeeping apartment is Sound View Cottage in Southampton.  It's small, ideally located and owned by Bermudians.  From here you can walk to Horseshoe Bay (just down the hill and across the road).  I imagine this wouldn't be too difficult with twins in tow, but again, I've never traveled with infants so I have NO IDEA!  Sound View has only 3 small efficiency apartments and a small nice pool, an outdoor barbecue and a marvelous view of the Great Sound and beautiful sunsets.      A bus stop is just down the road and very convenient.  So, that's my first choice.  But you'll need to travel in May, because Sound View is open only from May to October.

Now, so I won't leave you with little to no useful information, I've posted a question about "travel accommodations with 10-month old twins" in the Bermuda Forum at www.bermudashorts.bm.  I once found this forum very helpful and I hope you do too.  So far, one reply suggests you check out www.bermudarentals.com. Indeed, there are many lovely rental properties listed on this site, but I can't vouch for this service.  You might check it out.

Since you're not a "resort person" you'll need to decide how you'd like to get around with two babies since there are no rental cars at this destination.  Cab?  That sounds like a good idea.  They are plentiful with friendly and helpful drivers.  Scooter?  NOT.  The buses are a fine way to get around and you can obtain passes which are also good on the ferries.  Speaking of ferries, they are a great way to see the beauty of Bermuda from a seaside perspective.

One thing about resorts, if it's easy beach access you need, consider the Southampton Princess.  I know it's BIG, but Horseshoe Bay is across the street and there is transportation available to the sister hotel in the city of Hamilton which means you might not need to worry much about how to get to the beach or elsewhere.  Also consider the Elbow Beach resort.  Like the Princess, it's on the beautiful South Shore, and you'll have easy beach access.  Sorry, just had to throw that in.

What do 10-month old babies like/need to do?  I haven't a clue, BUT, the Aquarium, which is near Shelly Bay, is an option for a day trip.  Shelly Bay is family-oriented with food/refreshments and gentle waters for small children.

Please check out www.bermudashorts.bm and visit their forum.  Surely there's a person or two out there who can be of more help than I've been!    Let me know what you decide!  YOU can help ME learn about traveling with babies.  Best Regards,  Nan