Expert: Michael - 4/19/2009

Question
I am hoping you can help me.  My husband and I are planning a trip to Bermuda in early October.  We are torn between staying at the Cambridge Resort or the Fairmont Southampton.  Any suggestions would be great.  Also, is this a good time to go or should we go earlier.  We want to be able to swim and do water activities.

Answer
Hi Wendy:

Thank you for writing. Honest. I love to think about Bermuda.

You have selected a wonderful destination that will absolutely capture your senses.  Everything about Bermuda will appeal to you.  Real eye candy.  Bermuda is seemingly enchanted.

Most of the years Linda and I visited we have selected October.  Good all around weather, but maybe a bit more rain days, but not enough that it ever ruined our vacation.  October will bring to you 79.5 F as a high and 70.6 F as a low.   The surface sea temperature will be 76.8 F and you can take that to the bank.  The numbers are from a fifty year mean and the ocean water changes very, very, slowly.  Shorts would be comfortable in the daytime.  Today we prefer end of August or beginning of September which is just a tiny bit warmer.

Both hotels you are considering are exquisite. Not knowing you
I would not lead you one way or another.  Both are top notch.  But let me tell you the differences that may help your decision.  

Fairmont Southampton is perhaps the biggest hotel on the island.  I really don't think you would even loose the personal touch here.  They do it right and have been doing it right for years. The resort is huge and has a beautiful beach club on the famed southshore, as well as a par three golf course right there. They provide a shuttle to take you the short ride down the hill and across the street to their beach club. All the bells and whistles you would expect from a premiere hotel will be offered here.  Several restaurants too!

The Cambridge Beaches are in the category of a cottage colony and is among the best of the cottage colonies in Bermuda. Perhaps the best one of the finest two. Here you will have several beaches just outside your door and you may perhaps find yourself secluded on a beach if you choose. The seaside resort property is extremely beautiful.

Each cottage at CB is decorated with different antiques, you will encounter fewer children and could expect most definitely Bermudan hospitality.  Very hospitable.  The resort is said to have the best chef on the island too.  Linda and I have never stayed there but it is on her hit list (along with The Reefs).  Cambridge Beaches have their own ferry that would ride you across the Great Sound to the cosmopolitan capitol, Hamilton, for a day or lunch or whatever. CB is quaint, very quiet and has a high come-back clientele. Think about that!

So you can see that that selection really depends on your likes and dislikes, your style.  If you are into nightlife the Fairmont would have more for you.  If you are seeking a quiet special time then Cambridge Beaches would be for you.

Linda and I are not into shows and waverunners and the like.  So we would obviously select CB.

Either way Wendy, once your selection is made don't second guess yourself.  You're getting what you pay for.  It will be perfect.

Happy planning!
Michael