Expert: Michael - 10/6/2011

Question
Hi Michael,

So glad I found this website! My fiance and I are tentatively planning a wedding in May 2012 in Bermuda (just the two of us, on a beach, nothing fancy). We seem to have a good understanding of all of the requirements, etc. But upon endless research of hotels/resorts I have yet to find one that seems luxurious, over the top and better than any place we have ever stayed at. I have looked at Tucker's Point, though it is the priciest, I am willing to pay the money, if it is worth it. But the reviews are all over the place. This seems to be the case with all of the resorts, Fairmont Southampton, Elbow Beach, etc. Newstead Belmont Hills has the most consistent reviews, but we would love to have a private beach in order to get married.

Do you have any suggestions for a resort/hotel that will exceed our very high expectations??

Thanks so much!
Martha

Answer
Hi Martha,
There are simply expensive places and expensive places with Bermudian charm.
Have you considered those with the distinction of The Bermuda Collection?  This may be a name from a few years past, but they are still of a special type and quality.

The places I will speak are of the cottage colony category.  They all are located on, and have a private beach(es) on the exceptionally beautiful southshore.  Pompano Beach Club, Pink Beach Club, The Reefs and Cambridge Beaches.  Of the above I can tell you that The Reefs and Cambridge Beaches have the highest come back clientele. So, of those two I will write.

The Reefs has a lovely beach, with an option for Al Fresco dining at both Coconuts and immediately on the beach, torch lit if you like, with pink sand and all. Their regular dining room  might even tend to be your favorite.  Service is Bermudian and what you would expect.  An infinity pool, English style pub, and the clientele is of mixed age. It is in a good location to visit the various prime beaches of the southshore.

Cambridge Beaches is the competition.  Located a bit further away from Hamilton, but have their own ferry service across the Great Sound for a very pleasant half hour trip to the cosmopolitan capitol of Hamilton.  You will find a small village in the area with a lovely pub overlooking Mangrove Bay. The view is over-the-top. The resort boasts the finest chef in all the island.  Each cottage is appointed with different antiques.  Cambridge Beaches has seven private beaches.

Martha, you can rent mopeds at Cambridge Beaches and The Reefs while bus transportation is excellent from both.

I have always, always preferred a cottage colony.  They seen to enhance an already enchanted island.  

Don't hesitate to write if you have any other inquiries. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Happy planning!
Michael