Expert: Michael - 4/18/2007

Question
My husband and I were in Bermuda four years ago with friends and stayed at the Elbow Beach hotel.  We loved it.  But this year we are thinking of going the first week in August with our three children ages 20, 17 and 13.  What hotel would you recommend for teens?  They are interested in a relaxing beach vacation with golf nearby if possible.  

Answer
Hi Teri,

Thanks for writing.  It's taking me away from three days of a rain onslaught causing my basement to slightly flood.  I'd rather be in a hurricane in Bermuda as Linda and I were with Fabian.  hehe.

Teri, I feel that as many people you asked this question may give you a different answer.  So I am speaking from my experience and with honesty can say "why wouldn't this work for Terri too?"  I recently recommended these places to a couple getting married.  As I think about it, I would recommend the same to you and your family.

I do not know if finances are a concern and will assume they must at least be considered.  Five travelling!  
Who-ahh!  My preference would be that my family be together, that the kids have unhindered travel with places they can safely roam and explore, have a variety of water activity, access to lovely beaches, and probably the most important ... dining both onsite and near-by.

I like very much what Grotto Bay has to offer.  All of the above.  Perhaps the rooms would be connecting rooms, or have two double beds and a couch.  That I am not sure.  Do check them out.  They are on the bus line, and have caves right there, areas to snorkel, a lovely calm beach, outdoor bar overlooking their beach, a pool, and water sports on site.  Grotto Bay is really nice. It is not on the southshore, but that could be a morning or day trip.

Linda and I visit Grotto Bay each trip.  Someday we would like to stay there.  To us it is idyllic.  A lovely property less than fifteen minutes from the airport.  And my assessment of the rates is that it is much less costly than the larger hotels (Elbow types), or even smaller ones such as Coco Reef.

A second consideration is a very nice property in St. George. The St. Georges Club.  The resort won an award many years ago when it was developed as being the most beautiful in the world that year when it came on line.

It is infact a timeshare that rents cottages to the public.  They have 1BR and 2BR units.  The 2BR is what you would be interested in.  It sleeps six very comfortably having a sleep sofa in the living room.  The cottages have full kitchens with dining room and living room and two bathrooms (one off each bedroom), a patio with lounge chairs and tables, maybe a grill too.  This would work perfect for your family.  

Terri, do note that the timeshare gunslingers will not hastle you about buying a timeshare.  That is a definite.  At the Monday night Manager Welcome Swizzle Party they may make mention of it in general and that's all.

They have two restaurants (one a pub) at the resort and a restaurant "Blackbeard's Hideaway" overlooking their private beach club at Archillies Bay which is a short walk away. A van is provided.  It is next to the St. George's Golf Course which is government operated and would not kill you on greens fees.  It is an extreme eye candy course. The back nine are all par three.   When on occasion I play, Linda drives a cart just for the views.   

The property features three swimming pools. My son and I once stayed laying out in the pool all night watch the stars with our heads resting on the pool's stairs talking about where we would snorkel tomorrow.

The grounds are lush and gorgeous.  If you selected this resort each person would have to purchase fifty dollars worth of dinner money to be used at their restaurants or for ordering food and drinks from around the pool or go to their BBQ etc.  How bad is that?  It is their way of ensuring the restaurateur stay in business.  The view from the main dining room is spell binding overlooking St. George's harbour.  

The resort is on Rose Hill only a three minute stroll to the sleepy town, the bus stop, and sufficient restaurants/pubs.

Snorkeling is good in Archillies Bay and Tobacco Bay.  The perimeter of St. George can be walked if you are a walker.  Downtown, up Cutt Road to Gates Fort, around Barry on to Fort St. Catherine and past Tobacco Bay and through the golf course back to the club.  There are forts along the way, a glass beach where you can hear the tinkle of glass with each lap of water rolling gently onto the seashore.  We collect the sea glass.  Their privatet beach is divine.

I would recommend you look at the website of both Grotto Bay (http://www.grottobay.com)and the St. George's club (http://www.stgeorgesclub.com).  The latter has some nice pics on the expedia.com area when googling.

Happy planning!
Michael