Expert: Michael - 1/22/2007

Question
Hi Michael,

My husband and I planning a 4 night stay in Bermuda in late Sept/early Oct.  We plan to hang around on the beach, do some sightseeing and shopping, and eat at good restaurants.  

We are torn between the Pompano Beach and Coco Reef.  I have heard some not-so-great reviews on Coco Reef, but the location on Elbow Beach and near Hamilton is a plus.  Pompano is supposed to be wonderful with it's beach, access to the bus/ferry stops, etc.  We definitely want to eat at different sections of the island, so don't want to be tied into a MAP plan.  Which resort do you think would be best for us?

Answer
Hi Karen,

Thanks for writing.  It is too long between vacations and this is a pleasant help between times.

Pompano is a delightful cottage colony.  If there were not so many great places to stay I would return to Pompano in a heartbeat.  There are two, maybe three, draw backs that might work against you staying here.  1.)  There pink sand beach is small.  Very small.  The ocean is immense and shallow for a great way out.  Great for frolicking in. Hehe.  2.)  The location is a bit further away from Hamilton and may be, just may be, less suited for a place to be home to explore the island.  There are nice railway beds nearby for moped and you really wouldn't be that far from the lovely southshore beaches by moped, or bus.  But certainly a distance more for dining around.  3.) The distance from the bus stop to the resort is more than a short stroll.  however, Pompano offers a van for drop off and pickup.  This would  be something worth thinking about.  That is to say upon returning in the evening after dinner there isn't a phone to buzz them to come and get you.  You were mislead to think it is near a ferry stop or shopping villages.  Perhaps Somerset would be the closest snmall village with pub, ferry stops and shopping. Being somewhat remote would make it quiet and nice.

That may be sufficient for you to draw a conclusion.  

Coco Reef has a most beautiful beach.  As you mentioned it is inline, or next to, Elbow Beach.  Coco's juxtaposition to places on the island for visiting and out dining is more suited for these things.  A taxi would cost you less to Hamilton.  A bus ride to Hamilton or St. George would be shorter by several minutes. And you would be in the midst of the finest southshore beaches.  The small resort has recently been completely renovated and is under new ownership/management.

Late September or early October will be delightful.  The air and sea surface temperatures will be perfect.

Once you have selected where you will stay Karen, don't second guess your choice.  It will be fabulous.

Happy planning!
Michael