Expert: Michael - 3/14/2004

Question
I am planning a 1 week trip to Bermuda in late April for my
90 year old mother and myself. Neither of us can walk great
distances, and I love to snorkel and scuba dive - though I
don't go on daily dives because I don't want her to be all
alone too much of the time. She likes to sit and read by the
pool and go out for dinner to different restaurants. any
suggestions?

Answer
Hi Vickie,

Your question relates two inquires.  Snorkeling and dive resort, and then dinner to different restaurants.

The Grotto Bay Resort is a very nice property.  They have two restaurants on site and are quite close and/or would give you easy access to restaurants via the functional bus system. They have Blue Hole Divers on site as well to meet that need for you.

The bus stop is a very short walk and St. George is only minutes away.  The famed Swizzle Inn is a short walk away as is Baiuly's Ice Cream Parlor.  A minimal taxi ride can take you to Tom Moore's Tavern.  

Do understand that pub dining is big in Bermuda as it is under the queen's influence.  You should not hesitate to enter a pub. The Swizzle Inn, The White Horse in St. George and many in Hamilton.  

With mom being 90 I feel you may want to limit your walking.  So the tiny village of St. George will amaze you.  It was recently listed as a World Heritage Site and deservingly so.  Many shops are locatred there and the village is delightful.  You site on a bench in the Square just before Ordinane Island, rest and take it all in watching the people. A favorite of Linda and me.

There are several restaurants to choose from.  As I mentioned, the White Horse, San Giorgio's and the Carriage House is fabulous for a Sunday Brunch.  You will find others there as well.  Any taxi can scoot you up to Griffin's over looking the harbor or Bluebeard's Hideout for lunch either for dinner or lunch when in St. George or elsewhere.

The layout of the Grotto Bay is percheD on an elevation overlooking Castle Harbour.  I mention this for if you selected it I would recommend a cottage unit on the water.  When you need to go to town or dinner at their restaurant you would simply ask for a gold cart.  I say on the water or at the bottom of the hill so mom would not need to walk up or down to the pool.  Most of the day I suspect would be enjoyed there.

The other alternative without a dive shop and in the twon of Hamilton would be either The Fairmont Princess, a large hotel with all the bells and whistles, or accross the street, The Rosedon which has a beautiful garden/pool area an they offer breakfast delivered to your room, patio or to the pool.  I think of the Rosedon somewhat as a B&B.  It is not far from Front Street and if the walk were too much a taxi ride would be three minutes.  Lots of restaurants in Hamilton.  The Rosedon offers complimentary R.T. transportation to a famed southshore beach.

I hope I have given you a few areas to think of.  Do call the Bermuda Department of Tourism at (800)BERMUDA and ask for some brochures and their Where To Stay pamphlet.

These resorts can also be accessed directly from their website www.bermudatourism.com

Happy planning!
Michael