Expert: Michael - 1/16/2007

Question
Thank you so much for you time. I know that you recommend a few other places. What was your favorite to stay at? My priorties are a clean, nice room, a wonderful beach, in a hotel that is not isolated..
Look forward to your answer!
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
what do you think of coco reef resort for a honeymoon? i have read reviews and some say that the rooms are not that nice. do you have any recommendations about this hotel or any others?
thank you!!!!
leyla
-----Answer-----
Hello Leyla,

Bermuda is the island.  Coco Reef is the place.  A most beautiful Southshore beach.  The sole owner newly renovated the resort in and out.  The rooms have new fabric designs and the wicker furniture was custom made to reflect traditional Bermudian.  Pastel colours, original paintings ... it was spectacular to begin with.  

Leyla, not 100% of people would select a particular resort.  Don't let a few cloud your judgement.  The location is excellent.  The beach may be considered the 1st or 2nd loveliest stretch of pink sand.

Linda and I have visited Coco Reef when it was the Stonington Beach Hotel.  Two thumbs up.  I would go in a heartbeat.  

You may checkout their website at www.cocoreefbermuda.com
It is a wonderful website with pictures of the rooms and common areas.

Enjoy your honeymoon Leyla.  Of course you will ... and don't forget your Kleenex tissue for when it comes time to depart.

Happy planning!
Michael  

Answer
Hi Leyla,

I don't have to think much about your question.  The Sonesta is the first place we stayed when selecting Bermuda as a vacation destination.  It is situated on a peninsula on the southshore and the grand building was the shape of a crescent moon.  The service, food and Boat Bay were excellent. It was almost too much to take in.  I mean as we approached, the site was breathtaking and we couldn't speak.  The door man greeted Linda with a kiss on the cheek and when I turned towards our luggage he barked Don't touch that!  You're here to enjoy your vacation.  The room was great overlooking the beach, palm trees, hibiscus, and hillside of volcanic rock prolific with oleander.  Linda wept as we awaited our transfer back to Kindley Field.

But that was our experience.  And you will have yours.  You will have beauty everywhere you turn.  You will smell the fragrance of the island and here the sounds of Bermuda.  

If appears your mind is made up for a respectable place, or one of higher quality. The Sonesta is no longer and recently renovated after being sold to the Wyndham chain.  They have added a water park behind the beach at Boat Bay and added new buildings around Sinky Bay.  It is still a sight to behold.

Your requirements for a clean, nice room and wonderful beach would be met at any of the upper end places along the southshore.  Your desire to not be too isolated may be relevant but I'll give it my best.  The island is only 22 sq. miles.  You could cover it on a moped in a day seeing many things or just riding.  So from that perspective you can't be too isolated.  Other than staying in Hamilton it's not like you will step out your resort and walk to an area for whatever you enjoy.  Shopping is in Hamilton, many if not most restaurants are in Hamilton, the Ferry service is out of Hamilton.  So I wonder what don't you want to be isolated from?

The prime resorts are on the famed southshore.  Ariel Sands, Pink Beach, Pompano, The Reefs and Cambridge Beaches, Elbow ... Coco is next to Elbow and the beaches are adjacent to each other.

There are a group of cottage colony's with the distinction called The Bermuda Collection. Cambridge Beaches is furthest away from Hamilton.  Pompano is next furthest.  The Reefs are next (next to the Reefs is the Wyndham), then Ariel and Pink.

Cambridge and the Reefs enjoy the high come back cliental.  The best of the best.

Leyla, it would be a great  disservice to yourself if once you selected a place that you second guess yourself.  Remember, it's not only in where you stay, but where you are.  And Bermuda is enchanted.  You are in for a big treat and will make memories I'm certain that will haunt you to return.

Let me suggest calling 1(800)BERMUDA and request a Handy Reference map, Transportation Guide and brochures for first time visitors.  You may see these places I mentioned on the Bermuda Depatment of Tourism website (www.bermudatourism.com) or just Google any of them.  Like Pompano Beach Club Bermuda, or Ariels Sands Bermuda, or Pink Beach Club Bermuda or Cambridgwe Beaches Bermuda.  I think you've got it <smile>.

Don't hesitate to write Leyla, should you have any other questions.

Happy planning!
Michael