Expert: Michael - 8/15/2004

Question
hi  michael , just want to know what you think of grotto bay for my honeymoon , me and my wife to be. we are in are early and late twentys, and like to have a good time drinking,going in the ocean , pool, dancing oh is grotto bay romantic too.  so do you think this place is for us or do you have a better place in mind.
            thank you
               jeff &amy  

Answer
Hello Jeff and Amy,

I will tell you just what I think about Grotto Bay, its potential as a honeymoon place and why.

Congradulations!

I am supposing too that you have never been to Bermuda.  What a treat for you!  Bermuda is a delightful destination for any age.

Grotto Bay has always caught my eye while driving over the causeway from St. George and Kindley Field.   To me it is quite impressive and have always entertained the idea that one day we would stay there.  Just recently we visited the property and Linda, my wife, stated "Why haven't we ever stayed here?"  So with a little good fortune we will oneday stay there.  So many places and so little time ...

O.K.  Grotto Bay is set within Castle Harbour.  The beach is lovely.  Because it is set in the harbor is is protected from the surf. If you are the types who like to body surf or be lifted of your feet as a wave comes in, it won't happen here.  On the other hand, the beach is perfect for submerging a lounge chair right in the water and laying there reading a book till the tide causes you to move it.  hehe.  The later is my personal preference.  

For those days that I would like to go to an open beach it would be a 25 minute bus ride to Hamilton then a transfer to a bus going to the southshore (another 15 minutes), either Horseshoe Bay or the streatch of beach from Warwick Long to Horseshoe.  This can be walked for an adventure and beauty you would never forget (I recommed this expedition, getting off the bus at Warwick Long and walking to Horseshoe).  The pool area is nice and Blue Hole Water Sports is onsite where you can rent kayaks (single or double), a whaler, sunkats and various other water items.     

Grotto Bay has excellent access to the very functional bus system.  Twelve minutes to St. George, and fifteen to John Smith's Bay.  The Southshore and Hamilton I previously mentioned.  So I personally think the location is very good.  Other would say it is too far away from anything.  I can't see that.  It is within walking distance to the famed Swizzle Inn, Crystal Caves, Baily's Ice Cream Parlor and the Perfume factory.  You no doubt will spend time at the Swizzle Inn.

The lanscape of Grotto is beautiful.  Really.  Because Bermuda is an inactive volcano the vertical from street level to the ocean seashore is a pretty good clip in most areas.  This appies to GB too.  Some units are at the beach level while others are above and overlook the beach level and ocean.  The main building with checkin and restarants is above.  So no matter if you stayed on the shore or above, walking the vertical will be required, but not a major thing.  I just wanted to mention it.  If most of my time was spent on their beach I would request a unit on the shore, and maybe moped up to wherever I am going.

The landscape also inludes a cave or two that are intriging which you can explore.  Over all, this resort is lovely, clean and well kept.

As for dining at GB I would say beware.  This is based on my previous experiances dining att he resort.  I would not pruchase the MAP meal plan.  Only the breakfast, Bermuda Plan.  There are several wonderful places to dine in Bermuda, the Swizzle Inn for one.  Tom Moore's Tavern is not far as are several good restaurants/pubs in St. George.  Pubs.  That's right.  Do not think that pubs are a step below.  Bermuda is under the influence of the queen and pubs are a big part of Bermuda.  Here you won't be charged outrageously either.  A couple of my favorite places to eat are the White Horse Tavern and San Giorgio's both in St. George.  The Sunday Brunch at the Carriag House, also in St. George is a fabulous take for short money in comparison.  For a special night out we almost always select Coconuts at the Reefs.  It is outdoors, alfresco, at the Reefs and the five course gormet menu is pri fix.  Portofino's is a favorite in Hamilton for anything Italian too, including pizza.  Lunch or dinner.  All hotels will welcome you to dinner, not just restaurants.  There is a magazine available, Dinning Out In Bermuda, that I would recommend to you when you arrive.  It lists all the menus and lunch times and dinner times with costs and it indicates who makes available Early Bird specials.

I think Grotto Bay is romantic.  The beach is pristine.  The grounds are ideal to walk about in the daytime and evenings. It is very much Bermudian in decor, service and surroundings.  It would put Linda and I over the top for sure.  It is colorful in pastel shades and lush.

I would hesitate to do the All Inclusive package.  I already mentioned dining elsewhere.  A moped may be in order for you.  We go with a double seater.  It gives us access to exploring and going when we want. When going to town for dinner the bus may be the way if you are dressed to the nines.  Better than having your brides dress flowing from her waist out behind the scooter.  hehe

I can't say anything about dancing Jeff.  I do not ever go dancing, but do know there is a place in Hamilton maybe called the Ozone.

Other places, those on the Southshore that would be a better choice, would also crank up the cost substantially.  I believe Grotto Bay is the very best deal in Bermuda for what you get.  And it has it all.  Once again, the down side is dining, but that could have changed as things do change.  For us it was just OK.  Others would say it is too far away from anything.  I think not.  Some may say it is too close to the airport.  Balony!  

Good times drinking will be had most definately at the Swizzle Inn.  And a Dark & Stormy at their outdoor bar will put you two in Bermuda time.

Do write if you have any further questions.  Both you and your new bride will love Bermuda.

Happy planning!
Michael