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The Bermudiana Deluxe Rooms in the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel overlook Hamilton Harbour or Pitts Bay |
The Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDT) knows an agent can talk for hours convincing a client to travel to Bermuda from East Coast destinations such as New York and Boston.In the interest of saving your breath, the board suggests using two words: proximity and affordability.
“A lot of New Yorkers probably don’t realize that getting to Bermuda takes about the same time as getting to the Hamptons,” says Director of Tourism William “Billy” Griffith. “We need to get that message across because it’s a lot closer than you think.”
In fact, flights from New York take just under three hours while those from Boston take only two hours. Most major carriers, including JetBlue, Continental, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways fly direct to Bermuda from New York and Boston as well as from other airports throughout the country.
The destination has also never been more affordable. In fact, Bermuda just launched its Endless Summer promotion, which runs till the end of the month for travel up to October 31. Stays at just about every property on the island come with a bonus of one or two nights. Rates range from $175 to $695 per night subject to availability. Visit the BDT site for a full listing of participating resorts.
Apart from the attractive deals, Travel Agent came across other significant developments in Bermuda, too:
Elbow Beach, Bermuda’s recent $5.5 million refurbishment has given rise to 98 luxury cottage rooms and suites with a range of new facilities. The suites and rooms have new entertainment systems, luxurious furnishings, iPod docking stations, espresso machines and upgraded bathrooms.
The resort also enhanced its public spaces with the introduction of The Library, a new recreation lounge with complimentary refreshment station; a new-look business center and gift shop; and upgraded fitness room and new day-use suites.
Additionally, its half-mile private, pink sand beachfront has new sun loungers and private cabanas. Guests can also opt for ocean-side spa therapies at the new spa beach pavilion.
Lido, the resort’s premier restaurant, has secured the services of Executive Chef Guido Brambilla, who has extensive five-star resort experience. Also, Deep Lounge and Nightclub has been revamped and will showcase live events.
Agents should contact Director of Sales & Marketing Randy Wilcott (441-239-9032, [email protected]) and Reservations Manager Latosha Dill (441-239-9064, [email protected]) for more information.
The Reefs Hotel has unveiled The Reefs Club, comprised of 19 two-and three-bedroom beachfront private residences. These are available for purchase on a fractional ownership basis as well as for guest stays. The hotel’s new La Serena Spa has eight treatment rooms, a spa suite for dual services and a manicure/pedicure room with spectacular ocean views.
Oenophiles will love the private wine room, which houses more than 1,000 bottles of wine, in the resort’s Royston’s restaurant. The room is also available for private events.
Also, The Reefs now lends out complimentary Flip digital video cameras to guests.
Travel agent contacts are Reservations Supervisor Sabrina Smith (441-238-0222, [email protected]) and Membership Director Chrissy Frith (866-399-9568, [email protected]).
Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa, built on 200 acres, has a championship18-hole golf course—the Tucker’s Point Golf Club—and the longest private beach on the island.
As part of the hotel’s first anniversary celebrations, it has partnered with the neighboring Mid Ocean Club to enable guests to play on their course three times a week. With an expanded lineup of children’s activities and new villa accommodations, Tucker’s Point is a great option for multi- generational travelers. Contact Director of Sales and Marketing Wendy Zapach (781-779-1700, [email protected]) for more information.
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess recently introduced the Bermudiana House, formerly the Bay Wing, with 113 newly designed guest rooms. Marble entryways, flat-screen TVs and rain-style showerheads are the highlights here.
Its sister property, The Fairmont Southampton, has renovated its guest rooms and public spaces. The bathrooms inside the guest rooms have been spiffed up with new marble tiles, vanities, fixtures and lightings.
While all guest rooms now have flat-screen TVs, most sport new bedding, wall coverings and draperies. Every room in the hotel comes with a balcony. For information on both properties, agents should call 800-441-1414.
Grotto Bay Beach opened The Spa in Prospero’s Cave in June. The spa allows guests to personalize their treatments, which are administered among stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the cave’s ceiling and overlooking a crystal clear ocean-fed lake.
The resort also unveiled its water park—featuring waterslides, super soaker slingshots and a water trampoline—in June. Grotto Bay’s other attractions and amenities include four tennis courts, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, an exercise room, a children’s playground, a dive shop and water sports shop.
For more information, agents should contact Clyde Darrell (441-293-8333, ext. 1905, [email protected]), resident manager, sales marketing.
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One of four swimming pools at Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa |