OT Trip Report--Bermuda

[liamsaunt]

John and I went back to Bermuda for a quick five night stay last week, and I thought I would share a brief report and some photos with you.

Where we stayed, the Southampton Princess:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163988115/" title="towards southampton by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/616 ... 5df648.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="towards southampton"></a>


Our view:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163989135/" title="view by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/616 ... 58aa5b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="view"></a>


The pool:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164005405/" title="southampton pool by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/616 ... 89bbab.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="southampton pool"></a>


The hotel beach the evening before the arrival of Tropical Storm Maria. You could see the weather starting to arrive offshore:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164513848/" title="thunderclouds by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/616 ... 3bb7be.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="thunderclouds"></a>


The dive shop was boarded up and hotel staff were busily working to remove all of the furniture from the beach and outdoor cafes:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164516242/" title="getting beach ready by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/616 ... 18e29e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="getting beach ready"></a>


What we did while in Bermuda:

Viewed a tropical storm. Watch out for flying swizzle sticks!:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164518906/" title="hurricane by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/616 ... bdd721.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="hurricane"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163987415/" title="waves by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/616 ... 48fae8.jpg" width="500" height="249" alt="waves"></a>


This very brief video shows how loud the wind was:

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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164519908/" title="windy palms during Maria by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/616 ... d9ef20.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="windy palms during Maria"></a>


Explored the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163991867/" title="gibbs hill lighthouse by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/616 ... 005772.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="gibbs hill lighthouse"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164523824/" title="down by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/616 ... 9338d8.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="down"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163989323/" title="bermuda by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/616 ... 68373e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="bermuda"></a>


Walked along Bermuda’s South Shore and explored the beaches there.

Horseshoe Bay:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164526306/" title="horseshoe right side by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/616 ... fdd9bb.jpg" width="500" height="272" alt="horseshoe right side"></a>


Chaplin Bay:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163997251/" title="chaplin bay 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/616 ... b07e2e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="chaplin bay 3"></a>


Unknown cove:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167286791/" title="rocks 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/616 ... 4af9ce.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="rocks 2"></a>


Jobson’s Cove:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164531434/" title="jobsons cove by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/616 ... 140b52.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="jobsons cove"></a>


Warwick Long Bay:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164531616/" title="warwick long bay 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/616 ... ec0dd7.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="warwick long bay 3"></a>


Visited another property on the island to consider for a future stay. Reefs Hotel:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167286291/" title="reefs hotel by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/616 ... 7784dd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="reefs hotel"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167285791/" title="reefs beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/616 ... ba06f0.jpg" width="500" height="253" alt="reefs beach"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164003321/" title="down at reefs beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/616 ... d55193.jpg" width="500" height="259" alt="down at reefs beach"></a>


Yes please!

Went on a boat trip to go reef snorkeling.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164002537/" title="anchor by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/616 ... 9858bb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="anchor"></a>


Note: The snorkeling in Bermuda cannot come close to comparing to St. John, and the boat operator tried to insist that everyone use a noodle while snorkeling, grr: The coral is plentiful but does not appear as colorful (I am guessing because of the water depth), and the fish are not as abundant.


Black durgeon:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164534810/" title="black durgeon 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/616 ... 701220.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="black durgeon 3"></a>


Sargent major:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167823170/" title="s major by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/616 ... cf244f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="s major"></a>


Where we ate:

Bacci, Italian, at the hotel, only OK.

Jasmine Lounge, also at the hotel, actually quite good.

Provencal pizza:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164518246/" title="provencal pizza by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/616 ... 15a57e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="provencal pizza"></a>


Lobster sliders:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164518030/" title="lobster slides by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/616 ... 61e4a6.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="lobster slides"></a>


Waterlot Inn. The oldest restaurant on the island, I believe. Steaks and fish. Good food, very, very expensive. Too dark inside for pictures.


Coconuts at the Reefs Hotel. Lovely oceanside setting, casual:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164537196/" title="reefs chair by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/616 ... 467f8d.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="reefs chair"></a>


Coconut curried chicken skewers at the Reefs:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164004609/" title="coconuts chicken skewers by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/616 ... 4ca630.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="coconuts chicken skewers"></a>


My favorite, the Ocean Club. We ate here twice.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6163995579/" title="ocean club menu by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/616 ... cfa286.jpg" width="386" height="500" alt="ocean club menu"></a>


The setting:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167281879/" title="ocean club by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/616 ... b89218.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="ocean club"></a>


Signature drink, the Oceantini. It has coconut and I don’t know what else:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167288155/" title="ocean club oceantini by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/616 ... 40f028.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="ocean club oceantini"></a>


Some of the food. Tempura prawns with a guacamole, salsa:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167288489/" title="ocean club tempura prawns by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/616 ... 6e4bd6.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="ocean club tempura prawns"></a>

Local Bermuda tuna tartare:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167823822/" title="ocean club tuna tartare by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/616 ... 96f6a8.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="ocean club tuna tartare"></a>


More tuna with calamari:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167288791/" title="ocean club tuna by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/616 ... 248be4.jpg" width="500" height="348" alt="ocean club tuna"></a>


Wahoo and shrimp:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167824448/" title="ocean club wahoo by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/616 ... a03ba4.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="ocean club wahoo"></a>


Curried rockfish:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6164529766/" title="ocean club curried rockfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/616 ... 338e01.jpg" width="500" height="310" alt="ocean club curried rockfish"></a>


Sunset from the Ocean Club:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167823466/" title="ocean club sunset by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/616 ... 3089c4.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="ocean club sunset"></a>


Second night’s sunset from the Ocean Club:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167282959/" title="pink skies by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/616 ... af9300.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="pink skies"></a>


End of the second night’s sunset:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167284515/" title="pinkest sunset by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/616 ... 5b83b8.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="pinkest sunset"></a>


Bermuda is no St. John, but it is a very special place. The beaches are lovely and the people are friendly. A less than two-hour flight from Boston makes it convenient for a quick trip to the beach. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.

Becky and John


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/6167289067/" title="ocean club us by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/616 ... e68b_m.jpg" width="240" height="135" alt="ocean club us"></a>

[PA Girl]

Just what I needed on this very grey, very rainy PA afternoon when I skipped lunch - sunshine and fantastic food porn!

Have you ever rented a house on Bermuda? I looked at a darling little cottage (very old but nicely restored) for a trip in 2010 but we ended up at Caneel instead.

[lprof]

Thanks for sharing thIs trip... I am ready to go back!

[mbw1024]

thought for sure you were staying at The Reefs. Wonder where the heck I got that from! Looks like a good trip despite Maria!

[AquaGirl]

Thanks so much for posting this. We spent our honeymoon at the Southampton Princess many moons ago and your pictures brought back wonderful memories. It was our first island experience. We were considering going to Bermuda for a quick 5 day trip some time this fall since its so close. I don't know if we can get a NS flight from Washington, but maybe from BWI. I have a couple of questions:
- When we went to Bermuda, every place was really dressy for dinner. It looks like perhaps there are some more casual places for dinner now? St John has spoiled us and I don't want to take dressy clothes, especially for a quick trip.
- Is there any snorkeling from the beach at all, or do you have to go out on a boat?
- Was the water warm when you were there? Last time we went, it was in mid-October and I seem to recall the water was still a nice temperature.
- Did you rent skooters or just take cabs everywhere? I thought you still aren't allowed to rent cars on the island.

One brief funny story from the Princess. We were young and newly married, and had never traveled to a fancy place like the Princess. We were sitting in one of the bars one evening at a little table and playing Backgammon. The manager came over to us and was very upset. He said that no gambling was allowed in this fine establishment. We said "oh, we're married and we aren't gambling. We share all our finances." He was quite irritated and shooed us out to chairs in the hallway. We were quite mystified at the time since we weren't "gambling".

Thanks for any info!

[liamsaunt]

Have you ever rented a house on Bermuda? I looked at a darling little cottage (very old but nicely restored) for a trip in 2010 but we ended up at Caneel instead.

John and I have never rented a house. As you know you can't rent a car on Bermuda, so you are limited to taxis (very expensive) renting a scooter, or the bus. On one Bermuda vacation as a teenager, my Dad accidentally dumped me off the back of his scooter. I have refused to ride one ever since. Not renting a scooter really limits your options, house-wise.

The Southampton Princess is ideally situated for a scooter-phobe like me as it is adjacent to Horseshoe Bay, which is accessible via a gate from the property. From there you can walk to all of the good beaches.

[GotToGetAway]

Thanks for the report. I was just yesterday planning our first trip to Bermuda for next spring/summer when school gets out. It will be after our next St. John trip, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they compare first hand.
All your pictures are fantastic as always!

[bdkane]

Cool report, every year we talk about Bermuda and it always goes to the wayside, this may put us over the edge! Thanks!

[SOonthebeach]

Awesome report and pics yet again. We also have Bermuda on the list- looks like a great place!

[dejavu]

Beautiful pictures! My DH & i have been lucky enough to stay ay The Reefs for the last 3 years for our anniversary. I love it there...sigh. I agree its not STJ but Bermuda is wonderful in another sort of way.Thanks for posting!

[liamsaunt]

B+J in VA, to answer your questions:

1. Without a doubt, Bermuda is dressier than St. John. Many restaurants still require jacket and tie. We just don't go to those. At the "casual" places we ate, men were still requested to wear a collared shirt, and in most cases close toed shoes. John wore light linen shirts, linen shorts, and loafers, and was fine. Most evenings I wore a summery dress and heels and was probably a little underdressed but there is only so far that I am willing to go on vacation! We went to a nightclub a couple of evenings and found that people get very, very dressed up for that type of evening out. Whatever, they still took our money.

2. Yes, there is snorkeling from the beach. You need a boat to get to the big reef, but there is some coral and fish accessible from shore--around the rocks you can see from the shore.

3. The water was 82 when we were there. I found it comfortable. I have been to Bermuda in June a handful of times and the water is too cold for me then. July is very nice, water wise.

4. We walked or took taxis. I won't ride a scooter and you can't rent a car.

That is a hilarious story about the Princess! John and I honeymooned in Bermuda, at the now long-gone Sonesta. Backgammon was one of the only things the hotel offered as an activity! Backgammon, croquet, and shuffleboard! I think we were the youngest people at the hotel by about 20 years or so. The staff would always call out "hi, kids!" when we walked by.

[sailorgirl]

My folks Honeymooned at The Reefs in 1957!

[sea-nile]

Very nice report! It looks like a place I would consider for the future.

[EagleRayLover]

thanks again Becky for such a great TR and so much good info. I love your sunset shots- as always!

[linne]

Thank you for the report and the - as always - fantastic pics. Bermuda seems as a nice place. A pitty (for me) it's so far away from Denmark.

Linne