Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
foundations. And within a cottage colony whose exterior boasts an almost universal
shade of pink (they call it pompano pink; lovers refer to it as Valentine pink), how
could romance possibly take a back seat? See p. 74.
THE
best
PLACES FOR
FAMILIES TO STAY
Bermuda is more kid-friendly than any place we know in the Caribbean or The Baha-
mas. It's a safe, clean environment in a politically stable country. Nearly all Bermuda
hotels go the extra mile to welcome families with children, but the following are our
top choices.
W
The Fairmont Southampton
(Southampton Parish;
&
866/540-4497
in the U.S.
and Canada, or 441/238-8000; www.fairmont.com/southampton): From June
through Labor Day, this hotel features the best children's program in Bermuda.
Children 17 and under stay free; and if the parents choose the MAP (breakfast and
dinner included in the rates), kids also get free meals. With its many sports facili-
ties, including two freshwater pools and six tennis courts, the Fairmont is definitely
for families who enjoy the sporting life. The former Touch Club has been rede-
signed as Lenny's Loft, a social center for children's activities. From Lenny's Loft,
kids are taken on excursions around the island. See p. 68.
W
Elbow Beach Hotel
(Paget Parish;
&
800/223-7434
or 441/236-3535; www.
mandarinoriental.com/bermuda): This longtime family favorite, on one of the best
beaches in Bermuda, allows children 17 and under to stay free when sharing a
room with their parents (though be aware that only some rooms are really big
enough for an extra person). It also offers a year-round “Family Value Package,”
which grants very low rates for four people (usually two children and two parents)
and includes buffet breakfast, 4 hours of babysitting, 1 hour of paddle-boat rental,
2 hours of tennis, and free passes to the zoo and aquarium. Call the hotel or ask a
travel agent for details. See p. 69.
W
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
(Hamilton Parish;
&
800/582-3190
in the U.S., 800/
463-0851 in Canada, or 441/293-8333; www.grottobay.com): With its excellent
summer children's program, this hotel attracts many families. It sits on 8.5 tropi-
cally landscaped hectares (21 acres), so guests usually don't mind its relative isola-
tion across from the airport. The pool has been blasted out of natural rock, and
there are subterranean caves to explore. Beachside barbecues and other activities
make this a lively place. See p. 74.
W
Sandpiper Apartments
(Warwick Parish;
&
441/236-7093;
www.sandpiperbda.
com): This is a viable alternative to the big resort hotels and their high prices. This
apartment complex, located a short walk from a beach, attracts self-sufficient
families who like to buy their own groceries and cook in their rented apartment to
cut down on the lethal dining costs of Bermuda. The accommodations are spacious
and suitable for families, but they're far from luxurious. See p. 82.
W
Rosemont
(Pembroke Parish;
&
800/367-0040
in the U.S., 800/267-0040 in
Canada, or 441/292-1055; www.rosemont.bm): It's a 15-minute ride from Elbow
Beach, but this complex of cottages is another good choice for families who like to
rent units with kitchens to keep dining costs within reason. A tranquil spot, each
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