Who has been to Bermuda?

[Skinz4Life12]

Is it a good vacation spot? I'm looking to go somewhere with my girl this summer that is out of the country and has warm sandy beaches.

Bermuda seems like a good choice for several reasons but I would like to hear from those of you who have been there.

Can you please tell me about your experiences, good and bad? Do you recommend it or not? Which hotels do you recommend and what are some fun things to do?

If you don't recommend it, why not? And is there another country that you would recommend as a great vacation spot that fits what I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance!

[Maximus71]

Is it a good vacation spot? I'm looking to go somewhere with my girl this summer that is out of the country and has warm sandy beaches.

Bermuda seems like a good choice for several reasons but I would like to hear from those of you who have been there.

Can you please tell me about your experiences, good and bad? Do you recommend it or not? Which hotels do you recommend and what are some fun things to do?

If you don't recommend it, why not? And is there another country that you would recommend as a great vacation spot that fits what I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance!

I have been there, expensive as hell though but only a short flight away. You can not drive on the island, you can rent mopeds but let me warn you about the locals driving and the cab drivers. Tourist die all the time on the mopeds so I suggest you cab it. Its British colonial, you drive on the opposite side of the road.

The island is small yet beautiful. Have fun!

[KingGibbs]

Been there. Absolutely beautiful. Not much of a partying atmosphere, but if you are looking for a romantic spot? Bermuda would be a good one.

It is quite possibly the cleanest place I've ever been to. They do drive like maniacs and as mentioned, take a cab.

I HIGHLY recommend going to Horseshoe Bay beaches. A little slice of heaven and they have a cove you can wade in and have beautiful tropical fish swimming around you.

[Skinz4Life12]

which hotel did you stay at KG?

[dwbiggs]

Spent 5 months there in the Navy back in '84...guess the base is no longer there. Like previously mentioned not a big party atmosphere but very beautiful, and clean. I don't remember any depressed areas like you would find on some of the Caribbean islands.

We took bikes all over the island but that was then...don't know how traffic is now. If you aren't used to mopeds I would take cabs though...everything is close.

We frequented the Swizzle Inn for there Rum Swizzles...a must. Snorkeling is another must do.

Been wanting to take a cruise back there but haven't gotten to it yet.

[Mufumonk]

Bermuda is a beautiful island. You will complain about service taking too long but keep in mind that they are on "island time". It's a very laid back atmosphere. It's a British province so the standard of living is very high compared to most island resorts. It's very clean which I'm sure you'll appreciate if you've ever been to Jamaica, the Bahamas, etc.....

We stayed at the Reefs and loved it. It was a bit pricey compared to some of the other places we looked at but it was worth it. Although, my sister in-law has great things to say about Tucker's Point (I think it's only a year old).

If you're a golfer then don't forget to pack your clubs. You'll want to take the better half to the Crystal Caves, and the Botanical Gardens. If you're a history buff you should definitely go see the Royal dockyard.

And like others mentioned.......avoid the mopeds.

[Skinz4Life12]

^^thanks for the info. how much was the reefs per night? around $500?

[GoSkins561]

My cousins own Trininghams and my uncle has a house there, unfortunately I have never been. My mom went for 2 weeks a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it.

As far as your ideal vacation, have you looked into the all inclusive resorts?

[DeanCollins]

Great place to vacation and I highly recommend it. I like to stay at the Elbow Beach Resort http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda/. It's centrally located on the Island. Renting scooters is awesome and you can ride to all parts of the Island in a couple days. I lived in Bermuda as a young child. Dad was a Navy pilot and we lived on the base, that is now the Airport. Bring $$$$

[Warpath11]

I was there last summer (end of June) on a cruise so I did not have as much time there as others (3 days), but it is very beutiful and clean. Very expensive as others have mentioned and the beaches are great but very tiny (the ones I went to). I would recommend it as a vacation spot to anyone.

[Titans&SkinsFan]

I went there on a cruise a long while ago...it was very fun and very beautiful. I want to go there on a cruise again in the near future.

[SoCalSkins]

I went last year. Food sucks for the most part. Service is horrendous everywhere. Island itself is very nice and scenic but is older. I would never go back.

[Skinz4Life12]

seems like everyone who was in the navy in the 80's was there

its also crazy how you can go stay at some 5 star resorts in vegas for next to nothing, where as some of these resorts charge a minimum of $700 per night

[KingGibbs]

which hotel did you stay at KG?

The floating kind. Royal Caribbean.:D

[MassSkinsFan]

I went last year with my wife. We loved it. We rented a moped and went all over the place. The driving was cake, but we live in Boston area, which is probably the most insane urban driving in US so not a problem.

As mentioned, it's a Brit system, so you need to be OK driving on left (and crossing streets etc.). We stayed at Coco Reef, which is right next to Elbow Beach, but much much smaller. It was great - private beach, nice mellow bar and decent food.

We went to Elbow Beach one night for dinner, but it was a huge faceless compound with too many people and not much character. We went to another hotel restaurant in the middle of the island and it was amazing food, but the sommelier was a pain in the ass. He wouldn't let us finish the last 1/3 bottle because he claimed he wouldn't let us drink sediment. When I tried to pour it myself he ran across the room and pulled it out of my hand (from behind - I'd have stopped him otherwise). Another night we took a cab into Hamilton and ate at an African restaurant - very good. We checked out the botanical gardens, the caves, a museum and some local stores, including the nearby supermarket. Good stuff.

Bring money - it's not cheap at all. But, if you want a nice mellow romantic getaway with swimming everyday and a few great distractions, this is the place.