Beautiful Bermuda...within your reach

Brian Telfer on 07 May 2011
If you’re looking for a holiday with lovely pink beaches, spectacular azure waters, and the possibility of chilling out or getting as active as you want – Bermuda might be your answer.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the flight to Bermuda is less than 7 hours from London, so you arrive feeling relatively fresh and ready to start your holiday.

Bermuda has been described as the Switzerland of the Atlantic because it is a first world country, with all of the attributes of a tropical Island. It’s only 21 miles long, so it’s easy to get around and a fabulous beach or view is never far.

ACCOMMODATION AND CUISINE This year I was in Bermuda as a guest of the Bermuda Tourist Board, staying at the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. It’s a classy, peaceful resort, on a private peninsula featuring cottage-style rooms and suites. I stayed in the Emmet suite – very spacious and well appointed, with large bedroom, bathroom, and separate lounge area.

The resort’s reception area in the historic main house is decorated along colonial lines and has lovely lounges in which you can relax. The Port O’Call bar is in the same building, and complimentary afternoon tea is served there each day – sandwiches, biscuits and scones & cream. A lovely treat to enjoy on the terrace.

Going for dinner in the Tamarisk Restaurant with its friendly professional staff and amazing menu, made each evening special. An extensive breakfast was also served in the Tamarisk restaurant. We relaxed over good coffee and the British newsletter, while looking out over Morning Beach, one of the four private beaches. Bliss...

THINGS TO DO On our way to Breezes, the beach bar and restaurant overlooking Long Bay Beach, we came across the Labyrinth, a lightly landscaped area, providing a home for wildlife. During our walks there, we came across the Koi carp, a turtle sunning himself, and birds such as Longtails and the yellow-breasted kiskadee.

We also made good use of the tennis courts, putting green, croquet and table tennis. The hotel has an acclaimed European wellness centre, the Ocean Spa. In addition, we enjoyed sun-bathing on the terrace, with its infinity pool and impeccable service from the staff in the nearby Shutters bar & restaurant.

Another nice touch is the complimentary mini-bus from the hotel to the Naval Dockyard, where you can wander around the shops or go and see the dolphins. We did both, and then hopped over to the capital Hamilton by ferry, for lunch and then back to the hotel by bus – in itself an adventure.

For walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers, a visit to the Bermuda Railway Trails is highly recommended. The hotel can also arrange marine rentals.

HOW TO SUM UP MY VISIT TO BERMUDA AND CAMBRIDGE BEACHES? Best holiday ever. Cambridge Beaches is a wonderful location. The beautiful, clean beaches; the pink cottages and historic main house filled with Bermudian and English antiques; and the friendly, attentive staff, all create a stress-free oasis for a perfect vacation. Bermuda is beautiful and the people very friendly. I have visited Bermuda before, so I have insight to other hotels as well. Please contact me for details of the latest hot offers.

PS. OPTIONAL EXTRAS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE - Meet and Greet: We were met at the airport, and the car taken away. The car was there waiting for us on our return to the UK. So there’s no standing around waiting for buses or struggling onto them with your luggage.

- Airport Hotel: We booked the Sofitel for the night before our flight and on our return to the UK early in the morning. It was a great way to start and end the holiday.

- Airport Lounge: A little oasis away from the hubbub of the airport, with newspapers, drinks and snacks. A new lounge has just opened up in North Terminal, so we’re looking forward to trying that one next time.