27 March 2008
Bermuda or Bust!
Posted by Debo Hobo under: Weekend Getaways; Vacations; Kids Activities; Travel-General; International-Destinations .
Say hello to the new Bermuda, where children—even the sandy, boisterous, and finicky variety—are welcome at the most grown-up resorts. It’s just one sign of change on an island that is bouncing back as a vacation destination. Despite all that Bermuda has going for it—proximity to the East Coast (just two hours by plane from New York), a winning semitropical climate (the temperature tops out in the low 80s from June to October and rarely dips below 65 degrees in winter and spring), incomparable pink beaches, and genuinely hospitable locals—visitor numbers had been on a decline since the 1980’s. The staid 21-square-mile British dependency 650 miles off the North Carolina coast paled, it seemed, next to splashy and often less expensive isles in the Caribbean. Several of Bermuda’s mainstay resorts closed in the 1990’s.
Then, in 2003, the island was further battered by Hurricane Fabian, one of the worst storms in recent memory. In the past two years, however, arrivals have climbed steadily, thanks to newly affordable air service (JetBlue’s appearance in 2006 spurred other carriers to cut rates), attractive package deals, and a record number of cruise ships. Many grand but dated hotels and cottage colonies have been renovated, and several lavish new resorts are in the works. And in the historic city of Hamilton, which dealt with the wane in tourism by reinventing itself as a booming offshore reinsurance capital and tax haven, old-time purveyors of Shetland sweaters and linen doilies now have new neighbors selling Jimmy Choos and board shorts.
Which is not to say that Bermuda is entirely turning its back on tradition. To be sure, afternoon tea is served promptly at 4 p.m.; businessmen go to work in jacket, necktie, shorts, and kneesocks; and the island takes a two-day holiday in early August for the biggest cricket match of the year. Still, families will find a new sense of ease here—proof that good times and good breeding can go hand in hand.
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I wouldn’t mind a trip over there right now
Is this the Bermuda Island where there are stories before that when an airplane passes by will be lost in navigation.
I’ve heard Bermuda Island is the devil’s island, if I am not mistaken.
@Eric Go : yes, you may end up at a Martian resort
If you do, however, survive the trip it is well worth it! You may fancy looking at http://www.bermuda-online.org/abcbda3.htm before you set off.