Take six small islands with pink sand beaches and rocky coves. Link with bridges, causeways and roads to span 22 miles. Add a subtropical climate, generous portions of history, wealth and luxury. Welcome to the dream holiday destination of Bermuda!
22 July 2005
Located in the western Atlantic (not the Caribbean as is often assumed) some 600 miles from the US coast, Bermuda enjoys a year-round subtropical climate thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream and the warm trade winds blowing up from the tropics. This means that in winter, when the mercury drops to below freezing in New York, Bermuda is basking in sunshine and temperatures in the 20Cs. The warm winter climate and short flying time (seven hours from the UK, less than two hours from the US) makes Bermuda the perfect winter escape.
A British colony since the 17th century – the island is a fascinating mix of British conservatism, West Indian spice and American service and efficiency. You still find British traditions like afternoon tea, cricket matches and dressing for dinner. People are unerringly polite and friendly, traffic drives on the left and the speed limit is just 20 miles an hour. Bermuda has an equally long and continuing reliance on its trading links with America. The majority of visitors are from the US, as are the cars and even the currency is on a par with the US dollar. Bermuda’s historic links with both Britain and the US have created wealth and stability and one of the world’s safest holiday destinations with little poverty or crime. The island has never attracted mass market tourism, yet the population enjoys a high standard of living, full employment and no income tax. Such unique attributes coupled with Bermuda’s exclusivity have made the island a tax and celebrity haven - Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are just two of many superstars and rich industry moguls who have homes here.
Looking back on my first visit, I was pleased to find the island less glitzy and glamorous than expected. I was enchanted by the warm seas and pretty coves, the neat houses painted in pastel colours, the lush vegetation and safe, well-cared for ambience. But what impressed me most was the constantly changing weather. Hot sun and blazing blue skies one minute, billowing granite clouds and sheeting horizontal rain the next. Most remarkable was the short-lived inclement weather that magically turned the dark blue ocean to the most incredible shade of milky turquoise.
I was in Bermuda to try a Girls’ Getaway Package at the Cambridge Beaches Resort, a colony of luxurious cottage rooms set in gardens with divine oversized beds and spacious marble bathrooms. The short package is designed to appeal to women of all ages, and offers a short relaxing sunshine break away from the gloom of the British autumn and winter months.
You certainly couldn’t wish for a more perfect setting - a stunning location on Bermuda’s north west tip surrounded by five pink sandy beaches. As well as a quality spa – more of which later – the resort offers a wealth of leisure amenities including water sports, croquet, tennis and membership of all the island’s golf courses. Unashamedly romantic, there is even a resident romance expert to create the perfect setting for marriage proposals, and couples can be whisked away to a private island for a gourmet dinner under the stars!
To save guests the hassle of a road journey (there are no hire cars in Bermuda, just scooters, buses and taxis), the resort runs a free ferry service to Hamilton, the island’s friendly capital. Here you can shop til you drop in tempting boutiques tax-free, or explore the labyrinth of departments that make up Trimingham’s store, where you can buy anything from designer fashions to tea towels. Make time for afternoon tea and a spot of people-watching on Front Street, where the cruise ships tie up – after which the smart little ferry takes you back for dinner in one of Cambridge Beaches’ three restaurants.
Girls Getaway packages include a number of fun activities such as horse riding on the beach, golf and tennis lessons with a professional coach plus some serious pampering in the Aquarian Baths and Ocean Spa. Overlooking the ocean, the 10,000 square foot spa has proved so popular since it opened in 1998, that Spa Director Michael Ternent is planning to extend and update the facilities.The spa is on two levels, upstairs the Aquarian Baths with a full-length indoor pool, solarium (with retractable sunroof) and exercise areas; downstairs the Ocean Spa with changing and relaxation areas, hair and beauty salon, wet and dry treatment rooms, steam baths and saunas. The spa menu offers an extensive choice of traditional and holistic massage therapies, Guinot facials and skin care, slimming and detox treatments, sun tanning, pre and post natal treatments and a full range of hairdressing and grooming services. All the therapists are trained to exacting British standards, and certainly both my treatments were highly professional and enjoyable experiences. The Signature Spa Revitaliser included a back, hand and foot massage using refreshing lemon essential oils combined with a cleansing and hydrating facial. I also tried the Ocean Mud Reflex therapy – just before returning home.This was so relaxiing that for the first time in ages, I slept on the overnight flight back to Gatwick. I’m already saving up for my next visit to paradise!
FACT BOX
Four night Girls Getaway Breaks at Cambridge Beaches are available through Prestige Holidays (01425 480400) and cost from ?1246 per person based on two sharing. Price includes return scheduled flights with BA from Gatwick to Bermuda, private taxi transfers, half-board accommodation with water view, welcoming champagne and selected spa treatments and activities.
www.cambridgebeaches.com