OT - Anyone been to Bermuda?

[ewatkins]

My husband and kids (9 and 11)are going to Bermuda with his parents for a week in June for their 60th anniversary. Any suggestions on activities, restaurants, etc.? I've heard the restaurants are formal and we need a few places we can escape to with the kids, with lighter food and a more casual atmosphere. We are staying at the Southhampton Princess.

[mariakj]

You are so lucky! The Southampton Princess is a beautiful hotel. My husband and I stayed there on our honeymoon 3 years ago and were blown away by the beauty of the island. They have such a lovely beach there (unfortunately you have to take a little trolley to get to it). Restaurants are all pretty pricey and dressy. If you are looking for something really special I recommend the Waterlot Restaurant. I think you get something like a $30 per person meal credit if you go there. It is lovely and the service is impecable. Also, another really nice dinner is at the Newport Room in the hotel. We had one of the nicest most memorable meals of our married life there. Lots of table side service and silver domed entrees. Very che che, but worth it. If you want something a little more casual try taking the ferry into Hamilton one afternoon. Great shopping and cheaper/more casual restaurants. There is one little Italian place in Hamilton called the Tratorria (I think, I will check on that for you) that made us feel like we were in Italy, not Bermuda. Lots of casual places to have lunch there too.

Let me know if this helps and I will try and look up some of the places we went.

[Beth]

I stayed there once too long ago to give you good recommendations, but it was probably my favorite of all places. Perfect time to go and perfect place to stay. You can take the kids horseback riding. I can't remember how old you have to be to drive a moped, but if you can rent a couple, it's a fun way to scoot about the island and discover. Hope you love it.

[Mandy]

You will LOVE Bermuda! I've been twice and can't wait to go back. Let me warn you, food is expensive. While you're there if you want a very quiet beach go to Warwick Long Beach. You'll have the entire beach to yourself. You can also walk down the beach and find these little coves that are wonderful! Have fun!

[chefbec]

I've been there twice. Once was about 25 years ago and we stayed at a little B & B but went to the beach at the Southampton Princess. It was gorgeous there, so I know you'll enjoy it. I can't remember any of the restaurants we ate at. Sorry! But I do remember the mopeds being a lot of fun. The second time I went was from a cruise, so I didn't do much there. Have a great time. It's a beautiful place from what I do remember!

[Debie K]

We have been to Bermuda every year for the past four years, we LOVE it!!!!!! Wish I were going with you! Be prepared, it's expensive, and you are unable to rent cars on the island, so to get around you must taxi, walk, or rent mopeds, which we did (FUN!) but not good for little kids. Traffic is opposite what we are used to, so be careful. Go to the Naval yards, spend some time shopping in Hamilton, and make sure you hit Elbow or Coral Beach (they are close to your hotel, I think). Go up in the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, REALLY cool. Any restaurant we tried was wonderful - I couldn't get over the yummy food. You are so lucky!!! Have fun, and let me know how your trip was when you return! Oh, Devil's Hole is cool also, fish, sharks, and morays to see there - kids will love it

[Debie K]

Oh, a few more things, it's HOT there, take cool clothes that repel the sun, and take sunblock. I got the best tan of my life there, but you might not be into that. Again, wish I was going with you!!

[ewatkins]

Thanks for the ideas. Mariakj, I would love the names of some casual places to eat.

[Sarahsmile]

Hi
This is my first time posting. I have subscibed for years though. I just got back from Bermuda. We stayed in a guest house near Hamilton. I agree about the Itallian restaurant. They also have a great wine bar. The swizzle Inn is famous and would be a good lunch spot. Be very careful of the rum swizzles-they creep up on you. Snorkling is a lot of fun. The crystal caves would also be fun for kids. The food is expensive but, excellent.

[Star]

Ha! So am I!! My good friend and I are going on a cruise June10-17 to Bermuda. It will be my second time there. Trust me, it's a great place to be! The people are wicked nice and the swimming is excellent. Have fun and wear lotion!
~Diona

[KarenNC]

Mopeds are alot of fun for the driving generation. A good way to see the entire island. Beaches are pink with coral. The SouthH. Princess is nice. You have to cross road to beach.

[SusanL]

Loved it 11 years ago, Oh my! We stayed at the Hamilton in town. There is an old railroad track that you can walk along from Hamilton to the South Hampton Princess, took us all day but we were able to see things on the island you cannot see from the touristy sites. Many games of cricket, small bars and restaurants - I cannot remember the names. We then took the fairy back, it was the most romantic day!! Wish we were going with you!! Enjoy and tell us about it when you return!!

[Debie K]

Re: casual restaurants - any of the restaurants along the main street in Hamilton are casual, even the Italian one that has been mentioned. During the day most things are casual, in the evenings in the hotel they like you to dress, in general dress conservatively. Short shorts, skimpy tops and bathing suit tops are frowned upon in public places, as are bare feet. Remember their british reserve and you'll be fine. I can honestly say we didn't have a bad meal there at all. Just can't remember the names of the restaurants. We ate at almost everyone along front street. Try the Bermuda onions!!! And Crab Cakes!!!