Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Melissa Strayton, Travel Consultant at our Colchester travel agents, recently took a short to trip to Bermuda. She enjoyed some excellent outdoor activities and got a sneak peek at some of the best hotels on the island.
Destination: Bermuda
Operator/Host: Bermuda Tourist Board/ Prestige
Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name): Fairmont Southampton
Airline: British Airways
Duration: 4 Nights
British Airways:
We flew economy both ways and the flight was comfortable with good entertainment. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food was nice, with dinner being better than the breakfast.
As we arrived late, we had 10 minutes to check in before meeting in the lobby for snacks at Waterlot at the Dock. The Waterlot was amazing. The food was lovely, the staff were very attentive and there was brilliant entertainment which created an excellent atmosphere. It is always very busy down there so they recommend booking a table for dinner. The rooms at the Fairmont Southampton are the biggest leading rooms I have seen; I had two queen beds, a walk-in wardrobe, balcony, two sinks and a bath with shower. All the rooms have a sea view, although some of the leading rooms are partially obstructed. This is not a major issue though and I would not hesitate to recommend them. There are also Fairmont Gold rooms, which offer a separate check-in on the 6th floor, access to the gold lounge and upgraded rooms.
This is a luxury hotel; the rooms are very spacious and elegant. I felt very relaxed at this property and the beach was incredible. I had eggs Benedict for breakfast, which would usually cost around $27.
This property is very modern and contemporary, with lots of art. I loved the grounds, restaurants and atmosphere here. The rooms we saw were lovely, but they were Signature rooms (this is 3 categories above the leading). Most of their rooms have been refurbished or are currently under renovation.
This is an all-suite property, overlooking Hamilton Harbour. The rooms are very spacious and some can interconnect to create two-bedroom suites. Breakfast here is an additional $26pppd.
This is an old property that is now adults only (13 years +). A lot of the hotel has been refurbished, including the rooms, and they offer sea hammocks on a first come first served basis. This seemed to be very popular with the guests.
Grotto Bay is the only all-inclusive option in Bermuda which includes premium drinks, bus & ferry passes. All the rooms here are being refurbished but, unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to see a refurbished room. The spa here is the best I have ever and will ever see! It is in a cave with crystal clear water surrounding the massage beds and I would highly recommend anyone booking a treatment here, regardless of where they are staying. The hotel will take bookings over the phone or by email for the spa.
I was very apprehensive about doing the cycling tour to begin with, as I hadn’t been on a bike for 10 years. But once we got going it was great fun and an excellent way to see the island. Our guides were brilliant and stopped to show us forts and beautiful beaches along the way.
Our group was very lucky to have a glass-bottom boat to ourselves. This trip was excellent; very relaxed and we stopped to go snorkelling for an hour before returning back to the port.
Tobacco bay is great if you fancy a lively atmosphere in the day or evening. They have music playing, activities going on and it is in a beautiful setting on the beach, where you can also enjoy some snorkelling.
Due to rain, our group was lucky enough to get a chance to see the Crystal Cave. This is one of the most popular attractions in Bermuda and is truly beautiful.
It was my first experience of jet skiing and I loved it; we had so much fun. We were out for around an hour and a half and had a quick stop on a small beach. Our guides were brilliant with us and the jet skis were very easy to drive.
Jet skiing and the glass bottom boat.
I would definitely recommend Bermuda to holidaymakers without hesitation. It is a very beautiful island and everyone is so friendly. I didn’t realise how much you could do there. Whilst it isn’t a cheap destination, it is worth every penny.
I would like to thank Steve, Paul, Lisa and Prestige Holidays for giving me the opportunity.
Must see? Crystal Caves
Must do? Jet Skiing/ Boat Trip
Must try? Rum Swizzle/ Dark & Stormy
If you would like to arrange your own luxury holiday to Bermuda, we can plan all of the finer details for you. Drop by one of our travel stores on the south coast or East Anglia to speak to a member of the team.
