Those of you who have traveled to Bermuda know what makes the island special–pure pink, soft sand beaches, azure Caribbean seas, top-tier hospitality, award-winning restaurants, friendly locals, well-traveled visitors and a quaint downtown. For those of you who have not yet experienced beautiful Bermuda, this coveted island–just a hop, skip and jet set away from Atlanta–is waiting to make your eager acquaintance.
Bermuda is pristine. From perfectly paved roads and beautiful pastel residences to scenic landscapes and amazing beaches, this well-kept island has attracted the world’s savviest travelers for decades. Pleasing the most discerning island guests is The Reefs Hotel and its newest addition, The Club. In operation for more than 60 years, The Reefs always has been an extraordinary place, but even more so now due to the appointment of Atlanta’s own Philippe Haddad, who this past year was named the resort’s director of food and beverage and its executive chef. If the name is familiar, that is because you have no doubt sampled Haddad’s fare at his namesake Belgian restaurant in Buckhead, Philippe’s Bistro, or at Atlanta’s highly regarded Country Club of the South, where he was also executive chef.
Since moving to Bermuda last summer to oversee culinary operations at The Reefs, Haddad has garnered a reputation as one of the island’s very best chefs. Locals and visitors flock to the resort’s three different restaurants, all helmed by Haddad, making it a chef-driven hotel. This trio of culinary hot spots has newly created menus conceived by Haddad, raising The Reefs’ already prominent stature even higher. In fact, the resort won Condé Nast Traveler’s Best of the Atlantic Caribbean for 2010, a huge honor for a locally owned and operated resort, but just one of its many accomplishments in its storied history.
The Reefs first opened in the 1950s. In 1981, David Dodwell, the resort’s hotel manager, purchased the property along with investors who just happened to also be long-time visitors of the property. Dodwell has been presiding over the resort ever since, ensuring that guests have a memorable stay each and every time they visit–not surprisingly, they always do. Considering that 50 percent of resort guests return annually, I’d say that Dodwell is doing something right, and something very different than other resorts.
After experiencing The Reefs firsthand, it’s obvious why the guest return rate is so steady–and so high. Just 65 rooms and suites, including seven cottages with Jacuzzis and 19 recently opened Club residences, comprise the perfectly sized resort. The Reefs also just happens to be the only Bermuda hotel situated right on its own secluded beach, providing guests easy, direct access to the island’s sandy shores. This is no ordinary beach, mind you. The sand is pure, clean and pink, and the water shimmers with shades of Caribbean blue–one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen (and I have seen a lot). Comfortable chaise lounges line the shore for lazy days of beachcombing. Adventurous guests will find kayaks for complimentary use, while sunbathers will no doubt appreciate the quality attention they receive from beach attendants, there to serve food and drinks. Infinity-edge pools–one for the main resort and another for the Club–also provide an enticing diversion on a sunny day.
When it comes time to be in your room, you’ll be hard-pressed to find reason to leave it, even when the beach beckons. Forty-five guest rooms–seven poolside, nine superior, 17 deluxe and 12 premier–comprise accommodations at the main hotel, all of which are styled in classic Caribbean décor and boast partial to full ocean views. The resort’s three Point Suites feature luxurious bathrooms with large Jacuzzis, separate rainwater showers, double sinks and step-down sitting areas facing private ocean-view balconies with outdoor Jacuzzis. Its eight Junior Suites, also with step-down sitting areas facing private ocean-view balconies, offer beautiful bathrooms with soaking tubs and walk-in rainwater showers. The lone Longtail Suite has a separate sitting room, ocean-view balcony and elite bathroom with Jacuzzi, while seven one- to four-bedroom ocean-view cottages are located in the gardens of The Reefs, equipped with additional amenities that include free long-distance access, a toaster, microwave and private patio with outdoor Jacuzzi.
Yes, a variety of guest accommodations is available at The Reefs, but one word of advice: reserve the most prized rooms available, The Club residences, which are available to book or for fractional purchase. Non-Bermuda residents are not able to wholly own property by law, so fractional ownership is your best option in this pink paradise. With the market down, now is the perfect time to purchase a prime piece of Caribbean real estate with nothing but upside, including flexible and generous use. Owners may vacation at The Reefs Club as often as they wish, subject to Club reservation policies. Owners receive a 10 percent discount to The Reefs’ three fine dining restaurants and new La Serena Spa, which are shared by both properties. Another added bonus of ownership, The Reefs Club is also a member of the Elite Alliance, a vacation exchange program for owners at a select, growing family of luxury residence clubs.
Club residences, all with surreal beach and ocean views, are abundantly spacious with 2,143 to 2,556 square feet of indoor/outdoor living spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a large terrace that wraps around from one master bedroom to the other with a living room in between. A private Jacuzzi makes an ideal spot to share late-night cocktails while waves crash beneath you and stars glitter above. With exact same styles, Club residences are available with two or three bedrooms (one-tenth ownership of a two-bedroom residence starts at $350,000; a three-bedroom residence starts at $410,000). Residences come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi. Both main bedrooms are masters and feature king-sized beds dressed in fine linens and huge bathrooms with stand-alone tubs, partially glass-enclosed, rain-head showers, and luxe L’Occitane amenities. Closets are also large and boast custom-built interiors. Pre-stocking your refrigerator and pantries to your specifications is a nice option available to guests. State-of-the-art kitchens make dining in a breeze, but a better option is to book a chef’s dinner with Haddad, who will cater a specially created meal just for you and your guests.
If staying in for a special chef’s dinner, that’s one thing; but if not, head to Coconuts, the resort’s award-winning beachfront restaurant–it simply does not get any better. Perched perfectly atop a coastal bluff, this satiating eatery offers to-die-for views to complement its selection of top-notch Mediterranean-style Caribbean-inspired cuisine and cocktails. If romance is what you’re after, this is the place. For the ultimate dining experience, book one of six private tables on the beach enveloped by the starry glow of tiki torches, soft sand underfoot and the best view imaginable with the ocean only 30 feet away. Each beachside dinner comes with a bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne Brut, perfect for celebrating the good life. These tables book up fast, so do yourself a favor and make your reservation way ahead of time.
Favorites at Coconuts include the seared yellow fin tuna, a must-try starter, followed by the South Shore Bermuda fish chowder and pan-seared rockfish filet and Thai barbecue seared salmon entrées. But no matter how tempted you are to lick your plate clean, leave room for dessert; it’s well worth the calories (trust me).
Ocean Echo and Royston’s are Coconuts’ fabulous sister eateries. Ocean Echo, boasting a décor reminiscent of a luxe ocean-liner dining room, offers awesome views and, weather permitting, terrace dining. The delectable menu is filled with Continental-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Favorite selections include Blue Point oysters with tuna carpaccio and flat bread with Emmentaler cheese, for starters, followed by entrées such as the seared Atlantic grouper and herb-crusted rack of lamb.
Feel like dressing up? Reserve a table in the “jacket required” Royston’s. Open only for dinner, the New York steak house-inspired restaurant prides itself on its top-quality steak cuts, chops and braised meats, as well as an array of delectable side-item delights. Must-tries include the chopped salad with smoked duck breast and the duo of seared sea scallops and crab cake starters, followed by the 8-ounce center-cut beef tenderloin, coriander and smoked paprika-rubbed grilled all-natural pork chop, or the 16-ounce Aussie braised lamb shank with blue cheese risotto. The food is seriously to die for and worth the trip alone.
With a farm-to-table dining philosophy, Haddad buys as much local produce from Bermuda’s Wadson’s Farms as is available and has fresh fish delivered right to his kitchen by OverProof Fishing. And new for the season is Haddad’s fresh catch program, which he created in partnership with OverProof Fishing. This unique program provides guests with the ability to go out on the boat to catch their very own “catch of the day,” which the good chef will then cook to guests’ specifications upon their return. Initiatives like these continue to elevate The Reefs’ already amazing culinary profile.
I’d be remiss not to mention the over-the-top, award-winning brunch that is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. From an innovative Asian station with super fresh, just-rolled sushi and sashimi to made-to-order omelets, mixed-to-order pasta, and delectable entrées like rack of lamb and stuffed pork loin, the array of culinary creations at this vast brunch buffet is impressive. Oh, and let’s not forget the dessert table with yummy bites, including the resort’s famous bread pudding, chocolate fondue fountain, a plethora of cakes and pies, and some fruit for those observing calorie-restricted diets. No matter which restaurant in which you choose to dine, you’ll receive superb service from the waitstaff, many of whom have been there for decades.
When it comes to nighttime entertainment, there’s plenty of it right at The Reefs. Unique is Thursday night Caribbean nights at Coconuts, where guests enjoy the sounds of a local steel band along with grilled fish, lobster and steaks, all grilled right in front of them by a Reefs chef. The Reefs also features live music in its lobby lounge every night of the week in season, from jazz to steel bands and deejays. For cigar aficionados, you’ll be thrilled to know that The Reefs has an amazing Cuban cigar menu and a lovely terrace with cushy lounges for your smoking pleasure. If you are staying at The Club, stop into the exclusive Club room with lounge, honor bar and pool table for a nightcap.
After indulging in fine fare and good libations, enjoy a morning fat-blasting workout at the resort’s gym (a private facility is offered for Club residents), or sign up for a yoga or Pilates class. Follow up your workout with a horseback ride on the beach, a game of tennis and an afternoon stroll down the quaint streets of downtown Hamilton. Shop at local fave Calypso or at brand giants Cartier, Louis Vuitton, French Connection and Benneton. Shopping is tax-free, so you just may want to purchase that watch or bag you’ve been coveting for years.
Extend leisure time at La Serena Spa (“Serena” as in serene). Ranked No. 5 on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Resort Spas 2010 Top Spas List for the Caribbean and Atlantic, La Serena Spa at The Reefs melts away stress in no time. And it starts the moment you step into the spa’s relaxation room, with its unparalleled panoramic views of the ocean. Customizable treatments utilize the Elemis of London line, which are made from natural and organic extracts and smell amazing. La Serena Spa offers an array of premium spa services–from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures–that are provided in eight treatment rooms, including a couples’ spa suite. Massages are also offered beachside.
Gourmet fare, elegant accommodations and a refined atmosphere on a spectacular destination island are just some of what make The Reefs Hotel & Club a must for Caribbean travelers.