Hotel Of The Week: Elbow Beach, Bermuda
You'll be in the pink on the shores of Bermuda
Sunday, 6 July 2008
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With long sandy beaches, lush vegetation and glorious sunshine, Bermuda could be part of the Caribbean. But this pretty British colony with its famous pink sands is further north, a seven-hour flight from London. It's a great destination for an indulgent few days – especially at a hotel with a spa.
The 235-room Elbow Beach is one such, run by Mandarin Oriental. It's a five-minute drive from Hamilton, the capital. Set in 50 acres on the impressive South Shore, it provides just about everything a guest could want – from watersports and tennis to gourmet dining and a truly excellent spa.
The bedroom
Choose between a room in the bright yellow, 100-year-old main house or the cottage colony within the beautiful gardens. My room was large and airy with a huge bed, spacious and amply stocked bathroom and a veranda with ocean views. The modern decor of neutral whites, creams and tans pleasantly contrasted with the vibrant tropical gardens outside. Each room is supplied with an umbrella. Why? Just wait for your first tropical downpour.
The food and drink
Breakfast is a groaning buffet served in the colonial-style Seahorse Grill. This is also the venue for gourmet dinners, as is the Lido, on the beach. The poolside Blue Point offers fish, pizza and salads for lunch, and Mickey's Bistro is a casual dining option. Sip rum in the Veranda bar, which is in the main house, or at Sea Breeze on the hotel's sea terrace.
The extras
The spa, which uses Espa products, has six private suites, so no communal changing rooms or wandering around public areas in a dressing gown. Each suite has its own changing area, treatment room and sea-view balcony on which to relax after your therapy. There's also a couples suite with a granite soak tub for two.
The access
Most of the facilities are accessible by wheelchair and there is a shuttle service available to take guests around the grounds. One room has been modified for guests with disabilities. Children welcome. No pets.
The bill
British Airways Holidays (0844 493 0758; ba.com) offers a seven-night holiday at Elbow Beach in Bermuda from £1,488 per person, based on two sharing, in September, if you book by 15 July. The price includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick, transfers and room-only.
The address
Elbow Beach, 60 South Shore Road, Paget Parish, Bermuda (001 441 236 3535; mandarin oriental.com/bermuda). For information about the island of Bermuda, go to bermudatourism.com
