Grotto Bay Beach Resort is a special favorite of mine. Over the years I’ve spent many an enjoyable and relaxing stay at this beautiful resort hotel at the eastern end of the island. The resort sits on 21-lush acres of tropical beach front in Hamilton Parish, only a couple of miles from the airport and about 10 minutes from St. Georges.
The views from the guest rooms are spectacular. The pastel shades of the hotel’s guest units are flanked by the glistening waters of Castle Harbour and the great causeway that leads across it to The resort’s tiny private beach has two secluded coves within an enclosed bay. There’s a deep water dock, freshwater pool with swim-up bar and an out-door hot tub. Two 500,000 year-old underground grottos on the property deserve special mention, especially as you are permitted to take a dip amidst the stalactites: a unique aquatic experience to the not so faint-hearted traveler.
201 well-appointed rooms are situated in 11, three-storey coral colored lodges, featuring native Bermudian architecture. The majority of buildings are close to the water’s edge, but some require a bit of a hike up a hill. Be sure to ask about the location when reserving a room, especially if you have trouble walking. The best rooms are, of course, those on the lower levels, overlooking the sound. Those on the upper levels offer views of the complex and Castle Harbour beyond and are no less inspiring. All have been refurbished and redecorated and are only a little less luxurious than those of the great resort hotels on the South Shore. The ground floor rooms are wheelchair accessible (check availability when booking).
The restaurants – there are three on site – cater to most tastes. Easy, informal dining can be found at the Palm Court which has recently undergone major redecoration and renovation. Stately palms, terra cotta tiles and trade wind motifs deliver a tropical atmosphere for casual dining. The menu is island inspired. The Palm Court also features an elegant bar ready to serve a full range of exotic cocktails. The newly renovated Hibiscus Room offers an elegant dining experience amidst soft hues of coral, beige and crisp white echoing tropical sophistication of Bermuda. The menu, which changes daily, includes fine European cuisine with Bermudian flavor. The dress code is smart casual. Jacket and tie are optional. The Bayside Bar & Grill is situated by the pool and is only steps from the sea. Quick foods like hamburgers, hot-dogs, sandwiches and salads are on the menu, as are a savory Island BBQ on Monday evenings and a fresh Seafood Soiree on Thursdays (seasonal and weather permitting).
This is a great resort for families with children, especially young ones. If there is a down-side to Grotto Bay (and I don’t think there is) some might say it is the small beach, and it definitively can become crowded at times. The large pools, patios and lawns, where you can seek all the sunshine you want, more than make up for the lack of sand and surf. I recommend you take advantage of the MAP dining plan. It costs only $58 per person per day and is an excellent value, even with the added 15% gratuity.
The hotel has four all-weather tennis courts, a resident tennis pro, a pro shop, and offers water-skiing, snorkeling and parasailing from its own dock. There is a premium 5 Star PADI Dive facility – Triangle Diving (www.trianglediving.com) - on site, offering certification courses, advanced courses and daily dives from a boat that is stationed at the resort. Golf can be arranged on any of three nearby courses. Scooter rentals and bus stop are right outside the hotel.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort, 11 Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish, CR 04, Bermuda, phone 441-293-8333, 800-582-3190 (USA), 800-463-0851 (Canada), fax 441-293-2306, www.grottobay.com.
More Bermuda Resorts & Hotels
- Elbow Beach Hotel & Resort
- Grotto Bay Resort
- Fairmont Hamilton Princess
- Fairmont Southampton Princess
- The Pompano Beach Club
- Cambridge Beaches Resort
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