By Inna DeSilva
Bermuda lies less than 800 miles from NYC but feels like another planet. This lush green island is abloom with bougainvillea that climbs along the facades of charming cottages. Thirty-four glorious beaches hug the 75 miles of coastline, with those on the south part of the island having pink sand.
I have a long history with this charming paradise, having spent one summer of my misguided youth working on a cruise ship that docked each weekend in Hamilton, the capital. Although I visited from time to time over the years, my last visit this past summer was my first return visit in fifteen years. Lucky folks who happen to own homes in this British territory include billionaires like Mike Bloomberg and Hollywood celebrities like Michael Douglas and Katherine Zeta-Jones.
Rosewood Hotel Group is a fast-growing Hospitality corporation based in Hong Kong. Its hotel portfolio consists of 44 hotels in 20 countries. Rosewood has made inroads into markets normally reserved for Ritz Carlton and other luxury brands.
Rosewood Bermuda is located near the airport and sits on 240 coastal acres overlooking both the sound and ocean. The resort includes an 88-room hotel, a beach club, and a Charles Banks-designed golf course — all of it run impeccably by Andrew Archibald, an affable Australian who came to Rosewood Bermuda after running the Carlyle Hotel in NYC, another Rosewood property.
Rosewood Hotel Group prides itself on naming local PlaceMakers, residents who represent the corporation’s commitment to local culture and environmental projects that effect local communities. Rosewood Bermuda’s current PlaceMaker is Sarah Bray, a beautiful expat who married a Bermudian and now designs unique Geranium Sun Hats from biodegradable palm leaves, many trimmed with vintage ribbons picked by Sarah, who donates 20 percent from each sale to the Bermuda National Trust to plant more Bermuda native cedar trees.
Rosewood Bermuda also donates proceeds from its seasonal cocktails to the Bermuda National Trust Cedar Planting Program.
New Yorkers need not worry about dining out with Delicious Food offered by seven restaurants and bars. From fresh sushi at the Beach Club restaurant to gourmet fare at the Island Brasserie, expect the unexpected. The hotel also offers high tea on the weekends which is quite popular with locals. Enjoy a slice of Paradise.
