Atop a hill in Bermuda’s Tucker’s Point — the island’s most desirable neighborhood where Michael Bloomberg, Ross Perot and many other well-heeled individuals own vacation homes — Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rosewood Bermuda recently revealed a stunning makeover to the tune of $25 million. The hotel’s refresh focused on transforming the guest rooms, spa and beach club, while also debuting some new additions, including the Conservatory Bar and Lounge, a gin-themed craft cocktail bar.
If you enjoyed staying here during the property’s near-decade legacy, not to worry. The changes aren’t shocking; in fact, you might even find the new look to be somewhat familiar. Bermuda’s British heritage is still apparent throughout the luxury hotel with its high ceilings, sweeping gilded staircase and ornate chandeliers.
Post-transformation, the space now has a much more modern, sleek feel with an infusion of local art, fabrics and furnishings tying in the island’s indigenous and colonial culture.
Even with all the upgrades, a few things remain as blissfully pleasant as ever, such as the warm, attentive service that begins as soon as the bellman opens your car door; the top-notch golf course; and near-panoramic views of the sapphire-colored Atlantic waters.
These are just a few of our favorite things, both old and new, about this posh Caribbean escape.
Sense, A Rosewood Spa
Look out for luxurious upgrades at this sumptuous spot, including a sprawling yoga and tai chi lawn, an updated fitness center and even a handful of new spa treatments. In addition, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann opened a nail salon within the facility that has its very own signature nail polish color, Rosewood Bermuda — a lovely shade of light pink inspired by the rosy-hued sands of the island’s beaches.
Make sure to allow enough time to lounge beneath one of the pink ruffled umbrellas by the serene reflecting pool, perhaps with a Bermudian rum swizzle in hand.
Aerin Amenities and Fragrances
As part of Rosewood Bermuda’s makeover, the hotel partnered with tastemaker Aerin Lauder (Estée Lauder’s granddaughter) to create the very first Aerin-branded in-room amenities. The tropical-themed Coral Palm line features everything you’d need during a stay, from shampoo to lotion. And there’s no need to pack those fragile perfume bottles — the hotel provides an array of scents for you to choose from as part of the fragrance butler program.
Beach Club & Restaurant
It’s worth the five-minute shuttle ride to experience the hotel’s exclusive waterfront. Not only does the property boast Bermuda’s largest private pink-sand beach, but the club itself has been updated with swank new poolside cabanas and Hamptons-style furniture to create a luxuriously relaxed ambiance.
If you only have time to dine at one of the five Rosewood Bermuda eateries, choose the Beach Club Restaurant. The fresh catches and shellfish, much of it locally sourced, are beautifully prepared, the wine list is one of the island’s most diverse and the service is impeccable. Make sure to request a table on the patio for the best ocean views.
The Dive & Watersports Center
Thanks to a partnership with this nearby dive shop, you can experience all that the hotel’s crystal-clear waters have to offer, with the added benefit of being able to bill your charges to your room.
For the most scenic experience, rent a Boston Whaler (no real experience needed) to visit Castle Island or Nonsuch Island. This motorboat doesn’t go very fast, so it’s easy to operate and allows for a leisurely tour of the manor-style mansions that line the shore.
At Castle Island, you might be lucky enough to have a private beach to yourself, and Nonsuch Island has a sunken ship to explore while snorkeling.
New Accommodations
Each of the 92 residential-style rooms has debuted a completely new look. The former accommodations were suited for the Queen of England, who would have loved the pastel tones, floral fabrics and dramatic bed canopies. Now, with contemporary local art, sleek furnishings, neutral color palette and blue accents, the spaces are much more suited for Meghan and Harry.
Amenities we love include the suites’ standalone tubs, the Nespresso machines, ingredients to make one of Bermuda’s national drinks (the Dark n’ Stormy) and the heavenly, cloud-like beds.