Bermuda’s charming and intimate resorts offer the ideal romantic getaway

Visitors to Bermuda often call it a paradise. While this subtropical archipelago, which is located in the mid-Atlantic but warmed by the Gulf Stream, may not be perfect for some, it is certainly ideal for many romance travelers. Best of all, it’s less than a two-hour flight from New York’s JFK and many other airports on the East Coast.

Bermuda offers an undeniably romantic landscape: The archipelago’s 181 named islands, islets and rocky outcroppings feature lush vegetation and dense fauna accented by gloriously colored flora. There are a variety of beautiful and private coves seemingly purpose-built for romance-minded couples.

Bermuda’s charm extends to its one-of-a-kind architecture, most notably the white roofs that top the pastel-colored homes and public buildings. The roofs double as catchment systems for rainwater, which runs from the gutters into tanks and cisterns, and complement the hipped roofs and ever-present shutters.

Bermuda’s countless beaches feature sand colored in everything from soft white to blushing pink. Many beaches allow easy access to the reef line, creating ideal scuba diving and snorkeling sites inhabited by schools of colorful fish. The beaches range from small idyllic coves to mile-long stretches of sand framed by dramatic limestone rock formations. Beautiful long-tailed birds swoop over and around the coastline’s cliffs.

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Beyond Bermuda’s natural attractions, of course, are its many romantic resorts—which are perfect for honeymooners, couples celebrating destination weddings, and other romance travelers. All of the properties described below offer intimate and upscale facilities, as well as renowned service and amenities that incorporate Bermuda’s fabulous natural attractions. Special emphasis is placed on providing an ideal atmosphere for vacationing couples. All of the resorts offer deluxe wedding, honeymoon, anniversary and vow-renewal packages plus a certain indefinable “something” that makes these properties among the most romantic spots on this stunning and charming archipelago.

The Reefs: Located high on a limestone cliff overlooking its own secluded pink-sand beach, The Reefs, which first opened its doors to guests in 1947, is one of Bermuda’s iconic romantic properties. All guestrooms, including the resort’s suites and club condominiums, feature ocean views and spectacular Atlantic sunsets from private patios. Accommodations are available in configurations ranging from two- and three-bedroom condominiums to one- to four-room cottages with separate living rooms, furnished bedrooms and private outdoor hot tubs. The Reefs also offers three restaurants and the La Serena Spa, which features a complete menu of pampering treatments, along with panoramic ocean views.

This winter, new low rates are available at The Reefs’ 19 two- and three-bedroom club condominiums. With the offer, a couple can stay for $299 per night (regularly $849) in a 2,000 square-foot, two-bedroom condo with a private balcony and hot tub, spa bathrooms, spacious living spaces and ocean views.

Club condominium guests at The Reefs enjoy an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, direct access to the resort’s secluded pink-sand beach, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop putting green, a lounge with pool table, and concierge services. The low winter rates are available until March 15, 2012, with no minimum stay required. A pre-arrival grocery shopping service that stocks the in-room gourmet kitchen is also available for guests, and The Reefs’ concierge can arrange dining reservations at nearby restaurants.

For more information, call 800-742-2008 or visit www.TheReefs.com.

Elbow Beach: This intimate luxury resort, managed by Mandarin Oriental, features 98 guestrooms and suites, 50 acres of landscaped gardens and a private beach. It’s also located just seven minutes from the capital city of Hamilton. Six spa suites offer individual balconies with picturesque ocean views. Each suite is decorated in soothing pastel colors and organic textures, and features handcrafted granite soaking tubs, bamboo flooring, and showers lined with river rock.

The resort’s spa offers holistic treatments from highly trained therapists, and guests have the option to enjoy their treatments by the ocean. The property features a fitness room, five tennis courts, a putting green and a free-form swimming pool. Guests can opt for deep-sea or shallow-water entertainment, from wreck dives to kayaking, at a beachside water sports service.

For more information or reservations, call 800-526-6566 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda.

Rosedon Hotel: This charming and intimate Bermudian boutique hotel, located within walking distance of Hamilton, features lush tropical gardens, a private pool and the atmosphere of an exclusive country estate. Rosedon was built in 1906 as a private home for a prominent Bermuda resident. His builders used imported pine, oak, cherry, mahogany and California redwood in its décor, with each room designed to suit a particular wood. The pillars in the entrance hall were specially carved and imported from Chicago.

Rosedon was sold in the 1930s to an American named Brown who installed the magnificent private bathrooms. Each of the five double bedrooms had a private tiled bathroom with glassed-in shower. To this day, the house exudes comfort with spacious rooms that are airy and cool, even on the hottest days. Guest accommodations are individually decorated with European fabrics, upscale furnishings, pillow-top mattresses, and high-quality bed linens. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and DVD players and wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Hotel conveniences include full-course, in-room breakfast that can also be served patio or poolside, a heated outdoor swimming pool, an English-style honor bar and pantry, traditional afternoon tea, and a swizzle party every Tuesday. The resort offers wedding, honeymoon, romance, spa and anniversary packages.

For more information or reservations, call 441-295-1640 or visit www.rosedon.com.

Rosewood Tucker’s Point: Rosewood Tucker’s Point is at the center of the Tucker’s Point Club, a 240-acre upscale Bermuda resort, golf club and residential community. The waterfront offers views of Castle Harbour, Harrington Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Not surprisingly, a highlight of the 88-room property is the 18-hole Tucker’s Point Golf Course, which is complemented by a croquet lawn and tennis courts. The resort also incorporates what is described as Bermuda’s longest private pink-sand beach, plus a 12,000-square-foot spa and a fine-dining restaurant.

Accommodations include rooms and suites ranging in size from 520 to 1,650 square feet, all offering water views from private balconies or terraces. Rooms are finished in elegant fabrics and feature oversized five-fixture bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. Suite accommodations feature two large LCD TVs, wet bar with icemaker, walk-in closets and living rooms. Several suites include fireplaces. In-room amenities include Mascioni bedding and linens, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, LCD televisions and stocked in-room refreshment centers with complimentary sparkling and still water.

The resort’s Point Restaurant features fine dining, with private dining offered in the 3,000-bottle Wine Room. There are four other dining options plus 24-hour in-room dining. The Spa at Tucker’s provides customized treatments and a post-treatment relaxation area with cozy fireplaces, as well as a yoga and Tai Chi lawn.

For more information or reservations, call 441-298-4000 or 888-767-3966 or visit www.rosewoodtuckerspoint.com.

Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa: The Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa in Bermuda’s Hamilton Harbour is an all-suite and all-studio property offering large-scale resort amenities with the personalized customer service of an intimate boutique hotel. The resort’s one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and studios range in size from 450 to 2,500 square feet, and all feature private balconies or patios with views of Hamilton Harbour.

Accommodations feature sleeper sofas, fully appointed kitchens and separate living areas, plus spacious private bathrooms with showers and Jacuzzis. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access, as well as dedicated concierge services, is available to all guests.

Newstead’s Blu Bar & Grill specializes in steak and seafood. Beau Rivage is a French restaurant offering harbor views from the dining room and terrace. Guests will receive a complimentary round of golf, full golf club service and a free shuttle to the stunning 18-hole semi-private golf course located at the Belmont Hills property.

The Newstead Spa features four individual treatment rooms, two couples’ treatment suites, his and her steam rooms and a complete range of beauty treatments. A 24-hour fitness room is located adjacent to the spa and features treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles and free weights. Newstead offers a daily water shuttle service that takes guests to downtown Hamilton.

For more information, call 441-236-6060 or visit www.newsteadbelmonthills.com.