On
an island where visitors are fiercely loyal, staying at the same hotel for
generations, openings are rare. Rosewood Tucker's Point opened in 2009 and
easily joined the ranks of high-end standouts on the island.
Checking In
The
British colonial-style manor house has become a go-to for those looking to
relax in luxurious accommodations. Rosewood Tucker's Point combines the
amenities and perks of a big resort with the charms and intimacy of a boutique
hotel.
Hidden
away from the island's main port and other hotels, Rosewood Tucker's Point
overlooks Castle Harbour on one side and Harrington Sound on the other. Guests
are greeted by a cheerful duo wearing a get-up best described as preppy-meets-safari-meets-tropics:
traditional Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and salmon pink pith helmet.
The
center of the hotel is the manor house, which feels more like a beautifully
decorated home than a hotel. A grand staircase and elegant library round out
the classic but preppy: blue and white ginger jars, porcelain foo dogs, and
antique horse lithographs. I was especially taken with the lobby's grey and
white tiles and the interesting art, including a large-scale model ship and
three-dimensional birdcages with mercury glass and painted birds.
Claim to Fame
The
hotel's fine dining restaurant, The Point, houses a museum-worthy travel
artifact: an 80-foot-long mural from the exclusive Sky Club of New York's Pan
Am Building (now the MetLife Building). In 1966, artist Gerard D'Alton
Henderson was commissioned by Pan Am founder Juan Trippe to paint the world's
major ports of the 1880s. After the Sky Club closed in 2005, the mural was
relocated to the hotel, and Bermuda's Hamilton Harbour was added — presumably
out of respect for its new home.
Room with a View
What’s On
Site
Everything
you'd expect for a resort vacation: spa, world-class golf course and club,
tennis courts, four swimming pools, a private beach, and WiFi strong enough to FaceTime
and download a movie.
PLEASE NOTE: Although the hotel feels beachy, it is not
actually on the beach but rather on a hillside overlooking the ocean. The
private beach is a ten-minute ride away via shuttle or golf cart.
The Food
Considering
the hotel's small size, the dining options are extensive. If you're staying in
a room with a view, breakfast on your patio is a must. For other meals, head to
The Point for a mix of
international cuines and local seafood. Sur Mer, the restaurant at the beach club,
serves French-inspired seafood, much of it from the ocean you're looking onto. Sul Verde serves Italian overlooking the golf
course and hosts a weekly hands-on mozzarella-making class. More casual options
are available for poolside dining.
This Place Is Perfect For: anyone looking for a quick trip from the East Coast. The flights from
New York City are only two hours.
But Not So Perfect For: those wanting to be directly on the beach or in the thick of the
island. Tucker's Point is slightly out of the way and isolated. The property is
small, but feels spread out. Golf carts are available to borrow, a shuttle
takes people down to the private beach, and taxis readily available. It's also
not for people unwilling to spend money. But neither is Bermuda.
Checking Out
Bermuda
is a relatively small island in the Atlantic Ocean due east of South Carolina,
22 miles from top to bottom. Because the hotel is located in a residential
neighborhood within Hamilton Parish, you'll need to take a taxi or hop on the
local bus to get around. Mopeds are another option, but the roads are windy and
notably dangerous to navigate for new riders.
What to Do Nearby
First
things first: If you plan on leaving the hotel, you'll need a ride. Larry Rogers (+1-441-734-8024) is the
guy to call. Not only can he get you from one place to the next, but he also
knows everything there is to know about Bermuda. He's available for rides as
well as custom island tours.
Once
you're out, head to St. George's, a wonderfully colorful colonial
town that is surprisingly deserted. Stroll the streets and stop at the original
Art Mels Spicy Dicy for a
delightfully light, but gigantically sized, fresh fried fish sandwich served on
two thick slices of raisin bread with lettuce and tomato. Ask for a side of
homemade hot sauce and wash it all down with Barritt's Ginger Beer. The chicken
sandwich is also delicious.
For local
culture, stop at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. Creative
director and founder Tom Butterfield gives a captivating and animated vault
tour that will make your trip. For an outdoor adventure away from the water,
head to the island's very own High Line, the Bermuda Railway. Home
to the first and last railway from 1931-1948, it's now a great place to walk,
run, horseback ride, and bike. Book a bike tour with Staphen at Fantasea. He'll show
you the trail's highlights, including the best spots for swimming.
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