WANT MORE OF SUMMER? JET SET TO BERMUDA!

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, and now the weather forecast is already calling for cooler temperatures in New York City by the end of this week...where has summer gone? I do love fall (especially the fashion), but I'm just not ready yet to give up on summer. A lot of my clients have asked me about jet setting to the Caribbean in September and October, and I always caution them about Hurricane Season. But, one island that is almost never affected by hurricanes is Bermuda...and that's why I always recommend it as a great island destination for September and even October! (It's located 1,000 miles north of the Caribbean and 700 miles of the coast of the Carolinas- so usually not in the path of most hurricanes).

Bermuda is a British overseas territory, and is an island that I would say has more of a formal and sophisticated feel it to. It has more churches and golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world...and Bermuda is only 21 square miles long!

The last time I was there was in September 2008 (my hubby and I went for just one night!) Crazy, but definitely romantic! ;) This was our itinerary:

SLEEP

Fairmont Southampton- This hotel sits atop Bermuda's highest point. It's a large and luxurious resort that overlooks the ocean and the bay. It has its own beach, an amazing golf course and incredible restaurants! We had a beautiful room that was spacious, clean, and had gorgeous views.

EAT

The Pickled Onion: Noisy, but fun. I would say this place is half tourist trap, half fun bar- but they do serve good food, especially for brunch or lunch. We went for lunch before heading to the airport and grabbed a burger and a fish sandwich- both were yummy. This restaurant overlooks Front Street which is the main boulevard, so there's lots to see!

The Seahorse Grill at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel...having an amazing lobster dinner!

Trying one of Bermuda's National Drinks- a "Rum Swizzle" at the bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. A Rum Swizzle is made with rum, fruit juice (often including lime, orange, pineapple juice and grenadine).

Trying the other of Bermuda's National Drinks- a "Dark and Stormy" at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. A Dark and Stormy is made of dark rum and ginger beer and is served over ice with a slice of lime.

PLAY

It's an order that when you jet set to Bermuda, you must have at least one day of sun bathing, swimming, or doing fun water activities like snorkeling, para sailing, jet skiing, or going on a boat. You must check out the pink sand beaches in Bermuda (especially on the south shore of the island). The beaches are beautiful, the sand is so soft, and the water...unlike anything you've ever seen! We spent our time at the beach of the Fairmont Southampton which was spectacular! I've also heard that Horseshoe Bay is pretty too!

And always make a little time for shopping on Front Street!

I definitely look forward to jet setting to Bermuda again soon!

JSS MINI GUIDE TO BERMUDA

Bermuda is one of my favorite island destinations. It has spectacular pink beaches and some of the most beautiful golf courses you will ever see. One of the best things about Bermuda is that it's located just 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, so to jet set there by plane from New York takes only about two hours!!! There is so much to see, do and eat, but here's at least a mini guide that I hope is helpful for those of you planning to jet set to Bermuda! When to Go: June, July and August. The summer months, which are high season, are the best time to enjoy those spectacular pink beaches and turquoise waters, with temperatures in the mid-80s. March and April can be rainy.

Where to Stay: 9 Beaches- Opened in May of 2005, this resort aims to be the anti-Bermuda—a young, hip alternative to the stuffy, traditional cottage colony. Cambridge Beaches- This cottage colony in the northwest part of the island is secluded, with a picturesque setting on a 30-acre peninsula overlooking Long Bay Beach, with the Atlantic on one side and Mangrove Bay on the other. Elbow Beach- This is a Mandarin Oriental hotel with a beautiful beach and great restaurant (read more about it below). Fairmont Hamilton Princess- The classic 1885 "Pink Palace" is a favorite with business travelers and visiting celebs—mostly for its marble lobby, but also for its location near downtown Hamilton's restaurants, bars, and shopping. The hotel is not on the beach, but you can hop a ferry for the 20-minute ride to its sister property in Southampton. Fairmont Southampton- Where I stayed when I was in Bermuda, and where I think I would want to stay again! It has a beautiful golf course, beach and pool, plus many good restaurants to chose from. The only downfall is that it's located pretty much on the other side of the island from the airport, so you must cab it everywhere and cabs are expensive. Horizons and Cottages- Essentially, Horizons has all the physical facilities of a large, traditional resort, such as the terrace pool and golf course (use is free of charge), but it no longer provides the white-glove services it once did—room service, bellhops, concierge. There is no beach, so guests have to walk downhill to a neighboring property. Appeared in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, a directory of the world's best hotels and resorts, in 2005. Newstead Belmont Hills Resort and Spa- an all-suite boutique hotel. The 45 rooms, including two of the original cottages, look right over Hamilton Harbor, and all have either a full or half kitchen and separate sitting areas (some rooms are laid out loft-style, others have proper rooms). The location at Newstead is unbelievably convenient—you're a short hotel shuttle ride to South Shore and all its beaches and golf courses, and a five-minute public ferry ride to Hamilton itself, making shopping and dining a snap (taxis on the island are expensive and slow). The Reefs- the grounds hang on a cliff overlooking a cove and beach with limited access and a very private feel (most beaches in Bermuda are public).Where to Eat: Seahorse Grill at Mandarin Oriental Hotel- (Elbow Beach, 60 South Shore Road, 441-239-9303) Considered one of the finer dining restaurants on the island. I had a fantastic dinner where I enjoyed some really delicious lobster, but you can't go wrong with anything you order off the menu here! Ascots Restaurant- (Royal Palms Hotel, 441-292-1854) Very Bermudian experience. Tucked away down a long narrow road in a very lush neighborhood. Unfortunately, I didn't make it here, but I have heard that their Bermuda Fish Chowder is to die for (if you like spicy food)! If you go, I would go for lunch. The Newport Room (The Fairmont Southampton)- (101 South Shore Road, 441-238-8000) This is a beautiful and romantic place to go for dinner. The restaurant looks like a racing boat, and the decor accentuates that ambiance. The restaurant was closed when I was there, but I will make it there one day for sure! If you go, order the Rockfish or Dover Sole for dinner and the Crepes Suzette for two for dessert. Pickled Onion- (53 Front Street, 441-295-2263) Noisy, but fun. The restaurant overlooks the main boulevard, so there's lots of action to see. This place is good for brunch or lunch. What to Do: Crystal Caves- (8 Crystal Caves Road, 441-293-0640) Go on this cave expedition and see crystal clear water like you've never seen before. Dolphin Quest (Bermuda Maritime Museum)- (15 Maritime Lane, 441-234-4464) One of the most memorable experiences ever- swimming with dolphins. Port Royal Golf Course- (5 Port Royal Drive, 441-234-0974) Golf course with beautiful views.