View overlooking the Atlantic from the Mandarin Oriental, Elbow Beach, Bermuda. Taken from the interior of the double patio of a premier one-bedroom suite — room 663 — Alamanda. 1Feb08

LOCATION
As a repeat visitor to this idyllic island – can’t beat an hour and a half flight from New York – during the long, cold dark days of winter, Bermuda wins over the other islands for a quick weekend getaway. Ah! February weekends can be so full of those wintry doldrums. So, on this long three-day weekend, we visit an old standby in Paget Parish, the newly renovated Elbow Beach now under the hands of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel group. Usually, seasoned visitors stay away from large resorts – we are no exception – however, after repeated recommendations from friends and family, we thought we ought to give this “resort” a chance.

Entrance ramp to Elbow Beach. Sunset on the property 1Feb08

PROPERTY
We are happy to report that overall, their attentive personalized service and property are a cut above the rest. We are cottage colony-junkies, a staple of Bermuda, so we were apprehensive from the start. Aware of this property’s on-going renovations, we requested a newly renovated premier suite and were advised that it was indeed one of the newer rooms in a renovated building/cottage overlooking the Atlantic. Considering it is off-season – one of the best times to visit the island – we reserved at the last minute within five days of arriving.

Directional sign on the Mandarin Oriental grounds. 3Feb08

Pausing from a morning stroll along the manicured grounds, tiny placards are displayed throughout offering visitors a horticulturalist’s brief on the property’s notable and fragrant flora and fauna.

Upon arriving, we stand at the front property to be greeted by George and Raymond who welcomed us with their “Bermuda-ful” smiles and whisked us to their front desk.

View from a Southeastern elevation overlooking the grounds of Mandarin Oriental.

Sunset on Elbow Beach, Mandarin Oriental Bermuda. 1Feb08

ROOM

View from living room looking into bedroom interior layout of room 663 – Allamanda – a premier one bedroom suite. 1Feb08

Southern view from bath overlooking Atlantic in distance and bedroom in foreground. 1Feb08

Main living quarters. Blond hardwood floors with continuation of light woods throughout including interior fabrics, pillows and white-wash louvers.

Breakfast on deck. 2Feb08

SERVICE
Although it is indeed off-season on the island, one must still expect some semblance of fine dining, but we must wait for full dinner to experience that. Breakfast en suite was satisfactory, but not incredible. The fruit plate could be more fresh, while their hot porridge was slightly too watery, but overall, their hot breakfast of egg-white omelet with the signature English grilled tomato and mushroom was right on the mark.

To experience a five-star dining breakfast, however, one must forgo the privacy of your suite and make the trek to the property’s trademark restaurant, Seahorse Grill especially on Sundays where a full hot and cold buffet is served. At the southeast corner of the Seahorse Grill after Sunday brunch.

FINAL THOUGHTS