Southampton, Bermuda (Fairmont Southampton)

Bermuda’s primary selling point for many is its proximity to eastern North America.  From most major cities along the eastern seaboard it is a 3 hour flight.  If you have a young child that is less than two, as we did at the time of the trip, this is a particularly important point.

I’ll start by saying that we traveled in January and we knew full well that Bermuda is not at its best at this time of the year.  In writing this review I would say that it could be a completely different (far more fun) experience at a different time of the year.  Apparently June is just beautiful!  We are from Canada and so our threshold for “warm” in January is probably a little more forgiving than most.  That being said, we were still a little disappointed in the weather.  It was rainy off and on during our 5 night stay.  The temperature was just barely warm enough to swim in the pool.  In fact I would say that most people staying at the hotel were watching our antics in the pool and thinking we were a little on the nut-job side for swimming at all.  

The Fairmont Southampton is located on the far side of the island from the airport and like any Fairmont we have stayed at (we have stayed at many) the service is outstanding.  Island culture is such that children are adored and this really comes through in interacting with the staff.  The hotel sits atop a hill and they run a bus down to the beach and the restaurants at the beach.  On one evening, the driver sang “The Wheels on the Bus” to our 2 year old as we made our down the will to the waterfront.  

While the restaurants are a little on the fancy side for a two year old they did do a marvellous job of making our son feel welcome.  They knew to bring his food as fast as possible and as it was not busy they also would walk around the largely deserted restaurant with him, seemingly to give mom and dad a break.  The food was simply outstanding.  There is no other way to describe it.  You pay dearly for it and you are wow’d each and every time you order everything from a burger to lobster bisque.  

But all of this does not replace the weather and the general lethargy in the resort at this time of the year.  As I said, I suspect that its a completely different place in the summer.  It was so deserted when we were there that their kids club was closed, and with no kids there who could blame them.  The staff being the ultra accommodating sorts they are, specifically opened up the kids club for us on a couple of different occasions just so our son could burn off some energy!

One attraction that we did did attend and for which I would give high marks is the kids aquatic museum.  It is top drawer.  There are aquatic exhibits, toys to play with, an outdoor aviary, and outdoor play equipment.  It was just perfect on those looking-like-it’s-about-to-rain days.  The locals use it as well and you can tell it’s a definite source of pride for islanders.

All in all, I would say that we would need to return at the “right” time of year to really discern what the family vacation potential is.  Until then this review is what it is, one where we paid a great deal of money to stay at a fancy hotel with great service which of course is all for not… when straining to occupy your two year old.  In the end, you could say that this is less of a review and more of a glimpse into a misplaced decision on the part of first time parents!      

The Beach - Absolutely stunning, even in c-c-c-old January.


The view from our hotel room.


The blue waters of Bermuda.

© Paul-Sarah 2013