by Karen Nowalsky of 
Take Wing Travel 609-618-9599

Brides and grooms flock to Bermuda, just a two-hour hop for most U.S. East Coasters, for its famous pink sands, golf courses and Old World charm of British days gone by. What many don’t realize is Bermuda – often mistaken for a Caribbean island -- is actually a chain of nearly 200 small islands linked by causeways and bridges no more than 2 miles wide. So if Bermuda bound, water views are virtually everywhere you look.

Just miles off North Carolina’s coast, its April through November high season is the reverse of the Caribbean’s. The off-season is when you typically find the island’s "Compliments of Bermuda" promotion offering savings of $300 or free airfare – just not the warmest weather to go with it. However, this year, if you are planning for Bermuda, deals stretch through the summer with instant offers of $400-$600 off island-wide into October (book by April 30, 2010 for this sizzling summer special). Contact Take Wing Travel for the best rates!

Britain's oldest colony has plenty of American flavor thrown in but maintains its formal Brit traditions, beyond cricket and afternoon tea: bikinis are banned further than 25 feet away from the water, and going topless here could get you arrested! There are no casinos or fast food, and the nightlife is subdued to say the least. It enjoys its faithful followers who loyally return year after year, and receives its fair share of celebs (Ariel Sands Beach Club Resort and Spa is partly owned by Michael Douglas), but Bermuda is far from Hollywood glam. Perhaps not a budget destination, but still affordable lodging can be found if you know where to look. Lucky for you, Take Wing has your perfect spot in mind. Here’s a roundup of five worthy of a mention:

1.) Grotto Bay Beach Resort, once the only all-inclusive on the island, is a good value, although near the airport sort of isolated from the rest of the island, and overhead planes can be heard. There are three restaurants, afternoon tea and a beach bar that offers drinks poolside. There are also two caves on site (Bermuda has the highest concentration of limestone caves in the world) and incredible intimate coves to explore. Double standard rates start at $155 a night.  

The water’s edge at Grotto Bay

Being five minutes from the airport has its advantages will planning a destination wedding; this gorgeous beachfront property will please everyone on your special day. Grotto Bay Beach Resort offers lovely accommodations, great dining and reception venues plus a complete water sports facility.

2.) 9 Beaches Resort, on the island’s north side (one hour away from the airport) recently added an all-inclusive plan to its private cluster of rustic, soft-walled oceanview cabanas. The island’s most casual and most unique lodging, some are built on stilts over the sea, the ultra-casual property tends to suit the adventurous nature-lover (read: the young and active). There are no TVs, however, personal DVD players and movies are available to rent. Standard rates which include continental breakfast start at $205 per night.

Weddings at 9 Beaches can be as formal or as casual as you like. Their on-site wedding planner can carefully arrange your event with high attention to detail and personalize your package for a custom, seamless experience.

Cabanas on a private 18-acre peninsula at 9 Beaches

3.) Top of the line for relaxed luxury and exclusivity, The Reefs overlooks a private beach, on the picturesque South Shore. This award-winner offers 67 cliffside guest rooms and suites with oceanfront balconies, and also seven of the more desirable spacious cottages (one to four bedrooms). The property underwent extensive million-dollar renovations and is consistently voted one of the best resorts in the Caribbean. Rates are include daily breakfast or breakfast and dinner for two people, starting at $369 per night.

The Reefs hosts more than 35 destination weddings per year. All weddings are customized at The Reefs, though a wedding package for events of 12 guests and under is available. The best location for a wedding here is the dramatic deck, Caso’s Point, overlooking the cliffs, beach and ocean. It was built specifically with weddings, small receptions and cocktail parties in mind.

Relax and enjoy an intimate experience at The Reefs, just 67 rooms situated atop limestone cliffs.

4.) Considered the most luxurious property to open in Bermuda in nearly 40 years, Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa became the island’s newest in April 2009. It has already attracted elite travelers from across the globe. With only 88 guestrooms and suites, the boutique luxury resort offers all the amenities and services you would expect at a much larger property. Romantic touches in the guestrooms include deep soaking tubs, while most suites also have fireplaces. The 1,650-square-foot Walsingham Suite is the most luxurious on property with its own entrance from the Palm Court and 340-square-foot balcony. The resort is home to an impressive spa, which offers an extensive list of services and is a great spot for prepping for the wedding or for bachelorette fun. Guests of the hotel can use the facilities of the private Tucker’s Point Golf Beach & Tennis Club, which include an 18-hour golf course, private beach club with two pools and four lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. Rates from $590 per night.

The resort has numerous spot for the wedding service, such as the beach and inside its lovely restaurants and meeting space. Weddings can accommodate a maximum of 240 guests. A host of activities can be created for the wedding group. As a private club, Tucker’s Point offers great, personalized service.

Shown at Right:  View from Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa, which offers numerous spots for the wedding.

 

5.) And last, but far from least, for an authentic Bermudan experience without the high, typically Bermudan price tag, Aunt Nea’s Inn at Hillcrest offers island charm at pleasing rates in historic St. George. This 17-room inn dates back to the 1700s and breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Standard rates start at $150 per night.

Exterior of Aunt Nea’s, a friendly, romantic B&B in the 
historic Olde Towne of St. Georges.

Getting a marriage license in Bermuda is relatively easy. First, you need only to file a "Notice of Intended Marriage" with the Bermuda Registrar General's office. The form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event and must be accompanied by a $221 fee plus $22 for the marriage certificate. Once the Registrar General received the "notice of Intended Marriage," it will be published, including names and addresses, in any two of the island’s newspapers. Assuming that there’s no formal objection, the registry will issue the license 15 days after receiving the notice. The marriage license will be sent to the couple and will be valid for three months. Step 2: To meet Bermuda's wedding requirements, you need only two witnesses present at the ceremony

For more information on these or other suggestions, contact Karen Nowalsky, resident honeymoonologist of Take Wing Travel, here in South Jersey at 609-618-9599; www.takewingtravel.com for the honeymoon, destination wedding or vow renewal of your dreams. Take Wing Travel is your personalized romantic travel and honeymoon specialist offering unique custom vacation packages since 2002. From experienced destination planning to the best value and professional service, Take Wing Travel provides convenient one-stop shopping. E-mail travel@takewingtravel.com. All quotes and consultations are complimentary, no-obligation and can be made according to your schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Check out some of our many honeymoon articles on everything from cruises to all-inclusive resorts in our Honeymoon Article Archives