Review: Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Bermuda

Tell us about this hotel.

You’ve made it to Bermuda’s far west end, where uninhabited islets dot the water and empty pink-sand beaches await your beck and call. Fortunately for you, the scene here at Cambridge Beaches is much the same since this 30-acre resort is located at the tip of a peninsula that’s completely surrounded by sand and endless water views. Detached Bermudian cottages are scattered across the lush grounds and ocean views are everywhere.

What makes this resort so special?

Cambridge Beaches is the only resort in Bermuda children 12 and under are not permitted. It also has four ultra-private beaches where you can relax without seeing another soul, which is likely why the Clintons have stayed here and why NFL players and under-the-radar celebs frequently call upon this secluded retreat when they need a little R&R. Famous guest list notwithstanding, the resort is also one of the most celebrated cottage colonies on the island. Because of this, Cambridge Beaches offers a hushed, intimate stay where other guests are an afterthought.

What are the spaces themselves like?

Uniquely Bermudian in design, the cottages are elegant, upscale, and well-appointed. They also come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Some, like the accommodations near the pool, are modern and splashed with bright colours; others have a Caribbean-plantation-house vibe. The options here even span centuries of architecture: Pegem, a two-bedroom cottage, dates back to the 1600s and features exposed Bermuda cedar beams and handsome brick fireplaces. With 94 units across the property, there's something for every style.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?

There's free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

Any good dining options on site?

Breezes is one of the island’s best al fresco restaurants, so be sure to get there early for a romantic toes-in-the-sand dinner under the stars. Shutters, the casual poolside restaurant, does an all-day menu of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. And Tamarisk serves Atlantic rim cuisine in an elegant dining room that exudes old-school Bermudian design. Full breakfast is included in the room rate.

How's the service?

Maybe it’s the seclusion or perhaps it’s the beaches, but people absolutely love this place. So much so that the hotel has a giant board that lists all of the guests who’ve stayed five times or more. In addition to a large group of “Fivers” and “Tenners," the board amazingly goes up to 120 – indeed a personal touch by the staff who do their very best to go the extra mile for the hotel's most rabid fans.

What type of travellers will you find here?

Monied couples in Lilly Pulitzer dresses and Gucci loafers, honeymooners celebrating the big day, and mature groups of friends who’ve been coming here for years.

We're so far west – is there anything out here to do?

Tucked away on its own private peninsula, Cambridge Beaches feels like a world away from most everything – and frankly, it is, so be prepared for long drives to and from the airport (at least an hour) and even to the City of Hamilton (around 45 minutes by taxi).

Any other hotel features worth noting?

Fun fact: Bermuda is not one island but rather an archipelago made up of more than 180 islets and cays. Explore them for yourself by renting a self-drive motor boat from H20 Sports, the hotel's on-site water sports operation. You can also rent jet skis and Hobie Cat sailboats, but when your inner captain calls, opt for a 17-foot Twin V Power Cat, a catamaran-style power boat.

Bottom line: Why would you recommend this resort?

If you’re searching for a kid-free beach vacation with a decidedly upscale vibe, this is the place for you.