Best time to go to Bermuda to avoid crowds

[lucandlogan]

When's the best time to travel to Bermuda where you're not elbowing your way through crowds and you're able to elbow the restaurants and beach.

[kyshel]

Fall would be good, except for hurricane season (hit or miss, literally) Early winter is good for crowds but sometimes not so "hot" for temps. I guess that the reason Bermuda gets crowded is that no one wants to go off-season!! After all, we're not talking tropical location. One possibility might be May--after spring break is over and most schools are still in session.
Do the Bahamas interest you? You can get lost on some of the smaller islands, even though there are more flights being added every day to places like Eleuthera, etc.

[bonniejoy03]

Bermuda is great in May and September. Most of the crowds aren't there. Most visitiors then tend to be cruise ship people. It gets very crowded in Hamilton when the ships are in. Though, the restaurants don't fill up because most cruise ship people eat on board. The other consideration is what you want to do. If you want to swim in the ocean, go May or September. If swimming is no concern, I would go in March. Not alot of crowds, great rugby, and easy to get around. We have stayed at Surf Side and Ariel sands and would recommend both properties if you need hotel ideas. Bermuda is great all year because other than the beaches, there is great sights; Dockyards, downtown Hamilton, St. George's etc. What do you want to do on the trip?

[funtimes]

You will love Bermuda and I agree that May or September would be ideal - as long as school is in session you should be alright. We've stayed at Lantana Colony Club, Coral Beach Club and the Reefs all wonderful properties. The Reefs sister hotel is Nesbit Plantation in Nevis - both very nice and they switch staffing between the two resorts - tough job huh? If you stay at the Reefs check out the website to determine which area of rooms would be most desirable for you. the Reefs is situated on a hillside with rooms at the top of the hill by the entrance or down the steep incline toward horshoe bay beach. Bbe careful swimming in Bermuda - some beaches have undertow - remember to float if you tire and swim diagonally to get out of trouble. Have a great vacation! ...Funtimes

[bonniejoy03]

One more thing to add on The Reefs and Nisbet Plantation. Please sign up for their email listings. Many times throughout the year, they offer promotions. I have always had my eye on both properties. Our friends stayed at Nisbet and loved it. I love getting their posts. If you go off season, you should be able to get a nice deal.

[funtimes]

Good Point Bonneyjoy Both The Reefs and Nesbit Plantation offer promotions throughout the year - often if you email or call to inquire they will tell you about promos even if they are not listed yet. They are extremely flexible and generous in allowing you to take advantage of deals Just Ask! We stayed at Nesbit on a "love is in the air" package that was fabulous - the package included Rum, Champagne breakfast, massages for 2, a beachfront sunset dinnerand a thoughtful gift of a painting of the property. I have the print hanging in our room - so everyday I think of Nesbit...pretty cleaver marketing don't you think? The food was great! Their chefs are well trained - the plantation house diningroom is not air conditioned though so remember to bring lightweight evening clothes - They definitely "dress" for dinner there...well worth it though. Enjoy! ...Funtimes

[lucandlogan]

I've been to Great Exuma in the Bahamas. We stayed at the Four Seasons and it was fabulous as usual. I wanted to try Bermuda because I have heard lovely things about it - just didn't want to go when everyone else is going. Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply.

[travel2fun]

locandlogan, everyone else has posted nice comments regarding Bermuda. I visited there three+ years back and stayed at Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort, which I believe is presently closed undergoing a lengthy renovation. I think Bermuda is too stuffy, especially having to observe formal dress codes for for most evening dining, way over priced and has marginal weather for much of the year. If you decide to make the trip, take more money than you would ever hope to spend on an island holiday. The buildings are quaint, the people are nice and the beaches are beautiful. For me, there are so many other lovely island destinations offering luxury at more reasonable prices.

[disneygal]

Very interesting - I also didn't like Bermuda. I felt that the atmosphere was much more formal than other islands, which are generally laid-back (even those with British influence). I was much younger, but at that time I thought Bermuda would be more to my parents' liking. They took a trip there and enjoyed it. So, it all depends what you're seeking. Have to agree that the beaches were very nice, especially Horseshoe Bay. And everyone seems to love it, except of course travel2fun and myself.

[bonniejoy03]

Interesting point but some of what you are saying has changed. The dress code at many of the properties has eased up. Most now only require a polo shirt and pants or shorts for men. If you check some of the "cottage" community properties, you will notice this change. (Please note that some of the upscale properties in the Caribbean still want their clients to dress. Peter Island does have a dress code for men.) I started to go to Bermuda in the 70's with the last visit there two years ago. There was a major change. I felt it was less formal probably because of all the changes (major cruise ship stop). As to overpriced, I think all of the Caribbean is going that route. The trick is to find the "local" establishments and enjoy the people and wonderful surroundings.