1)Floating for hours on a blow-up raft on the calm waters of Shelly Bay Beach (99 cent raft brought from home and left for the next visitor)

2)Climbing the 185 steps of Gibb's lighthouse...then crashing into the water at Horseshoe Bay to cool off.

3)Enjoying a purple "Longtail" cocktail at the Docksider Pub...(or anywhere)

4)Remembering Archie, Ross, Roy, and Austin Talbot, listening to "Bermuda is Another World", and "Bermuda Buggy Ride" and going anywhere the Talbots music is playing....and requesting their songs and receiving a knowing smile from the band as they happily oblige.

5) Remembering the times we followed them from hotel to hotel all around the island, and became official groupies I guess... and later following them to NYC....just for the night, to hear them play once again.

6) Back home, listening to old vinyls of the Talbot Brothers, and remembering....

Thanks cmcfong !

I don't know why I never considered Bermuda as a destination.

In my part of the country, we have Bermuda lovers and another group who dismiss it.

While at Nisbet, the owner of Nisbet and The Reefs, was in residence for a few days.

If The Reefs is managed in the same way as Nisbet, I decided that a little more research was needed.

I am thinking about Christmas there. Though I know it won't be warm enough to swim, it certainly will be warmer than the coast of Maine

Your additional thoughts are welcome.

I'm probably not going to board a ferry unless there is easy access Any moped is out of the question..even yours

Marion

Marion, I go nearly every year in December. I love it. I don't swim in the ocean but most hotel pools are heated. The Reefs is a lovely and popular property with a mindblowing view from every room. Highly recommended. But, there are lots of other great places there, too.
Yes, stay off the moped!!!! Fortunately, Bermuda has a great public transportation system and the moped need never be a concern.

Thanks !

I'm certainly not limiting myself to The Reefs.

Would love to hear about your favorite spots and where you stay ?

Thanks again,

Marion

It’s obvious that cmcfong is a Bermuda veteran. Bermuda is special to us since it was our first trip outside the US. The ferry is Bermuda’s best bargain. Inexpensive and you can’t beat the views. Even if you have a moped/scooter leave it at one of the ferry stops and visit Hamilton via the ferry.

While the South shore beaches are great we were partial to tiny Whale Bay beach since we could easily walk to it. Watch the tides, it disappears at high tide.

We loved Church Bay for snorkeling. Not only is the snorkeling decent, it’s very convenient and in a perfect setting.

Wow the Railway Trail. Another relatively hidden Bermuda gem.

For something different, walk the Royal Navy cemetery. Tons of history in this place. I've read that there's a sea glass beach nearby.

Since I’m a big fan of palms, we also visit the private Palm Grove Garden in Devonshire Parish.

Bermuda has the stigma of being expensive but, if you do your homework, you can stay there for the same amount as other islands.

Thanks so much cmcfong. There have been some really good Bermuda threads here lately.

I am so delighted if I can interest other folks in Bermuda. As you probably guessed it is my favorite place.
Where to stay...now that depends on my budget (this varies from year to year depending on how spoiled Ms cmcfong has already been).
On the cheap and willing to stay in town, I love the Rosemont. It has a full kitchen and the most amazing view of the harbor. Up until about six months ago this was family owned. Now it has been acquired by the former GM of the Reefs (this is probably an indicator of improvements and $$$ increases).
In town and want b and b: Royal Palms
In town and high end: the Waterloo House. I love this place. It is an old sea captain's house, full of antiques (not counting me) and gorgeous views of the harbor. Plus it has a first rate restaurant and fantastic gardens.

On the beach, definitely a cottage colony. My personal favorite is Cambridge Beaches, but I also like Pink Beach, Pompano and Ariel Sands.

Hotel on the beach: the Reefs is tops, but I also like Coco Reef.

Cheap and on the beach, Marley Beach. Spartan accomodations, incredible views. No amenities but a pool and beach. Very, very romantic.

Overall favorite place, Fourways Inn. I get a room with harbor view. I can walk to the ferry or the rr trail and the beach. I love this place. I am nearly always the only guest when I visit in Dec. The restaurant is fabulous. I appreciate the breakfast on silver service delivered to the room overlooking the garden. Very self indulgent.
Go!

PS, Marion, the ferries are easy to board and will not present a problem.

I love Bermuda too!!! It was the first island my family went to back in 1976. I was 12 and thought it was wow!!I still do. Marion, I have been to the Reefs, the Wyndam when it was the Sonesta and the Fairmont Southhampton a couple of times. The Reefs is the most personal Bermudian experience. The people are all very nice and the food is delicious. The best hotel beach is Elbow Beach. We sat on their beach while mopeding around the island. (If mopeding is actually a word?). The Fairmont is a full scale hotel with tv's. The bus system is excellent, clean and safe.
The best parts: The island is pretty everywhere. The people are warm and friendly. The whole island has the British feel with afternoon tea and cakes served everywhere. People dress for dinner. (That reminds me I am on vacation.)The snorkeling is wonderful. The shopping used to be good. I have heard that that has changed though. I liked the English stores. I have several sweaters that I have never worn, but they were salmon colored and it looked good there. I am going to dig that one out if it ever gets below 90 degrees here on the east coast.

Anyway, go to Bermuda.

cmcfong,

I have several questions for you, which would bore the board

If you could email me privately, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks !

Marion
mare1@adelphia.net

Just popped in for a moment and found this thread, cmcfong!

I'll post back with my list...love Bermuda!

Bermuda...what you should try at least once...

1) Take a rum swizzle cruise! Last time we took one, they mixed the swizzle in a big drum -- ahhhh!

2) Visit the "Swizzle Inn" where you "Swizzle Inn and Swagger Out" You get an added bonus buzz if you're hot and thirsty when you get there -- you won't know what hit ya! Warning: Do not drive a moped when visiting!

3) Visit the Crystal Cave. This is a one time thing, but fun to do. Afterwards, get an ice cream at Bailey's Ice Cream & Food D'Lites -- yummy!

4)Take a sunset champagne catamaran cruise (Fantasea) - very relaxing and romantic.

5) Have dinner at Aqua located at Ariel Sands - Great view of the ocean, outstanding food - time it right for a magnificent sunset.

6) Bring along a disposable underwater camera and go snokeling! There are great rock formations past Horseshoe Bay which are great for a snuggle and some fish sightings.

7) Shopping in Hamilton. Although sadly a couple of my favorite stores are now closed. Buy a watch. I did! Movado, great price.

8) Stroll past the Harbour (in Hamilton) and watch the kiddies at sail school. Amazing!

9) Ride the ferry -- the best value, IMO!

10) Did I mention the rum swizzles?

I Bermuda!

I knew you would come through with some good ideas for Marion, STW. You are definitely my kind of girl.

Is Jimmy Keyes still playing in Bermuda? He was so funny. We saw him for the first time many years ago (I was only 19)at the King Henry the VIII's and then again at the Southhampton Fairmont hotel just a few years ago.
So, if he is still around, he was a great piano/comedian show.

--I LOVED the Gombey Dancers. How come no one else has mentioned them? They are fantastic and not to be missed.

--I loved swimming at Elbow Beach, with the really calm, crystal water and the glorious pink sand.

I hope they have virgin swizzles!
I don't drink alcohol.
where would one go to see the Gombey dancers?

In the summertime, Gombey dancers perform on Wednesdays on Front Street in Hamilton. I think that they also perform at Royal Dockyard on Thursday nights and Flatts Village on Tuesday nights.

I think that they perform at the various hotels around Christmas time.

You do not have to pay to watch the performance, as it is performed on the street. You could probably get a virgin swizzle at a bar or restaurant nearby. Also, many shops extend hours until 9:00 pm on the performance nights.

It is difficult to get a bus to Hamilton on Wednesday nights, however. We wound up taking a cab for about $10 coming from Elbow Beach.

Are the Gombey dancers like the "Junkanoo" dancers ? Masks and costumes?

similar, JAGIRL. Here is a good link with descriptive info http://tinyurl.com/py74o

Well in that case I think I'd rather miss it.
Thanks cmcfong for clearing that up for me.

My husband and I are making last minute plans to enjoy a week in Bermuda at the end of August. Does anyone have an opinion of Devonshire for a home base? Thoughts on 9 Beaches? Thanks!

The reviews of 9 Beaches are pretty mixed. I toured theproperty while it was still Daniels Head so I cannot give much advice about it. The rooms (tents) over the water struck me as very cool and interesting. However only a few of the rooms are airconditioned. In August that would be a problem for me. The food is supposed to be good, but management is very uneven.
Devonshire is fine. You would need a moped, cab or bus to get around. What property in Devonshire are you considering?

My favorite thing. after 10 trips and eleventh coming up... sitting, drinking and eating at the Swizzle Inn on the patio and listening to the "Bermuda Symphony (ambulances)having a pitcher of rum punch...and then swaggering out to the bus stop...Then second is wandering the undicovered side streets of St. George with the hidden gardens and third..taking the ferry to the Dockyard...

We were looking at the Horizon Cottage, but it appears to be booked. We would love to find a place that is on a great beach with a pool, but we don't know much about the different beaches! Given our late booking we may need to up the budget and consider a resort.

The nice thing about Bermuda beaches is the best ones are public! I love Horseshoe Bay, Long Bay/Warwick, and Jobson's Cove.
For an idea of hotel rates check www.bermudatourism.com which lists them. Great beach and nice pool will cover a lot of Bermuda hotels, so surely you can find something to suit. Happy travels. Bermuda is another world.

topping fro SusanMargaret. Have a great trip. Bermuda is another world.

http://tinyurl.com/ot572
Bermuda in January photographs.

topping again for Susan Margaret.

cmcfong, I just saw thelink to your pictures.

Oh my! Bermuda really does look like another world. It's beautiful...I can't wait to get there...whenever that is !

I hope Marion saw them as well. Bermuda is gorgeous and the people are so wonderful. It is another world. I can hardly wait for my December visit.

YES !! I did see your photos and loved each and every one

I'm not typing in green ink....but do want to give you all credit for being a woman who seems to do it all in GREAT style

Marion

The photos are wonderful---and it even
gets better. Wait to you see the views from South Rd, the stunning beaches, the
charm of Tuckers Town---this is just a
sample!

Penny is right...it just gets better!

we crave more Bermuda pics

I will put up some when I return in December. The sad fact is that after thirty years of visiting Bermuda, at least annually, I keep taking the same darned pictures over and over,because I just can't believe how beautiful it is!

Watercolours looks lovely...at least from the outside

Is it normally rainy and windy when you get there in December cmcfong?

I am trying to book Watercolours but the owner's mother may be coming for a stay so I am waitlisted. I think it would be cool to stay there during the boat parade.
I have never experienced either rain or chill during my December visits...I hope I didn't just curse myself for this trip! The one month I did run into really blah weather was MArch. I am sure it could happen,just lucky so far.....

Some of my favorites:

Pink sand beaches
The little frogs peeping at night
The ferry ride
The friendly people
Moongates

Annika

hello,
cmcfong, you sound like a regular visitor to Bermuda. Do you know the cost of renting a moped?

Mmm, let's see

1 -Kicking back with a Corona at Tobacco Bay.

2 -Grabbing an outside table & having stuffed lobster, Bermuda Rice & Peas & slaw at the Blackhorse Tavern (ooh, & don't forget to sprinkle on the sherry pepper sauce)

3 -Walking the grounds of the Dockyards "fort" and taking the stairs to the top, only to be hustled out of the way by the few remaing wild goats

4 - Listening to the whistling frogs

5 - Duck into the cobblestone alleyways along main street in Hamilton to see what suprises the shopkeepers might have (found a jewler willing to haggle).

6 - Afternoon Tea at the Fairmount Princess & their pools overlooking the harbour.

7 - Standing in the little hideway/historic point of Fort Gates and wondering how the heck the cruise ships make it thru this tiny channel into St. Georges (just breathtaking).

8 - French Toast at Monty's in Hamilton

9 - Checking out the history of Bermuda sailing & schooners at the museum in Dockyard (+ the free samples of rum cake kept me full)

10 - The Bermudain people, friendly & take pride in their island.

Oh yeah, and going to the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, (the view is incredible you can see the whole island) and having lunch at the little English Teah House at the bottom.

Arawak, the prices vary slightly by season and company. I usually rent from Oleander Cycles and you can check their current rates on the website
http://www.oleandercycles.bm

I just happened upon some pics of Bermuda Gombeys on the Royal Gazette's "Spotted on the rock" website!

http://tinyurl.com/kbqcm

topping for Larry

Thanks! I'll save it.

cmcfong, and others here:

I am seriously considering taking my 14 yr old daughter to Bermuda for a week over spring break. On her Christmas list she wrote, "I want to spend some vacation time w/Mom alone in a warm place," which melted my heart to say the least.

I have never been there (or anywhere in the Carib. except Mexico), but I got interested due to the US Air fares for that time ($258 RT from D.C.) and this thread. I have spent some time today looking at the accomodations listed by cmcfong above, but before I go further I thought I'd ask:

What places and areas do you think would be good for us? We want nice beach but also proximity to interesting things to do, shopping, dining, sightseeing, etc. I looked at Fourways Inn, and although it looks great, proximity to other places sounds like a challenge (tripadvisor reviews). Also looked at Marley Beach but can't get a feel for location- is it somewhat isolated?

I know my daughter would like good pool action and swimming; she swims competitively and wants to get a bit of sun. And she gets bored easily so we need to be able to get to fun things to do.

I looked at Fairmont Southahampton, great pool but rates are so high ($400 and over). I'd rather keep this at about $200-$250 a night tops, for 5 or 6 nights.

Advice? Thanks in advance.

emd (Eileen)

Hi Eileen, your daughter's Christmas list must have made your day. What a lovely thing for her to say. I don't know when your spring break time will be but you might want to look at the historical weather data on http://www.weather.bm It tends to be cool and the water temps pretty chilly until May.

Bermuda is shaped like a fishhook. On the East end is the historical and charming town of St. George. There are pubs, shops and restaurants but the activity level is fairly tame unless a cruise ship is in port. There are some small beaches and a fort there, but not within walking distance of the town itself. I always spend at least one day in St. George. On the West end is Dockyards/Somerset. There are a craft market, glassworks, pottery, shops and restaurants (the Frog and Onion pub and Beethoven's are popular) and the Dolphin Experience is at the fort.
Since you probably will rely on Bermuda's excellent transportation system (cabs are insanely expensive and mopeds are too tricky), I think you should choose between a South Shore hotel (Surfside is a good reasonably priced option - I don't think Marley would be a good choice as there is nothing in the way of entertainment for a teenager there and the pool is tiny)and a hotel in Hamilton. Hamilton is the business, shopping center of Bermuda and where many of the restaurants are located. It is safe and easy to get around. Rosemont has a nice view, kitchens in the rooms and a pool. It is priced much lower than the Fairmont properties (however it is just a block away from the Fairmont Hamilton so you can always walk down there for the shops, restaurants, etc.) The Edgehill Manor bed and breakfast, Rosedon and Royal Palms are other options in Hamilton.
I would also look at the properties which USAIRWAYS uses for its vacation packages, sometimes the deals are good.
On my trip in two weeks I will be staying at Watercolours on the harbor. To get any where from there I will go by ferry, moped or bus. It is too far to walk to shopping or most restaurants (except Fourways and Blu).
The best priced places tend to be cottage rentals from www.bermudaaccomodations.com and bed and breakfasts). The ones with the most teen friendly activity level would be the Fairmonts and Elbow. A good solution might be to stay at a bed and breakfast near one of the Fairmonts or Elbow.
I love Bermuda and have stayed at many different places over the years. Some places are best when I am with girlfriends, others with DH and others when I am alone. Fourways is really a DH or alone kind of place and Marley is definitely a DH place.
I know my response rambles a bit (I am having a dickens of a time because my post keeps vanishing), so do let me know if there is something more I can tell you.

How great to see this thread topped. We fly down Thursday! 2.5 more days! Can't wait!

Great info, cmcfong. That weather site has great detail for April 2005 (we would be going April 1-6) and it says it was high 72 and low 62, w/a mean of 66 degrees. I could tkae it a little warmer but I think that is ok.

I will begin looking at all of your suggestions online today and hope to wrap up my reservations this weekend. Will post back w/any further questions. Thank you!

My pleasure, Eileen. If you get a chance look at www.bermudatourism.com which has a listing of all the properties in Bermuda. For rentals: www.bermudagetaway.com, www.bermudarentals.com and www.bermudaaccomodations.com

Bon voyage, Trish. I am hoping you find great weather and the rest you deserve! Travel safely.

topping for Cyn

You are the BEST cmcfong! Thank you!!!

Cyn

Glad to do it, Cyn.

Hi Marion, I can't tell if your comment re. being at Nisbet while the Reefs/Nisbet owner was there is negative or positive...Sorry-Would you please expand on that as I am thinking of going to Nisbet on Nevis and would love to hear your opinion. Thanks!

I'm sorry if my Nisbet post was confusing. I do tend to ramble and have the utmost respect for many of the wonderful folks here who write clear, detailed and concise trip reports

I think my reference to the owner being on property at Nisbet was to say how much interaction he had with the staff and his concern about the details he observed. Maybe it was that....or maybe it was because he was *drop dead gorgeous*, I just noticed him

I loved Nisbet and Nevis and would go back in a heartbeat

My choice in Bermuda is based on my own mobility issues, and The Reefs was not a good physical *fit* for me.

I think I've rambled again, but hopefully answered your question.

Marion

Marion, Thanks for your clarification...and don't worry abor rambling...we all do!

ttt for Ashley

topping

topping for janeikins

topping for nicole

topping for gilliebrit

topping for wattsrocks

My favourite thing is feeling like you're in heaven when you get there. It's a postcard almost everywhere you turn and all the colours, from the flowers and different shades of the ocean. Every single time I go, I have that feeling that simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

A few of my favorite things..
lunch at the Swizzle Inn with a pitcher of Rum Swizzle chicken wings and and/or a fish sandwich..karoke at night there,
walking the cobblestoned streets of St. George away from the shops and seeing the charming houses and hidden gardens, cruising in through the "cut" in St. George, meeting and talking to the Bermudians on the bus, being treated with Bermuda courtesy by shop owners and residents who make you feel welcome, taking the ferry to the Dockyard with the warm sun beaming down..The feeling of being "at home" when we walk off the gangplank, hearing the stories of unusual kindness to visitors by shopkeepers and most of all after traveling many islands and experiencing many cultures..Bermudians really do like viisitors, it's doesnt feel artificial or that we are "bothering them"..The lovliest compliment I received was when I told a woman that day.. was our 11th trip to Bermuda.. and she said I was now a local..lol

topping for Katie and other first time visitors

ttt

Bermuda sounds wonderful, but I'm having a tough time finding places to stay...There are 9 of us and we'd like to rent a house so that we could all stay together. However, I've been unable to locate anything which would meet this requirement. Any suggestions?

Check www.bermudarentals.com and www.bermudagetaway.com They might have a couple of rentals close enough together to work for you. Going through them saves you both the tax and the service charges which is a significant savings. Also consider going in late November or eary December. The rates change. Swimming in the ocean is probably not an option, but alot of the other choices are still viable.

Thanks for the info. I've emailed for more info. I'm just curious, what would be an average hotel rate for June? For an average, non-luxury hotel I'm guessing $200 - $300 per night. Would this be a correct assumption?

Between $200-300 is a fair estimate. I would suggest you take a look at www.bermudatourism.com which has thumbnails of most accomodations and prices. Another suggestion which might be able to handle your whole group would be to contact the folks at Granaway. They had (when I stayed there) three rooms and a cottage. Their rates are quite good and they include breakfast.

topping for Elaine

topping for music

I don't know if any of you know this, but the Newstead Hotel has pretty much finished its renovation and has reopened. Though it is being offered as fractional real estate property, it is also still functioning as a hotel and is quite lovely. Looking forward to going back there later this year.
Some of my favorites:
1. Running the railway trail
2. Jet ski/snorkel trips
3. Gibb lighthouse
4. Listening to the frogs at night
5. Relaxing on the beach (any of them!)
6. If I drank, I'm sure I'd add "drinking a swizzle" but I don't so I'll settle for some strong gingerbeer.

am here in Bermuda and it is a bermudaful sunny day.

Was swimming just an hour ago in the beautiful blue water!

Hope all is well with everyone!

topping!

txgirlinbda has pointed you in the right direction. There are lots of posts here about Bermuda and your restaurant and sightseeing options. I am topping one thread just to get you started.
Have a wonderful time. Bermuda is another world.

bookmarking this fabulous thread for a hopeful Oct 09 visit

(just in case you see this cmcfong, can you believe it? It may happen my friend.)

This is all great info! My family and I are probably going to Bermuda in July. I was looking for places to stay, so this forum really helps me. Any thoughts about going on a cruise versus staying on the island for a week?

Oh Tiff, I am so delighted! You will love Bermuda in October. Crowds are down and the weather is lovely.

Carolina Girl(I'm one, too!), I did post to your thread a suggestion that you consider renting instead hotel rooms. I think you will be very happy with the cost and in my view the more time you are in Bermuda the better!

Happy travels to both of you. I hope to be back there next year, too. Bermuda is another world.

Thanks dear cmcfong. I will keep you posted. If funds do not allow, then it will probably just be somewhere warm, like Florida, LOL. But we are holding out if we can for Bermuda. Happy New Year, my friend to you and yours.

I actually think you may find some bargains in October, Tiff. A lot depends on how well the economy recovers. Bermuda tourism is way down and they are going to have to make some concessions to get the tourists there. But...if not this year, soon!

Best wishes to you, Sophie and Mr. Tiff for 2009. I hope all your hopes and dreams are realized. I cannot think of anyone who deserves happiness more than you!

topping for friendsinbermuda

Made up my mind..going back to my beloved Bermuda in June 2010.. albeit the Dockyard which I hear is now swinging....lol

topping for Gypsy Maiden

My family and I are cruising for the first time to Bermuda in May. Can anyone tell me how far it is from Kings Wharf to Horseshoe Bay? Are there other beaches connected to it? Caves?
Thanks

It will probably take you about twenty to twenty five minutes to get to Horseshoe Bay. Will you be renting a moped? If not, you can get a public transportation pass at the dock and take the bus. You can walk to several other beaches from Horseshoe Bay.
There are some beautiful rocks and cliffs along the way but no caves. You might enjoy Crystal Caves out towards St. George easily reached by bus. www.bermuda.com/caves/

Enjoy your visit to Bermuda, it is another world.

Thank you cmcfong- We are considering mopeds or buying a bus pass for two days, we have two teenagers. Is there a good local craft/straw market? Are the ferry rides expensive?
cfree

the transportation pass you buy for the bus will include the ferry. It is a great deal. I love to take the ferry.

Frankly the mopeds are very dangerous. Bermuda's roads are narrow, the visitors are unfamiliar with driving under local conditions(on the left!), and there are a lot of crazy people out there. I think if you are traveling with teenagers you will be a lot happier if you take the buses and ferries.

The local craft market is not particularly great, but it is right at the dock where you will be berthed. There are also branches of nearly all the major shops at the Clock Tower, which is where you will be docked.

Have fun!!!!!

I am a pedi nurse here- PLEASE keep your teenagers off the mopeds. cmcfong said it all - the locals drive way over the speed limit, the roads are narrow and curvy, there are no shoulders, and we drive on the other side. Even if your kids ride motorbikes at home - it's an intimidating enviroment. Public transport is easy and cheap.

topping for bellapink

Thanks for topping this thread. We might be heading there for a first and, unfortunately, short visit in May.

Thanks cmcfong, lots of great info. I can't wait.

we are going to Bermuda by cruise ship in May 2010 too. MIL doesn't walk well. How is it to get around in Hamilton? She will never agree to a wheelchair. Hubby and I have heard of a sea glass beach near the cruiseship port @the Dockyard but can't find anything about it.

Hamilton has some hills which might challenge your MIL. She can walk St. George and Dockyard easily, but in Hamilton she will be confined to Front St if her mobility is a serious issue. The good news is that there are tons of taxis and carriages and you can rely on the public transportation.

I am sorry, I don't know about the sea glass beach. You may hear from txgirlinbda about that or you could call 1-800-BERMUDA (a service of Bermuda tourism) and inquire.

Enjoy your stay. It is another world!

cmcfong: you should be on retainer for the Bermuda tourist board. I marvel at reading this thread and all your generous advice!

A long time ago, I promised my wife I would find a way for her to swim with dolphins for her 50th birthday. That moment has arrived. I understand you can do this at the Royal navy Yard. Does anyone in the community have any feedback on this place?

Also, I had thought to indulge in Cambridge Beaches as a place to stay for our trip, but the only review in Fodors is quite negative. Any recent experiences?

Finally, is late April warm enough for ocean swimming?

Thanks for any help with these queries. I really want her trip to be perfect.

bookmarking

japhetto, how nice you are. I love Bermuda and it always makes me happy to talk about it.
Swim with the dolphins, I took two teenaged girls with me to Bermuda in June 2008. They wanted to do this experience They were very cold in the water but they had a great deal of fun. I recommend if you do it as early as April request a wetsuit. They thought it was a great way to spend the morning.
Cambridge Beaches, I have not stayed there but frequently go there for lunch and a spa day. I have always enjoyed my visits. It has gorgeous views and beautiful little beaches. It is a bit more old Bermuda than the popular Reefs. Newstead and Tucker's Point are the new very high end and quite lovely competition. I think the principal complaints are that it is more formal and the location is very remote. Personally I love it, but then it is hard to find an oceanfront location in Bermuda where I wouldn't be happy.
Best wishes to you and your wife, what a perfect place to spend your fiftieth birthday.